Anya Taylor-Joy Reveals What She Learned from ‘Effortlessly Cool’ Annette Bening on “Lucky” (Exclusive)

Anya Taylor-Joy has expressed her deep admiration for acclaimed actress Annette Bening as they join forces in Apple TV’s new thriller series, “Lucky.” The series, based on Marissa Stapley’s popular novel, showcases Taylor-Joy in the role of a con artist named Lucky Armstrong, while Bening portrays the formidable crime boss, Priscilla.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Taylor-Joy labelled Bening as “the G.O.A.T.” or greatest of all time, acknowledging the invaluable experience she gained from working alongside the seasoned actress. “There are little actor things that she’ll sometimes do before takes that I’d never encountered before,” noted the 30-year-old actress, highlighting the distinctive techniques that Bening employs in her craft. Taylor-Joy expressed gratitude for these insights, stating that she intends to carry these lessons into her future endeavours.

Describing Bening’s performance, Taylor-Joy remarked on the actress’s effortless charisma and ability to breathe life into what could easily become a one-dimensional character. “She elevates this role from being something that could be quite potentially 2D to being somebody that’s incredibly intellectual and sexy and interesting,” the actress explained. Taylor-Joy continued to emphasise her admiration for Bening, stating, “Anytime we did a scene together, I was always just reminded, ‘Oh yeah, Annette Bening, the G.O.A.T.’”

“Lucky” follows the tumultuous journey of its titular character, Lucky, whose ambitious plans for a multi-million-pound heist take an unexpected turn. The series boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Clifton Collins Jr., and Drew Starkey. This new project also marks a significant milestone for Taylor-Joy as she takes on the role of executive producer, making it her first series since the critically acclaimed “The Queen’s Gambit” back in 2020.

Taylor-Joy shared her thoughts on the key differences between working in film and television. “The main difference that I find between movies and limited series or television shows is just the sheer amount of hours that you are allowed with a character,” she remarked. While recognising that some narratives lend themselves better to cinematic formats, she believes that others benefit from the deeper exploration afforded by longer formats. “It’s about un-peeling the onion over time,” she added.

Despite this shift in format, Taylor-Joy maintains a consistent approach to her craft. “I always approach the work the same. I never show up to work thinking I’m making a television show today or I’m making a movie,” she explained. For her, it is all about the same interior work infused with passion and love for the project.

Bening, too, shared her enthusiasm for the character of Priscilla. She was drawn to the role as it felt “new” to her, and she appreciated the stylish storytelling connected to it. “It sounded like it was going to have a very stylish bent,” Bening recounted, noting her interest in how the story is visually presented. She expressed her admiration for her co-stars, stating, “I knew it was Anya Taylor-Joy, and she’s so incredible. I mean, what a presence on screen.”

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the collaboration of such talented actors has infused “Lucky” with a sense of intrigue and excitement. Bening also remarked on the importance of working with great people, identifying the ensemble cast as a significant factor in her decision to take on the role.

New episodes of “Lucky” are available to stream every Wednesday on Apple TV, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in this thrilling narrative. With its star-studded cast and compelling storyline, the series promises to captivate viewers while providing a platform for its actors to shine. As both Taylor-Joy and Bening continue to elevate their craft, fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama and the intricate dynamics between their characters in this innovative new thriller.