Anya Taylor-Joy describes how ‘Lucky’ shifts her leading-lady role, as she returns to TV after ‘The Queen’s Gambit’

Anya Taylor-Joy is set to return to television in Apple’s action series “Lucky,” taking on a leading-lady role she described as a departure from what audiences saw in “The Queen’s Gambit.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published July 14, Taylor-Joy said the new series lets her play “a different type” of character, indicating a turn from the period-and-competition drama that made her a breakout TV sensation.

Taylor-Joy’s comments position “Lucky” as more than a follow-up to her previous limited series work. The article notes that the new project marks a return to TV following “The Queen’s Gambit,” which established her as one of the most prominent screen performers associated with limited-series prestige streaming.

“Lucky” is an action series, and the role description offered by Taylor-Joy in the interview centers on how the character functions in a genre environment that emphasizes physical risk and momentum. While the interview frames the character change primarily through acting and character dynamics, it also places the series in a different lane than her prior TV project.

The cast for “Lucky” also includes Drew Starkey and Annette Bening, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Their involvement broadens the project’s profile beyond a single-star vehicle, and the interview frames the series as an ensemble-led production where Taylor-Joy’s role is only one part of the show’s overall dramatic mix.

Production for “Lucky” is tied to Hello Sunshine, the company associated with Reese Witherspoon. The Hollywood Reporter report identifies Hello Sunshine as the producing entity behind the Apple series, placing the project within the producer’s established pipeline of scripted television projects aimed at streaming audiences.

The article’s focus on Taylor-Joy’s return to TV comes at a time when major streamers and top producers are continuing to pursue event-style limited-series and streaming-first scripted series, often with cross-genre programming to diversify audience reach. In that context, “Lucky” appears designed as an action-oriented centerpiece featuring a high-profile star known for character-driven performances.

No premiere date or episode count was stated in the information provided for this item, and the interview’s remarks emphasize character type and role differentiation rather than specific plot revelations. The next concrete step for audiences will be Apple’s official rollout timeline for “Lucky,” which will determine when viewers can compare the new series directly with Taylor-Joy’s earlier TV work.