Anya Taylor-Joy’s Upcoming Apple TV+ Series Inspired by Bestselling Novel Welcomes Five-Time Oscar Nominee

Lucky, the highly anticipated series on Apple TV+, has recently announced a significant addition to its cast: the acclaimed actress Annette Bening. This show, driven by Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, and creatively masterminded by Jonathan Tropper—known for his work on Banshee and Warrior—is inspired by Marissa Stapley’s novel of the same name. The storyline centers around a young woman who must confront her troubled past to achieve true liberation, marking Anya Taylor-Joy’s first leading television role since the breakout success of The Queen’s Gambit in 2020.

According to a report by Deadline, Bening will portray Priscilla, a character described as a “dangerous mob leader.” With an impressive track record, Bening boasts five Oscar nominations for her performances in films such as The Grifters (1990), American Beauty (1999), Being Julia (2004), The Kids Are All Right (2010), and Nyad (2023).This move marks her return to television following a recent stint in the Peacock miniseries Apples Never Fall, based on Liane Moriarty’s mystery novel.

Implications for Lucky

Bening’s Challenging Role

Annette Bening as Virginia looking at Warren Beatty as Bugsy in Bugsy

The inclusion of Annette Bening in the cast of Lucky sends a strong signal about the show’s capacity to attract esteemed talent. Her accolades span five Oscar nominations, one Emmy nomination, and multiple Golden Globe nominations, among other honors. Together with Anya Taylor-Joy’s own Emmy nod and several Golden Globes, the cast of Lucky is shaping up to be exceptionally impressive.

What sets Priscilla apart from Bening’s past roles is her portrayal of an outright antagonist. Historically, Bening has engaged with multifaceted characters, but rarely has she stepped into the shoes of a classic villain. The character Priscilla hints at a thrilling opportunity for Bening to explore darker themes rarely presented in her previous films—spotlighting her capabilities in a more dangerous and exhilarating capacity.

Our Perspective on Annette Bening’s Casting in Lucky

Positive Prospects Ahead

Annette Bening sitting in a chair in Poolman

With Annette Bening now part of the Lucky ensemble, it seems the project is positioned to attract further renowned talent. The collaborative potential between Bening and Taylor-Joy enhances the project’s appeal, likely attracting other noteworthy performers to join the fold. It’s conceivable that by the end of the casting process, the lineup could feature even more Oscar nominees, resulting in a strong cast to bring the beloved novel to life on screen.

Source: Deadline

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