Anya Taylor-Joy: Red and Lucky

Anya Taylor-Joy was photographed in LA this week in character as “Lucky” in the upcoming AppleTV series based on Marissa Stapley’s book of the same name. This was a Reese Witherspoon book pick back in 2021 and Hello Sunshine is producing along with co-showrunner Jonathan Tropper who also knows his way around a good book since he’s written a few of them himself. 

Marissa Stapley is from Toronto, it’s a big win for hometown talent given the involvement of Reese and the talent behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Anya Taylor-Joy’s big push to fame was The Queen’s Gambit, as a redhead, and now she’s back in a streaming series playing a con artist with a complicated past trying to secure her bag.

I read this book a few years ago, there are twists and secrets, it’s well-suited to a limited series and Lucky is well-suited to these times, a scammer who’s been scammed and is trying out to outscam her scammers but not lose her soul along the way. With a really strong supporting cast. Annette Bening’s name alone is enough, but also Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Drew Starkey. Plus… Timothy Olyphant who is playing Lucky’s dad who taught her how to con. It’s perfect casting. 

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What else happened today…

I haven’t thought about Meghan Trainor in a long time but when Kayleigh Donaldson is writing, I know I have to read it. Kayleigh’s covering Meghan Trainor’s seemingly sponsored breast augmentation. (Pajiba)

Nostalgia sells. And we’ve come to the point where the Kardashians have been so famous for so long that they can now capitalise on their own nostalgia. (Hollywood Unlocked)

Millie Bobby Brown’s neckpiece and matching jewel sash (is that what we call it?) is, to me, a fresh take on accessorising. I’m curious how comfortable it was though – or not comfortable. Heavy around the neck and lopsided? She’s young enough to not have to worry about back and other muscle aches, unlike this old bitch (me) (Go Fug Yourself)

Is there a celebrity Happy Club for Divorced Men? Why are they so obsessed with placing stories in celebrity-friendly publications about how happy they are? So far the two most prominent members are Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt. We have a new update about how happy Brad is – he’s happy, just like he was two months ago. Got it! (Celebitchy)

Top Chef: Destination Canada – did the producers this season have a crystal ball?! (Eater)