Anya Taylor-Joy: Lucky, Dune 3 and Gollum
Updated August 14, 2026: Anya Taylor-Joy is having one of her busiest years yet. The actress is currently leading Apple's crime thriller Lucky, returns as Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three, and has joined the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum as the Sindar elf Seren. Together, the projects give Taylor-Joy major roles across television, science fiction and fantasy. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/lucky/)) ([variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/global/anya-taylor-joy-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-37681/))
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Why Is Anya Taylor-Joy Trending?
Taylor-Joy is currently receiving renewed attention because her Apple TV limited series Lucky has been released, while two major blockbuster projects are keeping her name in the spotlight.
Lucky premiered globally on Apple TV on July 15, 2026, with new episodes released weekly through August 19. Taylor-Joy stars as Luciana "Lucky" Armstrong and also serves as an executive producer. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2026/06/apple-tv-unveils-new-trailer-for-lucky-the-highly-anticipated-limited-series-starring-and-executive-produced-by-anya-taylor-joy-premiering-globally-wednesday-july-15-2026/))
At the same time, she is preparing to return to the world of Denis Villeneuve's Dune with Dune: Part Three, while her recently announced casting in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum has generated additional excitement. ([imdb.com](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17715715/))
Anya Taylor-Joy in Lucky
Lucky is Taylor-Joy's biggest television role since The Queen's Gambit. The seven-episode Apple TV limited series is based on Marissa Stapley's bestselling novel of the same name. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2026/02/apple-tv-unveils-the-premiere-date-first-look-and-teaser-for-lucky-new-limited-series-starring-and-executive-produced-by-sag-and-golden-globe-award-winner-anya-taylor-joy-premiering-globally-wednesday-july-15-2026/))
Taylor-Joy plays Lucky Armstrong, a woman raised in a criminal family who has spent years trying to leave that world behind. After a multimillion- dollar heist goes wrong, she is forced back into the life she attempted to escape. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/uk/tv-pr/originals/lucky/))
The story combines crime, family drama and a relentless chase as Lucky is pursued by both the FBI and a dangerous criminal organization.
What Is Lucky About?
The series begins with Lucky attempting to build a different life after growing up surrounded by criminals. Her plans collapse after a heist involving millions of dollars goes wrong, leaving her on the run. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/uk/tv-pr/originals/lucky/))
The cast includes Timothy Olyphant as Lucky's father, Annette Bening as Priscilla and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as FBI agent Billie Rand. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/lucky/))
Critics have highlighted Taylor-Joy's performance as the show's main attraction. The Washington Post described the series as a crime thriller in which she spends much of the story fighting to survive in the California desert. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/2026/07/13/lucky-anya-taylor-joy-apple/a924252e-7ecc-11f1-8a16-393bd03340b0_story.html))
How Critics Are Responding to Lucky
Reviews have been mixed, but Taylor-Joy's performance has generally been one of the strongest elements identified by critics.
Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the first season at approximately 79% from critics, with Taylor-Joy leading an ensemble that includes Annette Bening and Timothy Olyphant. ([rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/lucky_2026))
Some reviewers have praised the show's action and Taylor-Joy's physical performance, while others have criticized the pacing and the series' uneven tone. ([tvline.com](https://www.tvline.com/2215166/lucky-review-apple-tv-anya-taylor-joy/)) ([rogerebert.com](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/lucky-apple-tv-review-2026))
The critical conversation nevertheless confirms that Taylor-Joy remains one of the main reasons audiences are paying attention to the series.
Anya Taylor-Joy Returns in Dune: Part Three
Taylor-Joy is also returning to Denis Villeneuve's Dune universe as Alia Atreides. Her character is the younger sister of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet. ([imdb.com](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17715715/))
Taylor-Joy's role in Dune: Part Two was brief, but the character is expected to have greater importance as the story continues.
Dune: Part Three is currently scheduled for release in December 2026, placing the film among the year's biggest remaining science-fiction releases. ([imdb.com](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17715715/))
Who Does Anya Taylor-Joy Play in Dune?
Taylor-Joy plays Alia Atreides, a character with an unusual position in the Atreides family because of the effects of her prenatal exposure to ancestral memories.
Her appearance in the earlier film established the character, but the next installment is expected to expand her significance as the Dune story moves deeper into the political and religious consequences of Paul's rise.
Taylor-Joy's involvement also gives her another major franchise role alongside her work in Furiosa and the upcoming Lord of the Rings project.
Anya Taylor-Joy Joins The Lord of the Rings
In June 2026, Taylor-Joy was announced as part of the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. She will play Seren, a Sindar elf of the Woodland Realm who is described as a trusted and dangerous agent of King Thranduil. ([variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/global/anya-taylor-joy-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-37681/))
The movie is being directed by Andy Serkis, who also returns to the role of Gollum. The cast additionally includes Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood and Lee Pace, alongside new additions such as Kate Winslet, Jamie Dornan and Leo Woodall. ([variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/global/anya-taylor-joy-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-37681/))
The film is scheduled for worldwide release in December 2027. ([thewrap.com](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/anya-taylor-joy-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum/))
Who Is Seren in The Hunt for Gollum?
Seren is a Sindar elf associated with the Woodland Realm and King Thranduil. Taylor-Joy's casting gives her a role within one of the most recognizable fantasy universes in film history. ([variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/global/anya-taylor-joy-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-37681/))
The film is set within the broader timeline of Tolkien's Middle-earth story and focuses on the search for Gollum.
With Andy Serkis returning as Gollum, the project is also designed to reconnect audiences with characters and themes associated with the original Lord of the Rings trilogy while introducing new characters.
Why Anya Taylor-Joy Keeps Landing Huge Franchises
Taylor-Joy has developed an unusually diverse franchise portfolio. She has already starred in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and appeared in the Dune franchise. She is now adding both Middle-earth and another major chapter of Dune to her filmography.
Her appeal comes partly from an ability to combine an unusual visual presence with psychologically intense performances. That combination has allowed her to move between period drama, horror, action, science fiction and psychological thriller roles.
The success of The Queen's Gambit was particularly important in establishing Taylor-Joy as an international star. Apple now has her not only as the lead actor in Lucky but also as an executive producer. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2026/06/apple-tv-unveils-new-trailer-for-lucky-the-highly-anticipated-limited-series-starring-and-executive-produced-by-anya-taylor-joy-premiering-globally-wednesday-july-15-2026/))
Taylor-Joy's Role Behind the Camera
Lucky represents a significant step in Taylor-Joy's career because she serves as an executive producer in addition to starring in the series. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2026/06/apple-tv-unveils-new-trailer-for-lucky-the-highly-anticipated-limited-series-starring-and-executive-produced-by-anya-taylor-joy-premiering-globally-wednesday-july-15-2026/))
She produces through her production company, LadyKiller, working alongside Reese Witherspoon and the Hello Sunshine team. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/uk/tv-pr/news/2026/07/apple-tv-celebrates-the-world-premiere-of-pulse-pounding-limited-series-lucky/))
That role gives her greater creative involvement than a traditional acting-only position and indicates that her career is expanding toward producing as well as performance.
Anya Taylor-Joy's Biggest 2026 Projects
| Project | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lucky | Lucky Armstrong | Streaming on Apple TV |
| Dune: Part Three | Alia Atreides | Scheduled for December 2026 |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum | Seren | Filming / scheduled for December 2027 |
([imdb.com](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17715715/)) ([variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/global/anya-taylor-joy-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-37681/))
What's Next for Anya Taylor-Joy?
The immediate focus is Lucky, whose first season is rolling out weekly on Apple TV through August 19. The series gives Taylor-Joy the opportunity to demonstrate a very different side of her range from the fantasy and science-fiction franchises associated with her recent work. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2026/06/apple-tv-unveils-new-trailer-for-lucky-the-highly-anticipated-limited-series-starring-and-executive-produced-by-anya-taylor-joy-premiering-globally-wednesday-july-15-2026/))
Later in 2026, Dune: Part Three will put her back into one of Hollywood's biggest science-fiction franchises. That will be followed by The Hunt for Gollum in 2027, giving her another major fantasy franchise role.
The combination means Taylor-Joy is entering a particularly strong period of her career, with major streaming television and blockbuster cinema projects arriving in close succession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anya Taylor-Joy's new show?
Her new Apple TV limited series is Lucky, in which she plays con artist Luciana "Lucky" Armstrong. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/uk/tv-pr/originals/lucky/))
When did Lucky premiere?
Lucky premiered globally on Apple TV on July 15, 2026. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2026/06/apple-tv-unveils-new-trailer-for-lucky-the-highly-anticipated-limited-series-starring-and-executive-produced-by-anya-taylor-joy-premiering-globally-wednesday-july-15-2026/))
Is Anya Taylor-Joy in Dune: Part Three?
Yes. She returns as Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three. ([imdb.com](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17715715/))
Who does Anya Taylor-Joy play in The Lord of the Rings?
She plays Seren, a Sindar elf associated with the Woodland Realm and King Thranduil, in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. ([variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/global/anya-taylor-joy-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-37681/))
When is The Hunt for Gollum coming out?
The film is scheduled for worldwide release in December 2027. ([thewrap.com](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/anya-taylor-joy-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-hunt-for-gollum/))
Is Anya Taylor-Joy an executive producer of Lucky?
Yes. Taylor-Joy executive produces the Apple TV series through her production banner, LadyKiller. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/uk/tv-pr/news/2026/07/apple-tv-celebrates-the-world-premiere-of-pulse-pounding-limited-series-lucky/))
Final Takeaway
Anya Taylor-Joy is entering one of the most significant stretches of her career. Her Apple TV series Lucky puts her at the center of a crime thriller, while Dune: Part Three brings her back to blockbuster science fiction.
Her casting as Seren in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum adds another enormous franchise to an already impressive filmography. ([variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/global/anya-taylor-joy-lord-of-the-rings-hunt-for-gollum-37681/))
What makes this period particularly notable is the variety. Taylor-Joy is simultaneously working across television, fantasy, science fiction and action while taking on greater responsibilities as a producer.
For audiences who discovered her through The Queen's Gambit, 2026 offers a clear look at how far her career has expanded since that breakout role.
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