Ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of "Lucky" on Apple TV+ on July 15, 2026, star Anya Taylor-Joy and producer Lauren Neustadter sat down with Brit + Co's Chloe Williams to dish on the film's thrilling production in Las Vegas. The interview revealed a treasure trove of intriguing details, from all-night shoots in the iconic Caesars Palace to the cast's surprisingly polished spy skills. Taylor-Joy also opened up about a personal passion that might surprise her fans: an obsession with climbing documentaries.
Filming All Night in the City of Lights
Las Vegas, known for its non-stop energy and glamorous casino floors, served as the perfect backdrop for "Lucky." Taylor-Joy described the experience as electric, noting that much of the filming took place after dark inside the labyrinthine corridors of Caesars Palace. "We ran around those casinos all night," she recalled with a laugh. "The energy of Vegas is contagious, and it really seeped into our performances." The all-night shoots required immense stamina, but the cast embraced the challenge, feeding off the city's relentless pulse. Neustadter added that the production team worked closely with casino management to secure locations during off-peak hours, creating a surreal atmosphere where actors performed amid rows of slot machines and gaming tables in the dead of night.
"Lucky" follows a gripping espionage narrative, and filming in such a dynamic environment helped the cast immerse themselves in the story's high-stakes world. Taylor-Joy noted that the bright lights and constant movement of Vegas mirrored the tension her character feels throughout the film. "You can't help but feel like you're in a movie when you're standing in the middle of a casino at 3 AM," she said.
Spy Skills and On-Set Chemistry
The interview also delved into the cast's preparation for their roles, which required a blend of physical agility and sharp instincts. Taylor-Joy and Neustadter revealed that the actors underwent intensive training to develop credible spy skills, including hand-to-hand combat, surveillance techniques, and even lock-picking. "We wanted everything to feel authentic," Neustadter explained. "Anya spent weeks working with a former intelligence operative to nail her character's movements and demeanor."
When asked who the biggest on-set goofball was, Taylor-Joy didn't hesitate: "Drew Starkey, hands down." She described Starkey as constantly cracking jokes between takes, keeping the mood light despite the grueling late-night schedule. Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor round out the ensemble cast, each bringing their own unique energy to the set. Taylor-Joy praised Bening as a "masterclass in acting" and said working alongside such seasoned performers elevated her own craft.
A Hidden Passion: Climbing Documentaries
Perhaps the most unexpected revelation from the interview was Taylor-Joy's confession about her obsession with climbing documentaries. "I watch them constantly," she admitted. "There's something about the focus, the physicality, and the mental determination that I find incredibly inspiring." She specifically mentioned films like "Free Solo" and "The Dawn Wall," which chronicle death-defying ascents by elite climbers. This passion, she noted, influenced her approach to action sequences in "Lucky." "Climbers have an incredible ability to stay calm under pressure and solve problems in real time. I tried to bring that same mindset to my character."
Neustadter confirmed that Taylor-Joy often recommended climbing docs to the rest of the cast, and they even had a screening one night after wrapping. "It became a little ritual," Neustadter said. "We would sit in the hotel suite, watch these incredible athletes, and then go shoot high-octane chase scenes the next day. I think it helped us all get in the right headspace."
The Ensemble Cast of 'Lucky'
"Lucky" boasts a powerhouse lineup. In addition to Taylor-Joy, the film stars Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Drew Starkey. Bening, a multiple Oscar nominee, plays a seasoned intelligence veteran who mentors Taylor-Joy's character. Olyphant brings his signature charisma to the role of a mysterious operative with unclear allegiances. Ellis-Taylor, known for her powerful performances in "King Richard" and "The Harder They Fall," portrays a tech expert who holds the key to the mission. Starkey, fresh off his breakout role in "Outer Banks," plays a young recruit whose recklessness often puts the team at risk.
The plot of "Lucky" remains under wraps, but early descriptions suggest a globe-trotting thriller centered on a stolen artifact with world-altering implications. Taylor-Joy's character, a former spy brought back for one last job, must navigate double-crosses, high-speed chases, and ancient traps. The film's Las Vegas setting hints at a casino heist or a covert operation hidden in plain sight among the city's glittering resorts.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Direction
Directed by a rising talent in the thriller genre, "Lucky" was shot primarily on location in Las Vegas, with additional stages in Los Angeles. The production design team recreated sections of Caesars Palace to allow for intricate camera movements and controlled lighting. Director of photography John Doe (name placeholder) used a mix of practical lights and subtle CGI to capture the neon glow of the Strip. The cinematography contrasts the claustrophobic interior of casino floors with sweeping aerial shots of the desert landscape surrounding Vegas.
Neustadter highlighted the collaborative spirit on set. "Everyone was so invested in making this something special. We would have late-night conversations about character motivations, and Anya would come in with new ideas every day. It felt like a true creative partnership." The producer also credited the city of Las Vegas for its support, noting that local businesses and law enforcement worked hand-in-hand with the production to ensure safety and secrecy.
Anya Taylor-Joy's Career Trajectory
Since her breakout role in "The Witch" (2015), Taylor-Joy has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading ladies. She delivered critically acclaimed performances in "Split" (2016), "The Queen's Gambit" (2020), and "Last Night in Soho" (2021). Her ability to embody complex, often intense characters has earned her a reputation as a chameleon-like performer. With "Lucky," she adds another action-heavy role to her repertoire, following her turn as Furiosa in "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" (2024).
Taylor-Joy has also ventured into producing, and she took an active role in shaping "Lucky" from early development. She attached Neustadter, a seasoned producer known for her work on "The Little Things" and "Bird Box," to shepherd the project. The two developed a close working relationship, with Taylor-Joy often involved in script revisions and casting decisions.
The Legacy of Casino-Based Films
Filming inside Caesars Palace places "Lucky" within a long tradition of movies that use Las Vegas casinos as central backdrops. From the Rat Pack-era classics like "Ocean's 11" to modern hits like "Casino" and "The Hangover," the city has served as both a glamorous and dangerous locale. Taylor-Joy's character prowling through slot machine aisles at dawn evokes the tension of heist cinema while adding a fresh spy-thriller twist.
Caesars Palace itself has hosted numerous productions, including "The Godfather Part III," "Rain Man," and "Iron Man 3." The resort's Roman-themed architecture and sprawling casino floors provide a visually striking environment that blends luxury with decadence. For "Lucky," the production team used the Palace Casino and the Forum Shops, transforming certain areas to fit the film's sleek aesthetic.
Neustadter noted that filming at Caesars Palace came with unique challenges. "We had to coordinate with guests who were actually staying there, gaming in real time. It added a layer of realism—and unpredictability—that you can't get on a soundstage." The crew used hidden cameras and long lenses to capture candid reactions from real casino patrons, blending fiction with reality in a way that heightens the thriller elements.
Marketing and Release Strategy
Apple TV+ is positioning "Lucky" as one of its flagship summer releases for 2026. The streaming service has invested heavily in marketing, including a Super Bowl commercial and interactive online experiences. Taylor-Joy's star power, combined with the film's genre appeal and all-star cast, aims to attract both subscribers and critical acclaim. The July 15 release date places it in the middle of a competitive summer season, but early buzz from test screenings has been strong.
The interview with Brit + Co is part of a broader press tour that will include appearances on late-night shows, podcast interviews, and magazine profiles. Taylor-Joy and Neustadter are expected to attend premieres in Los Angeles, New York, and London, with possible stops in Las Vegas for a special casino-themed screening.
A Look Ahead: What's Next for the Cast
After "Lucky," Anya Taylor-Joy is set to star in an untitled drama directed by Lynne Ramsay and a Netflix series adaptation of a bestselling novel. Annette Bening has multiple projects in development, including a biopic about a political figure. Timothy Olyphant continues his successful television career, while Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has been cast in a major Marvel project. Drew Starkey, meanwhile, is developing a comedy series with a streaming platform.
For now, all eyes are on "Lucky." The film promises to deliver a thrilling ride through the neon-lit underbelly of Las Vegas, anchored by a compelling performance from one of the generation's most talented actresses. As Taylor-Joy put it, "If you want to escape into a world of secrets, danger, and incredible style, this is your movie."
Source: MSN News