Anya Taylor-Joy’s Lucky has finally arrived on Apple TV+, bringing the story of a former con artist whose past refuses to stay buried and puts her into another dangerous situation or should we say, a game? As viewers dive into the crime thriller, many are wondering whether Lucky Armstrong’s story is based on real events. While the series is adapted from a bestselling novel, it also has a surprising real-life connection.
Is Lucky Based On A True Story?
Lucky is inspired by Marissa Stapley’s bestselling 2021 novel of the same name, which was also selected for Reese’s Book Club. The story of Lucky Armstrong, a woman trying to leave her life of crime behind before being pulled back into danger, is entirely fictional, though. However, the novel carries a deeply personal connection for Stapley.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Lucky
Although Lucky’s story is fictional, Stapley has revealed that a heartbreaking event from her childhood eventually shaped the novel’s emotional core. When she was 10 years old, her mother lost her life’s savings after being conned by a couple pretending to be legitimate investors. The incident stayed with Stapley for years, influencing how she viewed both victims and perpetrators of fraud.
Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of Lucky, Stapley said the experience didn’t directly inspire the plot, but it changed the way she approached her main character. According to her, “Even though what happened to my mom happened to my mom, I want everyone to love Lucky.”
Instead of portraying her protagonist as simply a criminal, Stapley wanted readers and viewers to understand the person behind the mistakes.
What Did Author Further Reveal?
Stapley’s mother, who read the novel before passing away from cancer, remained remarkably forgiving despite being the victim of a devastating scam. The author says her mother’s compassion influenced the book’s central message that people are often more complex than they appear and that redemption is possible.
To make the story even more believable, Stapley also researched real-life con artists extensively while writing the novel. She read several books about scams and criminal psychology, including Maria Konnikova’s The Confidence Game.
What Is Lucky about?
Premiered on Apple TV+ on July 15, Lucky stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Lucky Armstrong, a former con artist trying to build a new life. Her plans are disrupted when she becomes caught in a dangerous web of deception, forcing her to confront both her past and the choices that defined her.
