This article contains spoilers for the July 29 episode of Apple TV’s Lucky.
Despite not spending too much time on screen, Drew Starkey’s character in Apple TV’s Lucky sure knew how to pack a punch. After all, his absconding with $10 million in stolen cash and leaving wife Lucky Armstrong (Anya Taylor-Joy) behind in Las Vegas, puts her on a path to fleeing both the cops and dangerous mobsters.
Still, their frosty reunion in the July 29 episode was no match for their chemistry. With Cary's La Jolla beach house hideout surrounded by the cops, his role as Lucky's partner-in-crime—in life and, quite literally, in crime—outweighs her fury over his initial betrayal, leading them to a car chase though San Diego with the police that ends with Cary mortally wounded.
“It was shocking and tragic to learn about his fate,” Starkey told E! News in an exclusive interview, “just because there's a lot packed into that episode. It was like shooting a short play for the two of us, which was amazing.”
After all, the estranged couple are forced to confront his betrayal while coming to terms with how their parents—her dad John (Timothy Olyphant) and his mom Priscilla (Annette Bening)—and their own less-than-legal pursuits set them on their path. Namely, that Lucky was the catalyst for his mom landing in prison, and the newly-released Priscilla threatened to kill Lucky if she doesn’t return the $10 million—now mostly in a Bitcoin stash only accessible by Cary’s code—that John had stolen.
“It was an incredible experience,” Starkey, whose counterpart in the Marissa Stapley book simply runs off with the money before being captured, emphasized, “and you see these two characters start off in a very, very hostile place, and then by the end they're saying that they don't regret being with each other still—and they still have this love for each other.”
As the Outer Banks actor noted, “It's tragic to see him, once that's finally reached then he's gone again.”
Still, there were the practicalities to filming Cary’s death Starkey and Taylor-Joy had to contend with. Starkey recalled, “God, filming that day, it was quite intense.”
And considering Cary bleeds out in a wrecked car after being shot by Agent Gates (Mo McRae) during the chase, Taylor-Joy’s mind went elsewhere, admitting, “The first word that came to my mind was like salty, sweaty, and bloody,” to which Starkey added, “and just sticky.”
Though Cary ultimately didn’t make it out of the limited series alive, for Taylor-Joy there is nobody outside of the Queer actor—who caught her attention in the Luca Guadagnino movie—who could have balanced his complicated place in Lucky’s life.
“When you have a gut feeling about somebody, it's always so wonderful, and then you get to meet them, and you're like, ‘Oh wow, this has even exceeded my expectation of what this experience is going to be,’” the Dune: Part II actress explained. “And I think particularly with Cary—much like John—we needed somebody that you were going to see for a very short amount of time and then miss and be curious about.”
She continued, “And then when he comes back, actually give him the opportunity to defend himself—which is a tricky thing to do—and I think he did a great job.”
Lucky is now streaming on Apple TV, with new episodes releasing on Wednesdays. For more books making the leap off the page and onto the screen, keep reading…
Based on: The Laura Ingalls Wilder series of the same nameCast: Alice Halsey, Luke Bracey, Skywalker Hughes, Crosby Fitzgerald and Jocko Sims Release Date: July 9 on NetflixYou know the books—not to mention the 1974 series—following the Ingalls family as they traveled through the Midwest in the late 19th century. Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood diaries, this new series ushers the story in for a new generation. And prepare the wagon for the long haul as Netflix has already confirmed a second season is on the way.
Based On: Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novelStarring: Jennifer Garner, D'Arcy Carden, Chloë Sevigny, Regina Hall, Gemma Chan and Timothy OlyphantPremieres: July 9 PeacockHilderbrand is the queen of Nantucket beach read. Add in a megastar like Garner and its place in our queue is solidified. The Alias alum stars as Hollis, a food blogger whose life is turned update down by tragedy. As part of her healing journey, she resolves to host a “five-star” weekend with her closest pals—only for it to go awry as the cracks in her friendships deepen and game-changing secrets emerge. Yep, we are firmly seated.
Based On: Marissa Stapley's 2021 bookStarring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, Clifton Collins Jr. and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Premieres: July 15 on Apple TVIf seeing Anya and Drew leading the cast isn’t enough of a draw—and it should be!—the story itself is pretty thrilling, a young woman returning to the con artist life she was raised in an attempt to secure her future. And with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a stellar supporting cast, we are already seated.
Based On: The epic poem of the same name by HomerCast: Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and morePremieres: In theaters July 17For starters, it’s a Christopher Nolan blockbuster—and his first since reaching Oscar-winner glory with Oppenheimer. And one of the most stacked casts in recent Hollywood memory was enlisted to tackle the iconic tale of Greek warrior Odysseus’ grueling trek home after the Trojan War. For the unlucky who haven’t already secured their tickets, prepare to embark on quite an odyssey to find an open seat.
Based on: The Nevada Barr books of the same nameCast: Tracy Spiridakos and Ronnie RoweRelease Date: August 7 on USAFormerly a member of Chicago P.D.'s finest, Spiridakos, like her titular character in the new USA series, is trading in life in the city for some time in nature. Although that doesn't mean it's accompanied by peace and quiet. After a devastating loss, Anna Pigeon is settled into life as a park ranger, putting all her focus on solving crimes, while trying to keep her personal demons at bay.
Based On: The Book of Magic by Alice HoffmanStarring: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Weist, Joey KingPremieres: In theaters September 18, 2026Another midnight margarita night is finally on the books. Nearly three decades after the original movie, the sequel, based on Hoffman’s 2021 novel, follows Sally (Sandra), Gillian (Nicole), Frances (Stockard) and Jet (Dianne) contend with their family’s curse as it begins to plague the next generations of Owens ladies.
Based On: Ali Hazelwood’s 2021 Novel of the Same Starring: Lili Reinhart and Tom BatemanPremieres: September 23 on Prime VideoThe fake dating romance that sent #BookTok into a spiral is heading to the big screen. And the novel that has roots in fanfiction centered on Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren is starring none other than Rey actress Daisy Ridley’s IRL husband Tom—joined by the Riverdale alum. And if that’s not a reason to be excited by what’s to come—or at least curious—we don’t know what is.
Based On: Jane Austin’s 1811 NovelCast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Fillane, George MacKay and Fiona ShawPremieres: In theaters September 25, 2026 in U.K., October 16, 2026, in U.S.Who doesn’t love a Jane Austin adaptation? Though Pride and Prejudice often gets a lot of love onscreen, the novelist’s debut is taking center stage, following the three Dashwood sisters in the years after their dad’s death—seeking romance and security in Regency-era England.
Based on: Colleen Hoover's 2021 bookStarring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh HartnettPremieres: In theaters October 2, 2026For starters, we can look no further than Anne, Dakota and Josh. The book—which follows a struggling writer who is asked to complete a best-selling series after the author's mysterious accident—is already a wild, twisty ride. And with this trio at the center, seeing it brought to life on screen is all the more exciting.
Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novelStarring: Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons and Ralph FiennesPremieres: In theaters November 20, 2026On the same day Collins’ latest trip to Panem was announced, Lionsgate confirmed it would be adapting the much-anticipated story following a young Haymitch Abernathy—Peeta and Katniss’ famously haunted mentor in the 74th Hunger Games—during his winning battle in the 50th Games.
Based on: Dune Messiah by Frank HerbertCast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Javiar Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Robert Pattinson and Josh Brolin.Premieres: December 18, 2026In the run up to Dune’s release in 2021, director Denis Villeneuve teased his vision for a trilogy, adapting Herbert’s 1965 novel and its first sequel Dune Messiah. And, at last, that dream has become a reality, with Villeneuve’s final installment tracking the fate of Paul Atreides (Chalamet), Chani (Zendaya) and as they face their biggest threat yet: Pattinson’s Scytale, who is desperate to overthrow Paul from his role as Padishah Emperor.
Based on: J.K. Rowling’s 1997 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s StoneCast: Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, Arabella Stanton, Janet McTeer, Nick Frost, Paapa Essiedu and John LithgowPremieres: December 25, 2026While we are just a decade or so removed from the final installment in the film series starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, a whole new trio are about to journey on the Hogwarts Express to the magical boarding school. In fact, HBO has already expressed a commitment to diving deep into the Wizarding World—covering details from the book omitted from the films—with the series planning to film over the next decade.
Based on: Elle Kennedy’s third Off Campus novel The ScoreCast: Mika Abdalla, Stephen Kalyn, Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Antonio Cipriano, Khobe Clarke and India FowlerRelease: TBDLuckily, fans won’t have to wait too long to see the Prime Video series’ sophomore foray. Not only was the show renewed for season two ahead of the show’s debut, but the cast was already back on set in the weeks following its release. And with the love story between Hannah Wells (Bright) and Garrett Graham (Cameli) firmly in the books, Allie Hayes (Abdalla) and Dean Di Laurentis (Kalyn) get their time to shine in season two. And after their secret friends-with-benefits firmly in the maybe-something-more camp—before that explosive final scene—fans can expect a whole lot of drama (and steamy romance) to come.
Based on: Julia Quinn’s sixth Bridgerton Novel When He Was WickedCast: Hannah Dodd and Masali BaduzaPremieres: TBD 2027A major departure from the novels is heading to the ton. After the devastating death of Francesca Bridgerton’s husband John Stirling (Victor Alli) in season four, it seemed only fitting that the sixth Bridgerton sibling (Dodd) stepped into the spotlight next. And this time, the beloved romance series is following a queer love story.
“Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons, the season five synopsis teases. “But when John’s cousin Michaela returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran’s complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions.”
Based on: Emily Henry’s 2020 novelCast: Phoebe Dynevor, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Andie MacDowell, Kevin Bacon and Kristen DavisPremieres: May 7, 2027Okay, so the casting caused a bit of a controversy as January Andrews (Dynevor) and Gus Everett (Schwarzenegger) are more than beloved by fans of Henry’s novels. Especially as the anticipation for this adaptation—following rom-com writer January and literary fiction scribe Gus who dare one another to write a story in the other’s style—has been high since it was revealed to be heading to the big screen in 2023. And as Henry emphasized on Today, like fans, she’s “along for the ride with the readers and we just have to trust the vision.”
Based On: Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novelStarring: Juno Temple, Joe Alwyn, Richard Gadd, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Joel Kinnaman, Daniel Ings, Bob Morley, Fehinti Balogun, Tom Basden, Joe Wilkinson, Gemma Whelan, Rebekah Murrell and Shazad LatifPremieres: TBD on Apple TVPrepare to meet more than one hundred husbands. Indeed, the story follows Lauren, who arrives home to be greeted by her husband Michael—only she has never seen him before in her life. A different husband soon takes his place, and she soon learns a seemingly-endless supply of spouses are coming from her attic. As she navigates this complicated romantic journey, key questions emerge, namely, what does she want from life and will she take the reins to get it?
Based on: Rachel Reid’s 2022 novel The Long Game Cast: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Francois Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Callan Potter and Ksenia Daniela KharlamovaRelease: TBD Spring 2027Forget coming to the cottage, fans will be heading to HBO—or Crave for the Canadian fans—in droves when season two of the hockey romance returns. And while the upcoming installment—which will also weave in Reid’s novel Role Model—Ilya Rozanov (Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Williams) are firmly locked in, that brings new challenges for the pair, on top of feeling more pressure than ever as they approach life as elite athletes entering their 30s.
Based On: Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novelStarring: TBDPremieres: TBD on NetflixWhile fans had to wait more than a decade for Meyer to release the retelling of Twilight from Edward Cullen’s POV, viewers will soon see an animated version of the story coming to their screens. And it’s safe to say catching a glimpse of an animated killer’s sparkly skin will be must-see TV.
Based On: Tessa Bailey’s 2021 novelCast: Nina Dobrev and Tyler HoechlinPremieres: TBDWho doesn’t love a fish-out-of-water story? Bailey certainly delivered in It Happened One Summer, following L.A. socialite Piper Bellinger who is exiled to the pacific northwest, where she encounters stoic king crab fisherman Brendan Taggart. And the author firmly believes Dobrev and Hoechlin are the perfect people to channel the duo onscreen.
“I'm just excited to see what they bring to the characters,” Bailey recently told E! News. “I think they're both such talented actors, and they're both really funny. So, I'm really excited to see the spin they put on Piper and Brendan. I think they're going to kill it.”
Based On: Emily Henry's 2024 novelStarring: TBDPremieres: TBD on NetflixAmong the many adaptations of Henry's novels coming to the big and small screen is her 2024 best-seller, which gives viewers a look at how Daphne finds herself again after Peter breaks off their engagement to be with his childhood best friend Petra. And of course, Daphne gets an assist from Petra's own ex-boyfriend, Miles.