One of Hollywood’s up-and-coming talents, Anya Taylor-Joy of The Queen’s Gambit fame, will be making an appearance in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga this year. Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve, features the actress as well. Fans didn’t know she was involved with the picture until she showed up at the London premiere. She would not be collaborating with such accomplished creators and being a part of such legendary franchises if she hadn’t escaped from her home when she was fourteen years old.

From the time of her birth in 1996 until she was six years old, the actress and her parents resided in Buenos Aires. Following that, her family relocated to London. Anya struggled to adapt to her new environment and stubbornly refused to learn English in the hopes that her parents would return to Argentina with her. Since she didn’t fit in, her classmates bullied her, and she finally spoke up about it. She has a history of her classmates locking her in lockers. See more by continuing to scroll.

Anya Taylor-Joy discussed her runaway from home experience on the HFPA In Conversation podcast. Apparently, she was leading a life similar to Beth Harmon’s in The Queen’s Gambit when she unexpectedly found herself in a position of great opportunity—but that’s a tale for another time. “I escaped to New York at fourteen years of age,” the Dune 2 actress revealed when asked about her time in New York. Being an actor was my life goal, and I was struggling greatly at school. I decided to apply to a director’s programme, and I was accepted.

According to Anya Taylor-Joy, “I told my parents, ‘Listen, I’m not going to school.'” This happened as she was on her way to school one day. A airline ticket to New York is within my budget now that I’ve saved up enough. “I’m going to perform this, and you have the option to join me or I’ll do it alone.”

The actress’s parents were supportive of her decision, which was great news for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, because she praised them for being there for her.

In terms of her professional career, Anya Taylor-Joy replaces Charlize Theron as Furiosa in the prequel. In May of this year, theatres will welcome Anya to the big screen as the character’s younger self.

Anya will make an appearance in Dune 2, albeit her specific purpose is still a mystery. Fans will have to be patient a little longer to see her in this grand epic. The second instalment of Dune, starring Timothee Chalamet, will hit theatres on March 1, 2024.