Have you ever felt lucky—or the opposite? We’ve all had moments when something surprising happens and we call it luck. The new animated film Luck, arriving on Apple TV+ this Friday, August 5, invites viewers into the Land of Luck to discover where luck really comes from.
About the movie:
From Apple Original Films comes the story of Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world, who, when she stumbles into the never-before-seen Land of Luck, sets out on a quest to bring some good luck home for her best friend. But with humans not allowed, her only chance is teaming up with the magical creatures who live there to do it.
I recently spoke with Simon Pegg, who voices Bob the black cat in Luck. Below, he shares what drew him to the role, how he connects with Bob, and his thoughts on luck.
What excited you most about Luck and playing Bob?
Simon: I was immediately taken with the idea of separate worlds for good and bad luck and how beautifully detailed and complex they are. Yet, despite the amazing visuals, the everyday reality of those places felt surprisingly like an office job—people clocking in and out—which I found amusing.
Playing Bob was also a highlight. I enjoy slipping into a Scottish accent—my wife is Scottish—so it’s a fun way to stay in her good graces, provided I do it well. If I don’t, it has the opposite effect.
You have experience writing, producing, voice work, and acting. Do you prefer comedic roles or voice acting?
Simon: The variety is the best part of this career. I love writing, but it’s hard work. Performing feels more like play. With a character like Bob, voice work is playful and freeing.
Voice acting tends to be solitary—you’re often in a room alone, sometimes not meeting your co-stars until later. That was true for Eva, who plays Sam, and me; we didn’t meet until after recording, yet when we did, the chemistry felt like we’d already established an on-screen relationship, which was lovely.
Although it looks simple—just you and a microphone—voice work is demanding. You have to physicalize every line. Animators capture facial expressions and movements, so it’s closer to live-action than people might think. It’s solitary, but I enjoy it because it’s fun and intensely focused on performance.
If you could film one scene live-action, which would it be?
Simon: Without hesitation: the scene that enters the in-between where gravity flips. It would be incredible to be somewhere and suddenly flip upside down and land on your feet—like a cat would. As a human, I’d probably land badly, but it would be a blast to experience that physically.
Do you personally believe in luck?
Simon: I think luck is partly something we create. Opportunities come along, and we either convert them into good outcomes or let them slip away, which feels like bad luck. So I both believe in it and don’t.
It’s important to take responsibility for our choices rather than blaming mysticism. At the same time, it’s uplifting to acknowledge that getting where you want can come from making the right decisions and acting deliberately. The film conveys that sweetly.
The positivity you put into the world often returns to you in ways that feel like good luck, but ultimately it’s a result of your actions.
You mentioned they film you while you record your lines. What part of Simon is in Bob?
Simon: Any actor brings a piece of themselves to a role. Even with unpleasant characters, you try to find human traits. With Bob, I recognize my own grumpiness and mischievous streak. There’s a bit of impatience in him that feels familiar. I’m more like Bob than I might have thought.
Hear Simon Pegg as Bob in Luck starting Friday, August 5 on Apple TV+.
Do you believe in luck?
