Summary
Presumed Innocentexecutive producer JJ Abrams explains why the season 1 finale doesn’t set up season 2. The legal thriller, led by Jake Gyllenhaal, recently concluded its first installment and revealedwho really killed Carolyn Polhemusin its closing minutes. But that story feels largely complete and there is no cliffhanger to set upPresumed Innocentseason 2, which Apple TV+ has confirmed.
In an interview withDeadline, Abrams responded to the lack of setup for a continuation and said that filming was complete before discussions about a renewal kicked into high gear. As a result,no scenes were filmed that could have hinted at season 2. Abrams, who executive produced the show with David E. Kelley and Gllyenhaal, declined to offer specifics about what direction the next installment might take but indicated that those conversations are taking place. Read the full quote below:
We discussed the possibility of a second season during production, but then Apple brought it up to us in post. Nothing was ever shot to set up a second season. Our focus was telling the story of Carolyn’s murder and Rusty’s trial, and wrapping that up at the end of the first season.
It’s too early to talk about what might happen in season 2, but we’re very excited about the possibilities we are discussing.
Presumed Innocent Season 2 Has A Number Of Potential Paths
The Series Is Based On A Novel, Which Has A Sequel
Although it’s been suggested thatPresumed Innocentseason 2will go in an anthology direction, existing in the same world but focusing on new characters, that is not confirmed. Gyllenhaal will still be linked to the show in his capacity as executive producer, and there are ways to continue the story with his character. The show is based on a book by author Scott Turrow, released in 1987, which received a sequel in 2010. TitledInnocent, the follow-up novel sees Rusty Sabich, now chief judge of the Court of Appeals, indicted for the murder of his wife by Tommy Molto.
Presumed Innocentwas also adapted into a 1990 movie, with Harrison Ford as Rusty.
This premise would allow Peter Sarsgaard to reprise the role of Molto. But thePresumed Innocentnovels are also part of a loosely connected universe, with some minor characters popping up in Turrow’s other books. This gives the Apple TV+ Original the chance to become an anthology, while still bringing back a few originalPresumed Innocentcast members. Noma Dumezweni as Judge Lyttle and Lily Rabe as Dr. Liz Rush are good candidates for that sort of general crossover between seasons.
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Presumed Innocentwas helped in its renewal by the fact that Apple TV+ announced that the adaptation was the streamer’s most-watched drama of all time. Considering the connections of Abrams, who produces through his Bad Robot production banner, and Kelley, who is a veteran television writer, not to mention Gyllenhaal himself, it could be interesting to see which actors are brought in if the series does change stories.
Presumed Innocent
Cast
An eight-episode limited series based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Scott Turow. Starring Gyllenhaal in the lead role of chief deputy prosecutor Rusty Sabich, the series takes viewers on a gripping journey through the horrific murder that upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s office when one of its own is suspected of the crime. The series explores obsession, sex, politics, and the power and limits of love, as the accused fights to hold his family and marriage together.
