AppleTV+’s acclaimed legal drama series, Presumed Innocent, has just gained a new major cast member. Presumed Innocent season 1 starred Jake Gyllenhaal as a prosecuting attorney who starts being investigated as a suspect in the murder of a coworker that he was romantically linked to, despite the fact that he’s married. The somewhat overlooked legal series is created by David E. Kelley.
In addition to Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent season 1 starred Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, O-T Fagbenle, Chase Infiniti, Nana Mensah, Renate Reinsve, Peter Sarsgaard, and more. The show was adapted from a book of the same name, which was made into a film in 1990 featuring Harrison Ford in the lead role. The series was a hit with critics, with the first season earning four Emmy nominations.
For the show’s second season, Presumed Innocent has cast Matthew Rhys in a leading role. He will star opposite Rachel Brosnahan. Since Presumed Innocent is an anthology series, there is an entirely new cast of characters. The show’s second season will be released at some point in 2026.
Rhys will portray Brosnahan’s character’s husband. His character is a prosecutor, while Brosnahan’s is a defense attorney. Jack Reynor will portray the client of Brosnahan’s character who develops an uncomfortable relationship with her.
What This Means For Presumed Innocent Season 2
Barbara Sabich (Ruth Negga) smiling peacefully in Presumed Innocent Season 1 Episode 8
Image via Apple TV+
Rhys and Brosnahan’s casting indicates that Presumed Innocent season 2 will be an entirely different affair than the first season. The sophomore outing of the legal thriller series will follow Leila Reynolds (Brosnahan), a defense attorney who is assigned a case where a judge was murdered, and she must defend the young man accused of the slaying.
Presumed Innocent season 1 was released on Apple TV+ on June 12, 2024.
Leila initially believes the case is out of her range, but things get even more complicated when the man she’s defending showcases his feelings for her, which could possibly lead to an obsession. Presumed Innocent season 2 is based on Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray, a novel that will be released in 2026.
The fact that the book hasn’t been released yet indicates that season 2 will have a more modern feel than Presumed Innocent season 1. It’s been confirmed that Rhys’ character is a husband, but his personality, as well as his personal conflicts, are unknown at this moment.
Our Take On Matthew Rhys’ Casting In Presumed Innocent Season 2
Perry Mason (Matthew Rhys) looking drunk and angry in Perry Mason season 2 episode 6.
Rhys is a prolific actor who has starred in the iconic shows Brothers & Sisters, The Americans, and Perry Mason, as well as the films The Post and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Rhys has a large range when it comes to acting. He can play the boy-next-door, a hardened criminal, or one pretending to be the other.
Rhys is extremely talented, and there’s no doubt he’ll nail his role in Presumed Innocent season 2. His overall presence also fits the vibe that was created in Presumed Innocent season 1 perfectly.
5/10
Release Date
2024 – 2024-00-00
Directors
Greg Yaitanes, Anne Sewitsky
Writers
David E. Kelley
