Apple TV+’s hit legal drama, Presumed Innocent, is returning for a second season with a major twist. The show is switching to an anthology format, which means a brand-new story with a completely different cast . While the first season followed Jake Gyllenhaal’s Rusty Sabich, season two will introduce a fresh courtroom battle led by a new team of actors .
The new season will be based on a different legal thriller, Jo Murray’s debut novel Dissection of a Murder, which is scheduled for publication in May 2026. This move away from Scott Turow’s book series marks a significant new direction for the show, transforming it into a series where each season tackles a different high-stakes legal case .
Why Season 2 Is Not a Direct Sequel
Fans of the first season might wonder why the story isn’t continuing with Rusty Sabich. Scott Turow, the author of the original Presumed Innocent novel, has explained the reasons. His sequel novel, Presumed Guilty, features an older Rusty defending a family member . However, adapting it presented challenges.
One key issue was the significant time jump required for the story. Another was the availability of actors from the first season . Peter Sarsgaard, who played the pivotal role of Tommy Molto, has been clear about his disinterest in continuing his character.
Peter Sarsgaard said from the beginning, ‘I’m not doing sequels.’ And as it happens, his character, Tommy Molto, was at the center of the story in ‘Innocent,’ so there were a lot of reasons that didn’t happen .
Turow supports the show’s new direction, stating he has been “very well served” by past adaptations and is taking a hands-off approach as an executive producer .
The New Case and Lead Cast
Season two centers on an entirely new legal mystery. The story follows Leila Reynolds, a lawyer handed her first murder case. The case is shockingly high-profile, involving the murder of a well-respected judge, and is far beyond her usual experience . Complicating matters further, the defendant, Jack Millman, insists that she, and only she, must represent him .
Playing Leila Reynolds is award-winning actor Rachel Brosnahan . Brosnahan, known for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, will also serve as an executive producer for the season . Her client, Jack Millman, will be played by Jack Reynor (Midsommar) .
Adding intense personal drama to the professional case, Matthew Rhys (The Americans) has been cast as Leila’s husband . In a difficult twist, he is also the prosecutor assigned to the same case, putting them on opposite sides in court .
Full Confirmed Cast and Character Details
The ensemble cast for season two features several acclaimed actors in key roles. Courtney B. Vance will play Leila’s boss at the law firm where she works . Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve) takes on the role of a partner at the firm who acts as Leila’s second chair on the case .
Other series regulars include John Magaro, Michael Hsu Rosen, and Lesley-Ann Brandt. The cast continues to grow, with Ji-young Yoo—known for voicing a role in KPop Demon Hunters—joining in a recurring role, as confirmed in January 2026 .
While Jake Gyllenhaal is not expected to appear on screen for the new story, he will remain involved behind the scenes as an executive producer .
The Creative Team Behind the New Season
The creative force that made the first season a success is returning to guide the anthology’s new chapter. David E. Kelley, the veteran writer and producer known for countless legal dramas, developed the series for television and will continue as co-showrunner alongside Erica Lipez.
The production powerhouse Bad Robot Productions, led by J.J. Abrams, and David E. Kelley Productions are again producing the series in association with Warner Bros. Television. Alongside Kelley, Lipez, and Abrams, executive producers include Matthew Tinker, Dustin Thomason, Rachel Rusch Rich, Rachel Brosnahan, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Scott Turow and Jo Murray, author of the new source material, are co-executive producers .
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Release Information and What to Expect
An official release date for Presumed Innocent Season 2 has not been announced by Apple TV+ . The series was officially renewed in July 2024, and with casting announcements continuing into early 2026, the production is actively moving forward . Following typical production schedules for series of this scale, a release in late 2026 is a strong possibility.
No trailer has been released yet, as filming is likely still in its earlier stages . The season will stream globally on Apple TV+, which is available in over 100 countries and regions .
The shift to an anthology series opens up long-term possibilities. If season two is successful, future seasons could explore entirely different legal thrillers with new casts and cases, similar to the model of shows like The White Lotus .
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