Rachel Brosnahan, the Emmy-winning actress set to portray Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman film, has been chosen as the lead for Presumed Innocent season 2 on Apple TV+, shifting the acclaimed legal drama into an anthology format with a new storyline. The news that Rachel Brosnahan is cast as lead in Presumed Innocent season 2 signals a significant change for the Apple TV+ crime thriller series, which will now adapt the forthcoming novel Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray for its next chapter.
The initial season of Presumed Innocent was based on Scott Turow’s novel, a story previously brought to the big screen in 1990 with Harrison Ford starring as Rusty Sabich. For the debut TV season, Jake Gyllenhaal took on the mantle of Rusty Sabich, heading a cast developed by David E. Kelley, known for his work on Big Little Lies. The first installment garnered mostly strong reviews, earning a 79% score on Rotten Tomatoes and emerging as a successful streaming title for Apple TV+.
Brosnahan’s Arrival Ushers in a New Era for Presumed Innocent
With Brosnahan in the lead, the legal drama solidifies its anthology approach, meaning the story centered on Rusty Sabich and the mystery of Carolyn Polhemus, portrayed by Renate Reinsve in season one, has wrapped up. This transition marks the end of the original cast‘s run, with little likelihood of characters such as Jake Gyllenhaal’s Rusty or Ruth Negga’s role making an appearance in the new season. Fans may recall that season one concluded with a shocking twist, which could have served as a jumping-off point for further exploration of Sabich’s storyline if the series had chosen a serialized path.
By pivoting to an anthology model similar to series like American Crime Story, Apple TV+ ensures that each season stands alone with a new narrative and characters. There is no current indication that any overlap or continuation from the original characters will occur, emphasizing a fresh perspective guided by Brosnahan’s new protagonist.
Major Cast Changes and New Source Material on the Horizon
The casting of Brosnahan not only brings a new face to Presumed Innocent but also points to a complete refresh of the ensemble. Season two will be inspired by the legal thriller Dissection of a Murder, which is set for release in July 2026 and has not yet been published. The second season may arrive around the time the book is released, or possibly earlier, as Apple TV+ appears to be moving forward with its adaptation. The source material’s setting remains undisclosed, but unless the narrative returns to Chicago, as in the first season, audiences should expect little to no crossover between the two stories or locations.
This new direction places Rachel Brosnahan, as a key entity, alongside respected figures like Jake Gyllenhaal and Harrison Ford, but with the focus shifted entirely to fresh characters and plots. The move further underscores Apple TV+ and David E. Kelley’s interest in exploring innovative storytelling models for the platform.
Brosnahan’s Broad Appeal and Momentum Toward Season 2
Choosing Brosnahan as the lead in Presumed Innocent season 2 comes at a time when her career is experiencing significant momentum, bolstered by her anticipated portrayal of Lois Lane in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reimagining. Her track record, which includes six Emmy nominations for performances in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and House of Cards, positions her as a strong draw for both new viewers and existing fans of the genre.
While some audiences may have hoped for a continuation of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character or a more traditional sequel, Brosnahan’s addition could boost interest in the show and help Presumed Innocent evolve into a long-running staple of legal drama for Apple TV+.
The casting news arrives amid broader excitement in the entertainment world, as James Gunn teases future ties between Superman sequels and the evolving DC Universe, with David Corenswet set to play Man of Steel. As for Presumed Innocent, all signs point to an ambitious reinvention powered by Brosnahan’s leading presence, new storylines, and the backing of Apple’s creative team. The industry will be watching closely to see how this anthology transformation shapes the future of legal dramas on streaming platforms.
