Apple TV+ is expanding its legal drama lineup with Rachel Brosnahan and Jack Reynor leading the cast of Presumed Innocent season 2, based on Jo Murray’s upcoming thriller Dissection of A Murder. Brosnahan returns as lawyer Leila Reynolds, who navigates a tense murder case involving a respected judge, while Reynor’s arrival promises intensified dramatic stakes in this high-pressure courtroom story.
The series, produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions in collaboration with David E. Kelley Productions and Warner Bros. Television, continues to explore complex legal battles. David E. Kelley remains the showrunner, working alongside Erica Lipez, known for her work on The Morning Show.
Leila Reynolds Takes on a Challenging First Murder Case
Brosnahan’s character, Leila Reynolds, faces her first murder trial involving the death of a prominent judge, a case that overwhelms her expertise. Despite the difficulty, the defendant, Jack Millman, insists on having Leila as his attorney, refusing to cooperate with anyone else. This forces Leila to not only fight in court but also to confront hidden personal secrets as she struggles to win what seems like an impossible case.
The narrative reveals that courtroom victories rely more on persuading the jury than convincing judges or other legal professionals, heightening the suspense as Leila tries to protect her client and herself.
Jack Reynor’s Career Brings Depth to the New Season
Joining the cast, Irish actor Jack Reynor brings experience from roles in critically acclaimed films and series, including Ari Aster’s thriller Midsommer, Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit, and Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire. Reynor also appeared in blockbuster projects like Transformers: Age of Extinction and prominently features in Prime Video’s cyberpunk series The Peripheral as well as Amazon’s Citadel. Recently, he filmed Lee Cronin’s reboot of The Mummy.
Season 1’s Foundation and Connection to Legal Drama Tradition
The first season of Presumed Innocent centered around Jake Gyllenhaal’s Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor suspected of a gruesome murder, set within the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The series echoes the 1990 film adaptation featuring Harrison Ford in the Sabich role, creating a legacy of tense legal storytelling that season 2 builds upon.
What to Expect Moving Forward
With Brosnahan also serving as an executive producer, the second season promises a layered exploration of legal and personal stakes, emphasizing the psychological pressure lawyers face in high-profile cases. The integration of Jo Murray’s new novel adds a fresh source of tension, while the collaboration of experienced producers and showrunners suggests a continuation of the series’ gripping, anxious tone. Fans can anticipate intense courtroom confrontations that push the characters to their limits, setting a high bar for contemporary legal drama.
