It seems Presumed Innocent is going the True Detective route. As per the latest update, Apple TV+ series will tackle a new story for the next chapter in the acclaimed legal thriller. Superman and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress Rachel Brosnahan has been cast as the lead as a new character. This confirms that the show won't be following the events of the first season.
The series, which comes from creator David E. Kelley, and backed by filmmaker J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, will have Brosnahan joining as one of the executive producers.
The first season was the second adaptation of Scott Turow's novel of the same name after the 1990 film starring Harrison Ford, who played the same role that Jake Gyllenhaal did in the series version — a prosecutor accused of a woman's murder. Gyllenhaal will remain as executive producer on Season 2.
The second season is said to be an adaptation of novelist Jo Murray's upcoming book Dissection of a Murder, set to be published in July 2026.
As per the brief synopsis of the story found on the book's official website, the story revolves around a dead judge, a silent defendant, and a courtroom full of liars.
"When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked at how high-profile it is: the murder of a well-respected, well-known judge. This shouldn’t be the kind of case she’s leading; it’s way beyond her expertise. But the defendant, Jack Millman, is clear. He wants her, and only her. To make things worse, he’s refusing to talk. How is she supposed to prove herself on what appears to be an unwinnable case? Losing is not an option. She must find the most persuasive argument. Trials aren’t won by convincing judges or fellow barristers – they’re all about convincing a jury. Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only to keep Jack out of prison, but also to keep her own secrets buried," reads the full synopsis.
It's not yet clear whether the adaptation will follow the same story beats or make any alterations, but it is assumed that Brosnahan will be essaying the character Leila Reynolds.
Season 2 will have David E. Kelley and Erica Lipez ("The Morning Show") serving as showrunners, with Turow involved as co-executive producer.
Brosnahan, who became a household name with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, will be next seen in James Gunn's Superman reboot, which arrives in theatres on July 11.
