SPOILERS for Big Little Lies below. At this point, I think we can just assume that everyone from the first season of Big Little Lies will be back for more. As the HBO series was originally intended to be a mini-series, there were no contracts in place with its stars for a follow-up, which meant that new deals had to be worked out, and sources say that many of the actors will be seeing considerable raises upon their return. Big Little Lies followed three mothers whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to the point of murder, and it proved to be quite the critical darling, setting in motion the previously unconsidered second installment. Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz are all slated to return, and now it seems that Adam Scott, who plays Ed, the husband of Reese Witherspoon's character, will be back as well.
The second season will begin with many characters still processing the death Perry Wright (Alexander Skarsgård), and will further explore "the malignancy of lies, the durability of friendships, the fragility of marriage and, of course, the vicious ferocity of sound parenting. Relationships will fray, loyalties will erode … the potential for emotional and bodily injury shall loom." Jane (Woodley) is attempting to build a new life for herself and Ziggy (Iain Armitage), with Renata (Dern) finding herself faced with new challenges in her marriage and Bonnie (Kravitz) struggling with Perry's death and forced to face the demons of her past. Ed (Scott) will also be forced to confront major challenges in his marriage to Madeline (Witherspoon). Alexander Skarsgård is also expected to return in some capacity. The cast of Big Little Lies is already an embarrassment of riches, but the second season will somehow up the ante with the inclusion of Meryl Streep (THE POST), who will be joing the series as Perry's mother, Mary Lousie Wright. Concerned for the well-being of her grandchildren following her son Perry’s death, Mary Louise will come to Monterey searching for answers.
The first season of Big Little Lies was based upon the novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty, but the second season will be based, at least partially, on a new story by Moriarty. David E. Kelley, who wrote and executive produced the first season, will once again be tackling all seven episode of the second season, but Andrea Arnold (AMERICAN HONEY) will be taking over from Jean-Marc Vallée (WILD) in the director's chair. The second season is Big Little Lies is expected to debut on HBO in 2019.