Peter Sarsgaard has confirmed that he will not be returning for the second season of Apple TV+’s legal thriller, Presumed Innocent. The actor, who portrayed the high-strung prosecutor Tommy Molto in the first season, expressed his disinterest in sequels during an interview with IndieWire.
Sarsgaard stated, “I’m not really that interested in sequels. I think I’ve only ever done one season of anything. I think I’m a one-season person.” This sentiment reflects his approach to acting, where he values the experience of saying goodbye to a role and moving on to new projects. He elaborated, “I tell my kids this sometimes, maybe I’ve done 90, 100 different things over the years between movies, TV shows, and plays. I say, ‘I’m very good at saying hello and saying goodbye.’ There’s a very valuable thing in saying goodbye because then you have to look for another source of inspiration and then you change.”
The announcement of a second season for Presumed Innocent came earlier this month, following the show’s success as the most viewed drama on Apple TV+. The series, based on Scott Turow’s bestselling novel, follows the story of Rusty Sabich, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who finds himself embroiled in a murder case. The first season concluded with a not guilty verdict for Rusty, leaving fans eager for more.
While details about the upcoming season remain sparse, it has been confirmed that it will revolve around a “brand new case.” The show’s producers, including Gyllenhaal, David E. Kelley, and J.J. Abrams, are set to return, but it remains unclear whether Gyllenhaal will reprise his role as Rusty. The character is not a recurring figure in Turow’s novels, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding the cast for the new season.
Sarsgaard’s departure marks a significant change for the series, as his character was a central figure in the first season. He portrayed Tommy Molto as a rival prosecutor who was determined to bring Rusty to justice. Despite the character’s antagonistic role, Sarsgaard believes that Molto was misunderstood by the audience. He remarked, “To me, I’m not a villain in that. I’m just a guy who lives by himself. I’m playing a decent person in that.”
The actor’s decision to step away from the role aligns with his broader philosophy on acting. He has often emphasized the importance of exploring new characters and stories rather than revisiting past roles. This approach has allowed him to collaborate with a diverse range of artists and engage in various creative experiences throughout his career.
Sarsgaard’s connection to Gyllenhaal adds another layer to their on-screen dynamic. The two actors are brothers-in-law, with Sarsgaard married to Gyllenhaal’s sister, Maggie. Their familial relationship contributed to a unique chemistry on set, which Sarsgaard found beneficial, especially given the adversarial nature of their characters. He noted, “For two characters also that have an antagonistic relationship, it’s nice that underneath — I think what you feel is people only argue like that if they care about each other on some level.”
As the series transitions into its second season, fans will have to adjust to the absence of Sarsgaard’s character. The show’s producers have hinted at a potential anthology format, which could allow for new characters and storylines to emerge. This shift may provide an opportunity for the series to explore different themes and narratives while maintaining the suspenseful tone that captivated viewers in the first season.
While Sarsgaard will not be part of the new season, he remains optimistic about his future projects. He is set to star in his wife’s upcoming film, The Bride, alongside a talented cast that includes Christian Bale and Penélope Cruz. This collaboration highlights the couple’s commitment to supporting each other’s artistic endeavors.
In conclusion, Peter Sarsgaard’s decision not to return for Presumed Innocent Season 2 marks a significant change for the series. His departure reflects his personal philosophy on acting and the importance of exploring new creative avenues. As the show prepares for its next chapter, fans will be left wondering how the absence of Sarsgaard’s character will impact the unfolding narrative. With a new case on the horizon, the future of Presumed Innocent remains intriguing, and viewers will be eager to see how the series evolves without one of its key players.
Source: IndieWire, Entertainment Weekly, PEOPLE
