HBO’s adaptation of Big Little Lies already had several A-list actresses attached in its first season, most prominently Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, but now an even bigger name has joined the cast for the show’s second season. Meryl Streep, who was just nominated an Academy Award for the 21st time for her role in The Post, will star in a regular role of the limited series’ sophomore season.
Streep will portray Mary Louise Wright, the mother of Perry Wright as played by Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood) in the first season. After the events of the previous season, Mary Louise is concerned for the well-being of her grandchildren and comes to Monterey to look after them and search for answers.
Streep is the first new star to come onboard the second season. White Kidman and Witherspoon are set to return both as their characters and executive producers, deals have yet to be finalized for the rest of the cast to return, including Shailene Woodley and Laura Dern.
Big Little Lies has been ordered for a seven-episode season with Andrea Arnold (American Honey) directing the entire season. Jean-Marc Vallée, season one’s director, will remain onboard as an executive producer. It is unknown when the series will begin production again.