Meryl Streep Is Joining the Cast of ‘Big Little Lies’
Now the show’s seemingly unnecessary Season 2 is sure to be a success
If you thought the star power in the first season of HBO’s Big Little Lies couldn’t be topped, well, what if I told you they just brought in the most-nominated actor in Oscars history? That’s right: HBO announced on Wednesday that Meryl Streep, three-time Oscar-winning thespian, will be joining the show’s second season, which is expected to air in 2019.
Streep will play Mary Louise Wright, mother to Perry (Alexander Skarsgard), who — spoiler alert — was killed in the Season 1 finale following the reveal that he raped Monterey newcomer Jane (Shailene Woodley). Per HBO, Wright is “concerned for the well-being of her grandchildren following her son Perry’s death … [so she] arrives in Monterey searching for answers.” So, at minimum, expect some juicy, Emmy-worthy exchanges between Streep and her on-screen daughter-in-law, Celeste (Nicole Kidman). However, we imagine Streep will be gracing the screen for a decent amount of time; you don’t bring in one of the best performers of all time for a bit role.
I had my reservations about Big Little Lies coming back for a second season. Season 1 had a pitch-perfect, cathartic ending, and has been sweeping up awards in the miniseries category because it was supposed to be just that: a miniseries. But with Streep, as well as director Andrea Arnold of Transparent, Wuthering Heights, and American Honey fame joining the already star-studded fold (Nicole Kidman! Reese Witherspoon! Laura Dern! Zoe Kravitz! Bearded Adam Scott!), HBO has officially won me over.
Forget Game of Thrones; when 2019 rolls around, I can’t wait to get back to our socialites in coastal California. Laura Dern, please bring the wine.
