Big Little Lies is officially coming back for a second season. After months of speculation, HBO confirmed today that Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman—who both produced and starred—will return for more episodes of the Emmy-winning drama.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Andrea Arnold, known for films including Fish Tank, Wuthering Heights, and American Honey, has been hired to replace Jean-Marc Vallée as director. Writer David E. Kelley will return from Season 1, and has reportedly already written all seven episodes of the new season. Season 2 is partially based on a story by author Liane Moriarty, who wrote the original novel Big Little Lies.
In addition to Witherspoon and Kidman, most of the Season 1 cast are expected to return, including Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, and Laura Dern. Since the show was originally intended to be a closed-ended miniseries, HBO didn't contract any actors for more than one season, so negotiations are currently underway.
Season 2 will 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," according to HBO.
Witherspoon said in a statement that Season 2 "gives us the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of these intriguing and intricate Monterey families and bring more of their stories back to the audience who embraced and championed them. I'm beyond excited to be working with talented and acclaimed director Andrea Arnold who will be at the helm. Andrea's unique storytelling style will be a welcome addition to the filmmaking team."
Kidman added: "This is inspired by the overwhelming response by audiences around the world… What a journey this has been. I'm so grateful to have this opportunity to keep exploring these female characters and make this series with my friends."
