Critically acclaimed mini-series "Big Little Lies" has been renewed for a second season. Main stars Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon are both reprising their roles in the hit drama.
In a statement, Kidman said that the series' return was "inspired by the overwhelming response by audiences around the world." The drama will be conceived once again by Liane Moriarty, and will be directed by Academy award and three-time Cannes winner Andrea Arnold, who Kidman called a "visionary filmmaker."
"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," Kidman, who plays Celeste, said.
Witherspoon added that she is "thrilled" to be working with the team again. "It gives us the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of these intriguing and intricate Monterey families." She added they will give the stories back to the audience who "embraced and championed them," the actress said.
Witherspoon earlier dropped out of "Pale Blue Dot" to accommodate the filming schedule for "Big Little Lies," where she plays the role of Madeline.
According to HBO, the eight-time Emmy winning series' second installment will tackle the "malignancy of lies, the durability of friendships, the fragility of marriage and, of course, the vicious ferocity of sound parenting." The cable channel added that the audience can expect relationships to "fray" and loyalties to "erode" as season 2 progresses.
HBO said most of the cast are expected to return, with contracts already underway. According to reports, however, there will be an additional four characters, with production scheduled for March to August 2018.
The seven-episode season will be penned by veteran TV writer and producer David E. Kelley, and will be partially based on the Liane Moriarty novel of the same title.
Kelley will also executive produce, along with Kidman and Per Saari via Blossom Films, Witherspoon through Hello Sunshine, Bruna Papandrea, Jean-Marc Vallée, Nathan Ross, Gregg Fienberg and Arnold.
