Meryl Streep joins the star-studded cast of HBO's 'Big Little Lies' season two

HBO's Emmy Award-winning series "Big Little Lies" season 2 just added another star to its already star-studded cast: Meryl Streep.

According to HBO, Streep will play the role of Mary Louis Wright, Celeste's (Nicole Kidman) mother-in-law. Her casting breakdown is as follows: "Concerned for the well-being of her grandchildren following her son Perry's death, Mary Louise arrives in Monterey searching for answers."

The news came shortly after her nomination for Steven Spielberg's "The Post." Streep's Oscar nomination this year makes her the most Oscar-nominated actress in history, with over 21 nominations and three Oscar wins.

Meanwhile, fans of "Big Little Lies" are more excited for the show's second season premiere now that Meryl Streep is joining the cast. In a brief synopsis of season two, Celeste will be "reeling from her husband Perry's death" and find herself "adrift, but determined to fight for her family and find the woman she once was."

Although the second season of "Big Little Lies" was officially announced in December, only Kidman and Witherspoon are confirmed to be going back to the show. Fans need not panic however, since HBO already noted that most of the original cast will be back.

"Big Little Lies" author Liane Moriarty recently shared to Herald Sun how Kidman became a tool in convincing Streep to take on the role. Apparently, while writing the events for season two, Moriarty already envisioned Perry's mother with Streep in mind.

"The producers were laughing at me because they were saying 'you've become so Hollywood' ... as in, picking up the phone and saying, 'get me Meryl''," Moriarty said. "They were teasing me ... but then they were saying, it's not beyond the realm of possibilities because Nicole and Meryl are friends."

Moriarty further shared how she sent an email to Kidman asking for help. "Nicole sent me an email saying, 'ask and you shall receive,'" the author revealed.

"Big Little Lies" season two will be composed of seven episodes and will be directed by Andrea Arnold.

News
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic

The US State Department has said it is closely monitoring the prosecution of a Christian woman who prayed silently in an abortion clinic buffer zone. 

Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians.