Here’s a killer twist, Following fans: Joe Carroll will be returning for the show’s second season.
James Purefoy, who portrays the serial killer/cult leader, made a surprise appearance at the series’ Comic-Con panel Friday. Creator Kevin Williamson hinted that Purefoy would indeed play a role in the show’s second year, despite Carroll being presumed dead at the end of the Following’s freshman season.
“He may just have to think of a new way and re-imagine who he is as a man and as a killer,” Williamson said, while Purefoy added, “I suspect he’s been doing a little bit of soul searching. I mean, he’s searching for a soul.”
Williamson also revealed that the second season, which will jump forward a year in time, will be more character-driven, with less focus on the FBI. Viewers will even learn more about Carroll himself, including how he became the brutal killer who sparked the events of the show’s first year.
Finally, Williamson indicated that the Fox drama would be introducing multiple new characters—both good and bad—going into its sophomore season.
News of Purefoy’s return comes after the announcement that Natalie Zea would also be reprising her role on the series, though only for a brief period of time. Her character, Claire Matthews, was also left in mortal danger in the season finale; based on footage shown at Comic-Con, however, it appears that she will not be quite as lucky as her ex-husband.
The Following will return next year on Fox.