HBO has confirmed that Shailene Woodley (Jane Chapman), Laura Dern (Renata Klein), and Zoe Kravitz (Bonnie Carlson) will return to their roles for season two of Big Little Lies. The season one stars have officially signed deals to return to their award winning drama series. Because it was planned that season one would be the end, each actress had to sign a new deal with HBO. The previous one did not have an option to do more.

They will be rejoining fellow stars of the show Reese Witherspoon (Madeline Martha Machenzie) and Nicole Kidman (Celeste Wright). They will also be joining Meryl Streep, who will become a regular for season two as Perry’s mother, Mary Louise Wright.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, casting for the role of Bonnie’s father is underway. Also, Alexander Skarsgard (Perry Wright) will return in some way despite his ending in season one.

Per HBO season two will be about, 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.

There are also a behind the scene change as well. Jean-Marc Vallée directed all of season one; however, for season two he will return as an executive producer. Andrea Arnold (who won an Oscar for writing and directing Wasp) will direct the new season in Vallée’s place. David E. Kelly will again write all seven episodes for season two.

Production is expected to begin later this year. Big Little Lies season two likely to be released in 2019.