Presumed Innocent Movie Cast Unaware of Murderer Identity During Filming

Jake Gyllenhaal stars in "Presumed Innocent," a murder mystery series with a surprise ending that even kept the cast guessing.

Executive producer David E. Kelley acknowledges the difficulty of keeping secrets in the modern era. In the upcoming Apple TV+ limited series "Presumed Innocent," Jake Gyllenhaal's character is accused of murdering his lover, leading audiences to question the identity of the true culprit until the final episode. The cast themselves were left in the dark during filming, mirroring the suspenseful nature of the plot.

In a recent interview with TheWrap, Gyllenhaal and his co-star Peter Sarsgaard, who plays a rival prosecutor, discussed the unique experience of not knowing the outcome of the story. Gyllenhaal, stepping into the role of Rusty Sabich previously portrayed by Harrison Ford, shared his surprise at discovering the plot twists alongside the viewers.

Based on the Scott Turow novel, the series follows the investigation into the murder of attorney Carolyn Polhemus, played by Renate Reinsve. Rusty, married to Barbra (Ruth Negga), becomes the prime suspect in the case, with Sarsgaard's character determined to prove his guilt.

Kelley revealed that during the writing process, the identity of the killer remained undecided for a significant period. The team opted to maintain secrecy surrounding the plot twists, recognizing the challenge of surprising audiences in the digital age. The uncertainty surrounding the characters' guilt added an extra layer of intrigue to the storytelling.

Drawing from his experience on "Big Little Lies," Kelley emphasized the importance of withholding key plot details until late in the production process. While considering the possibility of filming multiple endings, the team ultimately committed to a single conclusion they believed in wholeheartedly.

Reflecting on his earlier work on "LA Law," Kelley noted the shift in audience expectations and industry practices over the years. The prevalence of leaks and spoilers in today's media landscape makes it challenging to preserve the element of surprise for viewers. Despite these obstacles, Kelley remains dedicated to crafting engaging narratives that keep audiences guessing until the very end.