Rian Johnson and Stars Discuss Season 2

After the smashing success of the first season of “Poker Face” on Peacock, show creator Rian Johnson took a different approach to the new season. Instead of trying to outdo himself, Johnson focused on building upon the foundation laid in Season 1 and delivering more of the same.

During the show’s PaleyFest panel at the Dolby Theatre, Johnson explained, “The idea was just — ‘Let’s make some really kickass episodes, and let’s try something different with each episode.’ So every time the credits come up at the beginning, the viewer doesn’t know what they’re gonna get.”

The new season kicks off with the protagonist, the human lie detector Charlie (Natasha Lyonne), once again on the run from Beatrix Hasp (Rhea Perlman). The action-packed season premiere features Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in “Wicked,” portraying a set of sextuplets.

Johnson revealed the challenges faced during the production of the premiere episode, where they had a tight 10-day shooting schedule. Despite the constraints, Erivo’s professionalism and talent shone through, making the process smoother.

As the series lead, executive producer, director, and writer, Lyonne juggles multiple responsibilities on set. She emphasized the importance of the crew, with whom the cast forms strong bonds during the intense shooting schedule.

Season 2 boasts an impressive lineup of guest stars, including John Mulaney, Giancarlo Esposito, John Cho, Haley Joel Osment, and Kumail Nanjiani. Nanjiani shared his experience playing Gator Joe, a cop with a unique fascination for alligators, in a role Lyonne offered him just days before shooting.

Nanjiani’s dedication to mastering his character’s dialect and connection with alligators led to some interesting dreams and a newfound appreciation for the reptiles. His commitment to the role and the collaborative nature of the production made for a memorable experience.

The guest casting process for the season brought together a mix of familiar faces and new talents, adding depth and variety to the episodes. Johnson highlighted the skill and adaptability required from guest stars to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of “Poker Face.”

Season 1’s Emmy-winning guest star Judith Light reflected on her time working with Johnson and Lyonne, praising the show’s portrayal of women’s intuition and the complexities of the characters.

Additionally, Season 2 features a “But I’m a Cheerleader” reunion with Lyonne, guest star Melanie Lynskey, and director Clea DuVall, who previously appeared as Charlie’s estranged sister. DuVall expressed her delight at returning to the set and exploring new opportunities as a director.