Back in late May, it was announced that the second season of the hugely successful Disney+ series Rivals had begun production. Now halfway through, the heat has been turned up as the upper-class debauchery and filthy-rich feuding just took an exciting new turn with the arrival of two major stars. Already featuring the likes of David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and more, the ensemble has now added another British acting icon as well as an MCU star, in Rupert Everett and Agent Carter herself, Hayley Atwell.
According to a report, Mission: Impossible alum Atwell “has joined the cast as Helen Gordon, the ex-wife of Alex Hassell’s Rupert Campbell-Black and the mother of his two children, Marcus and Tabitha.” The Golden Globe-nominated Everett “is set to take on the role of Gordon’s husband, Malise Gordon, Campbell Black’s former show-jumping coach and mentor.” Also joining the second season cast are the likes of Maxim Ays, Holly Cattle, Oliver Dench, Amanda Lawrence, Bobby Lockwood, Eliot Salt, and Jonny Weldon.
The new ensemble additions will join the already established line-up of this hugely successful Jilly Cooper novel adaptation, which includes the likes of Tennant‘s dastardly Tony following his shocking fate at the end of Season 1; Turner’s fiery Declan O’Hara, Danny Dyer’s Freddie Jones, his love interest Katherine Parkinson‘s Lizzie Vereker, Nafessa Williams’ headstrong Cameron Cook, Alex Hassell’s charming Rupert Campbell-Black, and Bella Maclean’s Taggie O’Hara. Original author Cooper executive produces the series alongside Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Felicity Blunt, Alexander Lamb, and Lee Mason.
Will Freddie and Lizzie’s Love Blossom in ‘Rivals’ Season 2?
For those familiar with the Cooper novels, although some creative license will be taken, certain plot threads can be expected for the upcoming second season. From the fate of Tony to the next step for Corinium, many plot points have been left neatly balanced on a knife-edge. One such plot point is the blossoming romance between Dyer’s Freddie and Parkinson’s Lizzie, with the two finally coming together in the finale of Season 1. In a statement back in May, Dyer was unable to tease what fans could expect from his and Lizzie’s romance in Season 2, but he did promise quality to come, saying, “This series is so much better than the first. It’s that difficult second album thing, but honestly the writers and the producers have absolutely nailed it and I can’t wait for people to see it. It’s a beautiful job for me [and] I love working with Katherine [Parkinson]”
Production continues for Rivals Season 2. Season 1 is currently streaming on Hulu.
via Collider