Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, who are brothers-in-law in real life, have teamed up for a new series called “Presumed Innocent,” based on the legal thriller novel by Scott Turow.
The show, which premieres Wednesday on Apple TV+, marks Gyllenhaal’s first TV series and the first time he and Sarsgaard are playing adversaries on screen.
Gyllenhaal portrays Rusty Sabich, a Chicago prosecutor accused of murdering his colleague, while Sarsgaard plays Tommy Molto, another co-worker determined to prove Sabich’s guilt.
The accusation has not only fractured the district attorney’s office but also put a strain on Sabich’s marriage to Barbara, played by Ruth Negga.
Creator and showrunner David E. Kelley initially didn’t have the two characters pitted against each other as strongly, but after noticing Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard’s chemistry, he decided to capitalize on it. Their shared history and deep bond allow them to push each other’s buttons as needed, creating intense and emotionally charged scenes.
The brothers-in-law recognized that their scenes together could be a spectacle, with everyone on set excited to see what they would do next. They also have the comfort and trust to give each other notes on their performances, helping to fine-tune their acting choices.
For Gyllenhaal, filming a series for the first time was a fascinating process, requiring him to constantly use his acting muscles and tools as new scripts arrived. Sarsgaard found the rhythm of a series easier to maintain compared to big movies, where long breaks between setups can make it harder to stay in character.
The courtroom scenes gave various actors an opportunity to shine, with each character getting a moment or two to deliver a big speech. Kelley, who attended law school in the early ’80s and practiced law until he got a job on “L.A. Law,” has put his legal knowledge to good use over the years, writing numerous hit legal-centric shows.
However, he jokingly admits that he now relies on ChatGPT for legal advice and wouldn’t hire himself as an attorney.
“Presumed Innocent” promises to be an engaging legal thriller, showcasing the talent and chemistry of its cast, particularly the brotherly bond between Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.