Rian Johnson Discusses New Relationships in Poker Face Season 2

LOS ANGELES, CA — Rian Johnson shared insights about the second season of his hit series Poker Face, which premieres on May 8, 2025. The show stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a woman with an uncanny ability to detect lies.

Johnson explained that while he considered the stakes of season 2, his main focus was on developing new emotional connections for the lead character. Each episode features Charlie navigating unique scenarios with a wide array of quirky characters. Johnson noted that he wanted to retain the original show’s formula that resonated well with audiences previously.

In an interview, Johnson said, “This show is a tribute to the type of TV that I grew up watching. The freshness every week comes from the world that Charlie finds herself in, and how she interacts with new characters.” He emphasized that Charlie’s investigations are driven by emotional relationships rather than her being a police officer.

Johnson expressed pride in one particular episode, titled “Sloppy Joseph,” which explores the dynamics of childhood relationships. He mentioned that it started with the question of how to create low-stakes drama in a grade school setting, illustrating how even minor conflicts can hold high emotional stakes.

Reflecting on recent trends in the industry, he noted the rise of actors portraying multiple characters, such as twins or quintuplets. Johnson said this is reminiscent of classic storytelling techniques, specifically referencing a Columbo episode where a character played twins.

This season, Johnson directed only one episode due to overlapping projects. “The Game Is A Foot” features Cynthia Erivo in a complex dual role, showcasing her talent and adaptability in a unique shooting format.

“It was a highlight to see her work at that level,” Johnson said, discussing the challenges and rewards of the production process.