Marvel Star Recruited For Jake Gyllenhaal Mystery Series
Ruth Negga is joining Jake Gyllenhaal in the series adaptation of Presumed Innocent.
Ruth Negga has joined the cast of the upcoming AppleTV+ project, Presumed Innocent. Based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Scott Turow, the eight-part limited series is being developed by David E. Kelley, J. J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television. The Marvel alum is set to star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, who is in final talks to lead the series as Rusty Sabich.
Presumed Innocent chronicles a horrific murder that upends the Chicago Prosecuting Office when one of its attorneys becomes the prime suspect. The book was turned into a feature film starring Harrison Ford in 1990. Featuring Ruth Nega, Kelley’s version of Presumed Innocent will explore obsession, sex, and politics. The power and limits of love will also be tested, as the accused fights to keep his family together, Deadline reports.
Ruth Negga will appear in Presumed Innocent as Barbara Sabich – a role made famous by Bonnie Bedelia in the movie. The mother, wife, artist, and gallery owner finds her idyllic life in shambles when her husband is accused of murdering his mistress. Still, Barbara fights to keep her family intact while dealing with a broken marriage and a very public murder trial.
The 41-year-old actress is best known for portraying Mildred in the 2016 film Loving. She also appeared as Tulip O’Hare in AMC’s supernatural drama series Preacher. Her other movie and television credits include Warcraft, Criminal Justice, and Misfits. But to superhero fans, Ruth Negga is famous for portraying Raina in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., long before being cast in Presumed Innocent.
Raina was raised by Calvin Johnson and grew up with stories of her heritage as an Inhuman. The Marvel alum eventually became a Project Centipede recruiter and worked with Hydra to replicate the serum that was used to resurrect Agent Coulson. After going through Terrigenesis, Raina gained precognition abilities. But her new powers came at the expense of a human appearance. Ruth Negga portrayed the character brilliantly, making her the perfect choice for the role of Barbara in Presumed Innocent.
Ruth Negga appeared in several other notable projects before joining Presumed Innocent. Most recently, she starred alongside Tessa Thompson in the Netflix adaptation of Passing. Set in 1920s New York, the story follows a black woman whose life becomes intertwined with a former childhood friend who passes as white. Directed by Rebecca Hall, the story is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Nella Larsen.
Throughout her career, Ruth Negga has been hailed by critics for her work in intense roles, much like the one in Presumed Innocent. For her portrayal of Mildred Loving, the actress earned nominations for Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and the Golden Globes. She also won the Irish Film and Television Award for Best Actress. In 2022, the 41-year-old made her Broadway debut as Lady Macbeth in a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Her portrayal earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play. With a vast range of acting skills, it will be interesting to see Ruth Negga bring Barbara Sabich to life on Presumed Innocent.
