The cast is not the only thing The Leftovers is leaving behind for season 2. Filming will begin later this month as the show moves locations as well.
Even more confusing than figuring out the reasoning behind The Rapture-like event that took 2% of the population is the production changes for HBO’s The Leftovers. Production has yet to begin on the sophomore season of the show, but instead of New York state, the series will make a move down South to Austin, Texas.
Related: The Leftovers season 2: Showrunners tease plans for 2015
The show will likely follow in the footsteps of season 1 and film near the big city, but take place in a less populated suburb. Mapleton, NY served as the starting point for The Leftovers with Kevin Garvey, played by Justin Theroux, as their Chief of Police. While the show does not necessarily need a location change, it fits with the rest of the impending shakeups to the series.
At the close of season 1, The Leftovers completed the story told in Tom Perrotta’s novel by the same name. With Perrotta sticking on for season 2 to expand his original story, he and Damon Lindelof will reunite to map out the Garveys’ next move.
Justin Theroux (Kevin Garvey), Chris Zylka (Tommy Garvey), Amy Brenneman (Laurie Garvey), Margaret Qualley (Jill Garvey), Christopher Eccleston (Reverend Matt Jamison), and Carrie Coon (Nora Durst) are all expected to return with more casting underway. The biggest losses will be noticed as Charlie and Max Carver’s comic relief, Emily Meade’s awkwardly inappropriate interactions with Justin Theroux, and Ann Dowd’s stunning performance as the Guilty Remnant cult leader Patti Levin.
Related: The Leftovers season 1 finale recap: Not long now
When we last left Mapleton, Nora’s departure was cut short as she discovered the abandoned baby of Holy Wayne and Christine left by Tommy before he drove off to find his mother. Perhaps the entire crew will make it to Texas and Tommy will convince his mother to join the Barefoot people he met with Christine.
Update: Check back here for updates on when The Leftovers will return in 2015.