Jake Gyllenhaal Opens Up About Collaborating with Brother-in-Law Peter Sarsgaard on “Presumed Innocent”
Introduction
Jake Gyllenhaal is no stranger to complex roles and high-stakes drama, but his latest project brings a unique twist: working alongside his brother-in-law, Peter Sarsgaard, in the Apple TV+ series “Presumed Innocent.” At the world premiere of the series, Gyllenhaal shared insights into this familial collaboration and what it meant for both their personal and professional lives.
On a bustling Sunday evening, amidst the glitz of the premiere, Gyllenhaal, 43, talked to ET about his role in bringing “Presumed Innocent” to life. As an executive producer on the series, Gyllenhaal played a significant part in assembling a stellar cast, which includes Sarsgaard, a seasoned actor known for his intense performances. Gyllenhaal revealed that getting Sarsgaard, 53, on board was a priority from the beginning. Sarsgaard, who has been married to Gyllenhaal’s sister, actress and director Maggie Gyllenhaal, since 2009, seemed like an obvious yet challenging choice for the role.
“We always had Peter in mind for this role,” Gyllenhaal explained, smiling at the memory of the casting discussions. “He was a bit of a long shot for the producers, even though I had a bit of an ‘in’ with him, being family and all.”
A Tense On-Screen Rivalry
In “Presumed Innocent,” an adaptation of Scott Turow’s gripping 1986 novel, Gyllenhaal portrays Rusty Sabich, a deputy prosecutor who finds himself in the hot seat, accused of murdering a colleague. Opposite him, Sarsgaard steps into the shoes of Tommy Molto, a fellow deputy prosecutor and Sabich’s courtroom adversary. This dynamic sets the stage for a series steeped in legal intrigue and personal tension.
Gyllenhaal reflected on the experience of playing rivals with his brother-in-law. “Acting out these intense, antagonistic scenes with Peter was incredibly fun,” he said. “There’s something cathartic about diving into such dramatic moments with someone you know so well. It allows you to tap into a shared history and respect that enriches the performance.”
Building a Deeper Bond Through Drama
For Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard, the show provided a rare opportunity to explore their relationship through the lens of their characters’ rivalry. Despite the on-screen tension, Gyllenhaal described the experience as profoundly positive. “Working with Peter brought a unique depth to our relationship,” he said. “We could channel our real-life bond into these complex, dramatic scenes, creating a richer narrative.”
Sarsgaard echoed this sentiment when speaking with ET at the Tribeca Festival. “Jake is incredibly driven and approaches his work with such integrity,” he said. “He’s much more ambitious than I am in many respects, and it’s inspiring to be around someone who pushes until the project is exactly what he envisions.”
Bringing “Presumed Innocent” to Life
The process of bringing “Presumed Innocent” to television was a collaborative effort involving some of the industry’s most respected figures, including J.J. Abrams and David E. Kelley. The original novel, known for its intricate plot and moral complexity, posed an exciting challenge for the creative team. “The pilot script was so compelling,” Sarsgaard recalled. “Each episode made me eager to find out what happens next.”
The source material’s enduring appeal is evidenced by its successful adaptation into a 1990 film starring Harrison Ford, and Turow’s own sequel novel, “Innocent,” published in 2010. Gyllenhaal’s enthusiasm for the project was fueled by the narrative’s many twists and moral quandaries. “From the first episode, I was captivated by the moral high wire act and the tumultuous journey Rusty Sabich faces,” he said. “The story just keeps escalating, and that’s what makes it so thrilling.”
Expanding Horizons with “Road House”
Beyond his work on “Presumed Innocent,” Gyllenhaal is also exploring new frontiers with the recently announced sequel to Prime Video’s “Road House.” The remake of the iconic 1989 film, originally starring Patrick Swayze, premiered at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, and Gyllenhaal’s performance was met with a standing ovation.
“’Road House 2′ is a first for me in many ways,” Gyllenhaal shared. “It’s the first sequel I’ve been a part of, and I’m excited to expand the world we created. There’s something thrilling about building on a beloved story and taking it in new directions.”
A Journey of Family and Film
Jake Gyllenhaal’s latest ventures highlight his commitment to storytelling, whether through intense family dynamics in a courtroom drama or the high-octane action of a cult classic reboot. His collaboration with Peter Sarsgaard on “Presumed Innocent” underscores the unique intersection of personal and professional life, blending familial bonds with the rigors of acting.
As audiences eagerly await the release of “Presumed Innocent” and anticipate the next chapter in “Road House,” Gyllenhaal continues to push boundaries and explore new dimensions of his craft. Through these projects, he not only entertains but also deepens his connections with those closest to him, both on and off the screen.
In navigating the complex worlds of television and film, Gyllenhaal exemplifies the blend of talent, ambition, and personal depth that makes his work resonate. As he and Sarsgaard bring their layered performances to “Presumed Innocent,” viewers are in for a captivating exploration of justice, rivalry, and family, all enriched by the real-life bonds that make these portrayals so compelling.
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