The cast of “Big Little Lies” stepped out in New York for the premiere of season 2 (see following update). In a conversation moderated by “Vanity Fair” editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, Streep joined stars Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Dern hours before their season 2 premiere to discuss their experiences with the celebrated HBO drama and why they were so determined to bring it back. When asked to join a second season of “Big Little Lies,” Meryl Streep didn’t hesitate. “[My agents] asked me, ‘don’t you want to read it?’ And I said no,” the actor laughed, sitting alongside her co-stars Wednesday at the Wing Soho in New York City. “The first season was the greatest thing on television.” “You get to explore [the characters] and the consequences on a deeper level,” said Kidman of the decision to continue after the climactic finale, which coincided with the end of Liane Moriarty’s novel and was originally meant to end the series. “You see their lives unfold in a much deeper way.” Another big part of the decision to return was the huge reaction the show received. “The year at the Golden Globes when Oprah gave that incredible speech…and we were able to go up there and talk about this show was truly one of the greatest moments of my life and career,” Witherspoon said. Plus, as they all agreed, “Big Little Lies” represented a rare treat in their careers when they got to collaborate with many women rather than be the sole female voice on set; the fact that they even get along well enough to have an ongoing group chat is a bonus. (While they wouldn’t reveal the content of their conversations, Kidman at least allowed that she’s the most enthusiastic emoji user, while Witherspoon said that she “likes a gif.”) The full article can be read over at Variety, hopefully there will be a video of the panel posted soon. For now, enjoy the pictures.

Most of the “Big Little Lies” actors are currently busy promoting the series’ second season, which will premiere on HBO next Sunday, June 9. Unfortuantely, Meryl is not among those doing the talkshow circuit right now. Maybe she will be seen next week since not all late night shows have announced their guests yet. In Reese Witherspoon’s appearance on Good Morning America earlier today, a clip was shown which seems to be the first meeting between Madeline and Celeste’s mother-in-law, Celeste. While we’ve already read that Mary-Louise is up to no good, the clip gives us a better understanding of what to look forward to – and judging from the brief scene, there’s a lot! You can watch the clip below, in the video archive or catch Reese’s full appearance on GMA here. Additionally, a couple of new production stills have been added to the photo gallery.

HBO has released the full trailer for the series’ second season. While the trailer gives great insight into what happens in Monterey after the faithful night, Meryl’s character is still only shown in short bits. It might be a good sign that they keep all the powerful scenes for its airing, starting June 09 in the United States on June 10 in United Kingdom and other European countries. Additionally, the UK poster as well as Meryl’s character poster have been released and added. Screencaptures from the trailer have been added to the photo gallery as well.

Yesterday, Meryl Streep has made a rare public appearance (hopefully not that rare anymore with the promotion of “Big Little Lies” coming up) alongside friend Emma Thompson on Broadway. They visited a performance of “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck, which is currently a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Pictures from their backstage visit have been added to the photo gallery.

HBO released the official first look and premiere date for the second season of the Emmy-winning drama on Sunday. The seven-episode season premieres June 9. The second season picks up where the first left off and, according to the HBO description, will focus on how the tragic events of the finale fundraiser impact the main characters’ seemingly picture-perfect lives. The season description reads: On the surface, in the tranquil seaside town of Monterey, California, everything seems the same. The mothers continue to dote, the husbands support, the children remain adorable and the houses are just as beautiful. But the night of the school fundraiser changed all that, leaving the community reeling as the “Monterey Five” bond together to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. In a major casting scoop, Meryl Streep adds to the already impressive ensemble cast. She plays the role of Mary Louise Wright, who is described as a woman concerned for the well-being of her grandchildren following her son Perry’s (Alexander Skasrgard) death and who arrives in Monterey searching for answers. At one point in the season two trailer, she confronts Witherspoon’s character, Madeline. The new season will explore the malignancy of lies, the durability of friendships, the fragility of marriage and, of course, and the vicious ferocity of sound parenting. Relationships will fray, loyalties will erode — and the potential for emotional and bodily injury shall loom, HBO warns. The teaser trailer can be watched above. Screencaptures have been added to the photo gallery.

“Mary Poppins Returns” has been released on DVD, Blu-Ray and on-demand earlier this week in the United States. The Blu-Ray is filled with special features, outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage. Screencaptures from the film, its making of featurettes and the outtakes have been added to the photo gallery.

Meryl Streep addressed her highly-anticipated role in Big Little Lies Season 2 for the first time during an appearance at the Television Critics Association press tour on Friday, teasing her character’s place on the show and what made her join the cast in the first place. “I loved this show, I was addicted to it,” Streep said of Season 1. “I thought it was an amazing exercise in what we know and what we don’t know about people, about family, about friends, how it flirted with the mystery of things. What was unsaid, unshown, unknown, was the gravitational pull of the piece. It was so exciting. When I got the chance to join the crew, I thought ‘Yeah!’ I wanted to be in that world. The world that was created was amazing.” Streep will play Mary Louise Wright, mother of the late Perry Wright (Alexander Skarsgård) and mother-in-law of Celeste (Nicole Kidman). “The dynamic between Celeste and me … Hmmm! I do love [Nicole], and I do love her. That’s the only thing I’ll tell you about my character,” Streep teased. She appeared at the TCA panel alongside BLL creator/write David E. Kelley and co-stars Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Kravitz, Shailene Woodley, and Laura Dern. Pictures from the TCA have been added to the photo gallery.

Today, “Mary Poppins Returns” releases theaters in the United States and Europe, destined to dominate the Christmas box office of 2018 and probably the awards season of 2019 with a predicted Best Actress nomination for Emily Blunt. The reviews have been good so far, ranging from “it’s a new classic” to “it’s not a classic”, so I guess those interested in the film will get a chance to see where it ranks – starting today! Since this is probably the last update of Simply Streep for 2018, the release of the film would not be complete without a proper press coverage of reviews and articles on the film, including a nice cover story from Radio Times in the United Kingdom, as well as a cover story with Meryl in the latest issue of Yours. In America, you can grab a special edition of People Magazine, featuring exclusive interviews with Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Meryl Streep. There are also some “leftovers” from the “Mamma Mia” and “The Post” promotion from earlier this year. Many many thanks, as always, to Alvaro for providing the scans. To all the visitors of Simply Streep, I would like to wish you great Holidays and a good and healthy start into 2019! See you next year. Frederik :-)

Yesterday, Meryl Streep attended the London premiere for “Mary Poppins Returns”, which turns out to be the season’s most anticipated film, and, even more surprisingly, a serious awards contender for Best Picture and Best Actress. Many pictures have been added to the video archive. A video clip of Meryl being interviewed at the premiere can be found below.

Yesterday, Stephen Colbert and Meryl Streep joined Montclair Film’s annual fundraiser at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center for an in-depth conversation about Streep’s career, interviewed by Colbert. While we’re waiting for articles or – fingers crossed – a video from the conversation, check out pictures from the event in the photo gallery.