EXCLUSIVE: Kyle Patrick Alvarez (The Stanford Prison Experiment) is set to direct and executive produce the second season of Amazon’s psychological thriller drama series Homecoming, from Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail. Additionally, Stephan James, who received a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Walter Cruz last season, will return to reprise the role, along with Hong Chau, who plays Audrey Temple. James and Chau will star alongside Janelle Monáe, who is joining the series this season, succeeding Julie Roberts who toplined Season 1 in a one-year deal.

(L-R) Stephan James, Hong Chau Shutterstock/IMDB

Alvarez will direct all episodes, taking over from Esmail, who helmed all episodes in Season 1. Homecoming is heading into a second season that will deviate from the popular Gimlet Media’s podcast which Season 1 was based on and will introduce new characters.

Monáe’s character provides a glimpse into the potential Season 2 mystery — she plays a woman who finds herself floating in a canoe, with no memory of how she got there — or even who she is.

In addition to James and Chau we’d been hearing that Bobby Cannavale and possibly Shea Whigham were looking good to return.

Created by Eli Horowitz and Micah Bloomberg, Homecoming is co-produced by Amazon Studios and UCP. The series is executive produced by Esmail through his production company Esmail Corp; as well as Chad Hamilton of Anonymous Content; Horowitz and Bloomberg; Alvarez; and Chris Giliberti, Alex Blumberg and Matt Lieber of Gimlet Media. Roberts will also serve as executive producer through her production company Red Om Films.

“We’re so lucky to have Kyle Alvarez on board to direct Season Two — his enthusiasm and relentless creativity are already taking the show in exciting new directions,” said Bloomberg and Horowitz. “And we’re thrilled that Stephan and Hong will be returning — we can’t wait to watch as they take their characters on these surprising journeys, far beyond anything we could have expected.”

Alvarez’s film work includes two movies that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The Stanford Prison Experiment starring Billy Crudup and Ezra Miller, premiered at the 2015 festival where it won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. His film C.O.G, premiered at the festival in 2013. His television work includes Counterpart, 13 Reasons Why, and the finale of the Tales of the City revival. He is repped by UTA, Media Talent Group and Morris Yorn.