The Waterfront Season 2 Confirms New Character Lena Boone (Played by Riley Keough) — And She’s Got History With BOTH Jack and Emily

Netflix’s The Waterfront has become a streaming sensation since its debut on June 19, 2025, captivating audiences with its blend of coastal crime and dysfunctional family drama. Created by Kevin Williamson, the series follows the Buckley family’s struggle to salvage their failing fishing empire in Havenport, North Carolina, racking up over 25.5 million views in its first three weeks. The Season 1 finale, marked by the shocking death of Topher Grace’s villainous Grady and a cliffhanger involving Belle Buckley’s (Maria Bello) secret alliance with the Parker family, left fans clamoring for more. Now, as anticipation builds for a potential Season 2, a major casting announcement has sent shockwaves through the fandom: Riley Keough, known for her standout roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and Daisy Jones & The Six, will join the cast as Lena Boone, a mysterious new character with deep ties to both Jack (Cane Buckley, played by Jake Weary) and Emily (Peyton Buckley, played by Danielle Campbell). This revelation promises to shake up the Buckley family dynamics and ignite new conflicts in Havenport’s gritty underworld.

Riley Keough as Lena Boone: A Game-Changing Addition

Riley Keough, a rising star with a knack for portraying complex, layered characters, is set to make her Waterfront debut as Lena Boone, a charismatic yet enigmatic figure with a murky past. Keough’s recent performances—earning critical acclaim as the troubled Stefani in Zola and a Golden Globe nomination for Daisy Jones & The Six—position her as a perfect fit for the show’s soapy yet gritty tone. According to sources close to the production, Lena Boone is a Havenport native who returns after years away, bringing with her secrets that threaten to unravel the Buckley family’s fragile alliances. Williamson has described Lena as “a catalyst for chaos,” hinting that her history with Cane and Peyton will “reopen old wounds and spark new betrayals.”

Lena’s connection to Cane (referred to as Jack in some early reports, likely a production codename or nickname) and Peyton (referred to as Emily) stems from their shared high school days in Havenport. Sources suggest Lena was a close friend of Peyton’s and a former flame of Cane’s, predating his relationship with both Peyton and his high school sweetheart, Jenna Tate (Humberly González). This tangled romantic history sets the stage for a volatile love triangle—or quadrangle—that could further strain Cane and Peyton’s already fractured marriage, especially after Cane’s affair with Jenna in Season 1. Williamson told Variety that Lena’s arrival will “force Cane and Peyton to confront their past choices,” adding, “She’s not just a ghost from their past; she’s a wrecking ball.”

Lena Boone’s Role in Season 2’s Story

While Netflix has yet to officially renew The Waterfront for Season 2, the show’s strong viewership and Williamson’s ambitious three-to-five-season plan make a second season highly likely. Lena Boone’s introduction is poised to amplify the show’s central conflicts, particularly the Buckley-Parker rivalry and the internal family power struggle. According to Williamson’s comments to The Hollywood Reporter, Season 2 will focus on the Parker family, led by Emmett (Terry Serpico) and the newly cast Victor Parker (Neal McDonough), as they challenge the Buckleys’ control over Havenport’s criminal enterprises. Lena’s role is rumored to tie into this feud, with speculation that she has a connection to the Parkers—possibly as a former associate or even a family member—making her a wildcard in the escalating turf war.

Lena’s history with Cane and Peyton is expected to play out in the borderlands, the lawless coastal zone introduced in Season 1, where the Buckleys and Parkers vie for control of drug routes. Director Christina Voros, known for her work on Yellowstone, will helm episodes 3 and 4, which are said to feature Lena’s arrival and her disruptive impact on the Buckley family. Titled “Blood in the Water” and “No Man’s Land,” these episodes will reportedly include a botched smuggling operation and a tense confrontation involving Lena, Cane, and Peyton, with Keough’s character stirring up long-buried emotions. Williamson has teased that Lena’s motives are “not what they seem,” suggesting she may have an agenda beyond rekindling old relationships.

The Returning Cast and New Dynamics

The core cast is expected to return for Season 2, with Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley grappling with his diminished authority as Belle (Maria Bello) seizes control of the family’s operations. Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley will continue her redemption arc, rebuilding her relationship with her son, Diller (Brady Hepner), while navigating her traumatic past. Rafael L. Silva as Shawn West, Harlan’s secret son, is set for an expanded role, with his mysterious boyfriend potentially intersecting with Lena’s storyline. Dave Annable as Wes Benson, the scheming developer, may return despite his brutal treatment by the Parkers in the Season 1 finale, while Terry Serpico and Neal McDonough as Emmett and Victor Parker will drive the season’s central conflict.

Keough’s Lena Boone introduces a fresh dynamic, particularly for Cane and Peyton. Cane’s affair with Jenna in Season 1 already strained his marriage, and Peyton’s discovery of his infidelity—coupled with her own emerging ruthlessness—sets the stage for a power shift. Danielle Campbell told Us Weekly that Peyton “knows so much more than she lets on,” hinting that she could either ally with or oppose Lena, depending on how the past resurfaces. Jake Weary, speaking to TV Insider, expressed excitement about exploring Cane’s “messy” relationships, suggesting Lena’s arrival will push him to confront his loyalty to Peyton and the family business.

Fan Reaction and Internet Buzz

The announcement of Riley Keough as Lena Boone has sparked a firestorm on X, with fans buzzing about her potential to fill the void left by Topher Grace’s Grady. One user posted, “Riley Keough in The Waterfront S2? That’s a POWER MOVE. Her vibe is perfect for this show’s chaos.” Another wrote, “Lena Boone messing with Jack and Emily? This love triangle is gonna wreck me.” Some fans expressed concern about replacing Grady’s unhinged energy, with one commenting, “Topher was iconic, but Riley Keough as a shady ex with Parker ties? I’m seated.” The casting also draws comparisons to Keough’s Yellowstone co-star Neal McDonough, with fans noting their shared ability to portray magnetic yet dangerous characters.

The show’s first season earned a 64% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, lauded for its cast and coastal aesthetic but critiqued for leaning into genre tropes. Keough’s addition, alongside McDonough and Voros’s direction, could elevate Season 2’s stakes, addressing criticisms by deepening the character-driven drama. The show’s viewership, which surged 40% from Week 1 to Week 2, suggests strong audience demand for more.

Season 2 Prospects and Production Timeline

While Netflix has not confirmed Season 2, the show’s success and Williamson’s detailed plans point to a likely renewal. Production could begin in late 2025, with filming in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, targeting a Summer 2026 release. Keough’s casting, combined with McDonough’s villain and Voros’s high-octane episodes, signals an ambitious escalation, with Lena Boone poised to be a pivotal figure in the Buckley-Parker war.

Conclusion

Riley Keough’s casting as Lena Boone in The Waterfront Season 2 is a thrilling development, promising to inject fresh drama into the Buckley family’s saga. With her complex history with Cane and Peyton, Lena is set to disrupt Havenport’s fragile power balance, intertwining with the Parker family’s rise and Belle’s power grab. Backed by a stellar returning cast—Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Melissa Benoist, and more—and the creative vision of Kevin Williamson and Christina Voros, Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch. All eight episodes of Season 1 are streaming on Netflix, ready to hook viewers into this coastal crime epic.