Smulders leads the new Lincoln Lawyer spin-off

Cobie Smulders is set to bring her star power to the courtroom drama world as she headlines a spin-off of Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer.

Smulders will play Artemisia ‘Emi’ Finch, the half-sister of protagonist Mickey Haller. This character was introduced toward the end of the fourth season and is slated to be a regular presence throughout the upcoming fifth and final season of the series.

In this expanded narrative, Emi’s involvement takes a pivotal turn. Following a plea from her sister, Mickey Haller embarks on a high-stakes case aimed at freeing a woman who has been wrongfully convicted. This storyline anchors the new season, promising compelling legal drama as Haller navigates his personal and professional obligations.

Notably, Smulders’ character is an original creation for the series, designed to fill an important narrative gap. She does not appear in Michael Connelly’s novels upon which The Lincoln Lawyer is based. Instead, Emi Finch steps into a role that complements the existing universe, standing alongside characters like Hieronymous ‘Harry’ Bosch, who leads the rival Amazon franchise.

The potential for expansion extends beyond Smulders’ character alone. If greenlit for production, this spin-off promises significant growth for the entire franchise. There is speculation that various characters from the main series could be introduced into the new installment, further weaving a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.

The development of this project involved key creative figures who pitched the concept directly to Netflix. Executive producers Ted Humphrey, Dailyn Rodriguez, and Matthew J. Lieberman reportedly worked on the initial concept before successfully securing the commission for the script.

Filming for the new season has reportedly wrapped up, setting the stage for a launch expected sometime next year. Production is aiming to shoot the series in Los Angeles, positioning it to capitalize on the city’s resources, including seeking a California tax credit.

The project successfully merges familiar television drama with fresh, original character development, promising viewers an engaging and expansive adventure within the legal world.