Will Viola Davis Return for Season Two of How to Get Away With Murder?

Actress opens up about her experience so far on the show, and we reveal what's next

By Kristin Dos Santos Feb 05, 2015 9:11 PMTags
Watch: Viola Davis Teases "How to Get Away With Murder" Return

Can you imagine How to Get Away With Murder without Viola Davis?

Neither. Can. We!

And thankfully, we don't have to.

E! News has learned that although the SAG Award-winning actress initially only signed on for one season of Murder, Davis is now definitely staying on for season two, which is expected to begin production this summer. 

"I better be doing a season two!" Davis told me while promoting the final episodes of season one (see the video above). "These ratings? I better be!"

The SAG Award-winning actress has been slaying it all season long as Professor Annalise Keating on the hit ABC drama, to rave reviews from critics and fans alike. 

ABC/Mitch Haaseth

She also has not held back when talking about her reasons for taking on the role—in part because,  as she put it, she "wanted to BE the show" instead of "holding up a wall." And now, as season one comes to an end, the 49-year-old powerhouse says she is still feeling grateful.

"First of all," she told me, "it's been very rewarding for me to actually say that [wanting to be the show], because I've had such issues in the past with owning any sense of power that I've had.  It's been a real issue in my life. So the fact that I've owned it and enjoyed it along the way, that has been rewarding. I've embraced being No. 1 and I understand that it comes with great responsibility. I feel that I've done a good job with setting a mood on the set that is very nurturing and I'm proud of that. I learned it from the best, Ms. [MerylStreep, I learned it from her."

Davis also has managed to exude an impressive sense of strength and authenticity in the press (and award-show speeeches), but tells me, "I don't feel like a strong woman. I don't know where it comes from. I think it comes from the inability to not know what else to say except for the truth."

How to Get Away With Murder only has four episodes left before its season finale, and Viola tells fans to expect the unexpected in the final episode, airing Feb. 26. "I don't know about a happy ending…But the ending excites me as an actress... It's exciting. But that's all I can say."

As for the future of the rest of the cast? Well, they've already shot the season finale but smartly played coy when asked about their season-two status. "I haven't heard anything yet…Hopefully!" Alfred Enoch told me. "I don't know…I don't know…ANYTHING." Matt McGorry echoed…with a sinister grin.

Mmm-hmm.

Watch Viola's interview above! And tune into HTGAWM tonight to get your TGIT on. More scoop on tonight's episode here!