Will 'True Detective' Season 2 Top Season 1?

True Detective proved to be something of a phenomena for HBO. The first season of the series featured an unprecedented amount of A-list talent, especially considering it was a miniseries event. After a strong start, more and more fans gravitated towards the criminal detective story, and fell in love with Matthew McConaughey's overly ethereal musings on life. Now, HBO is ramping up promotion for the second run, and the first True Detective Season 2 trailer is already getting a lot of traction. However, the footage raises some questions: Namely, will True Detective Season 2 be able to top Season 1? Was all the hype surrounding True Detective Season 1 an effect of circumstance? Are fans truly invested in this series, or were they primarily interested in the Season 1 tale? Will the buzz still last with a new cast of characters and a new setting?

Instead of two detectives, True Detective Season 2 features three — and, thankfully, one is a woman this time! Plot-wise, Ray Velcoro (Colin Farrell), Ani Bezzerides (Rachel McAdams) and Paul Woodrugh (Taylor Kitsch) are three law-enforcement officials who are brought together by a bizarre murder. Along with a career criminal and entrepreneur, Frank Semyon (Vince Vaughn), they all must "navigate a web of conspiracy and betrayal in the scorched landscapes of California," so says the official plot synopsis. Watch the first trailer below.

I firmly believe HBO couldn't have picked three better leads to headline the follow-up season, but I have to wonder: does the early footage of them in action promise another hit for the home box office network?

The first season of True Detective worked for a number of reasons, the main draw being the leading duo of McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. After adjusting to the shock of these major movie stars appearing in a project like this, the focus then became McConaughey's dramatic transformation. The former rom-com star with a glistening beach bod and go-with-the-flow personality was promoting his skinnier new form in Dallas Buyers Club . The film's Oscar attention was free and instant publicity for True Detective — and shortly after more people started watching, they soon realized that it featured a thrilling storyline with psychological mind games and unique cinematic techniques. It was a series of substance.

Series creator Nic Pizzolatto is back on writing duties for True Detective, but Season 1 director Cary Fukunaga (who directed all eight episodes of Season 1) won't return. Instead, Justin Lin (of Fast and Furious 6, Star Trek 3 and the next Jason Bourne movie fame) is stepping up to the place. Given all the changes, will fans be as engrossed this second time around?

I sure hope so. It's always exciting to watch people get excited over high-caliber work, and True Detective is the top. All the elements are there to have a kick-ass Season 2, which premieres this June 21. We'll see if our three new leads can carry the franchise on their mighty shoulders. I have faith!

Images: HBO; IGN/Tumblr; Nick Romano/Bustle