Reese Witherspoon has revealed more details about the highly anticipated third season of Big Little Lies, confirming that the Emmy-winning HBO series will be returning with its original author, Liane Moriarty, and the same beloved characters. Witherspoon, who stars in the show and also serves as one of its producers, shared the update during an appearance at her media company’s event, Hello Sunshine’s second annual Shine Away conference, held on October 5, 2024, in Los Angeles.
In an interview with E! News, Witherspoon mentioned that she and her co-star, Nicole Kidman, are “waiting” for new material from Moriarty, the New York Times bestselling author behind the Big Little Lies novel. “We’re in waiting for Liane Moriarty. She’s going to be turning in something very soon,” Witherspoon said. She added that the return to the original author and characters is exciting, especially because the children in the show are likely “a little bit older now,” which could introduce new dynamics and elements to the story.
This announcement marks an important milestone for the series, which has been a cultural hit since its first season debuted in 2017. The show initially focused on a mysterious murder and the lives of a group of women whose secrets unravel during the investigation. Witherspoon, Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, and Laura Dern all starred in the first season, which was originally conceived as a one-season show. Despite its initial limited run, the show returned for a second season in 2019, which picked up the story after the murder and introduced new elements, including the addition of Meryl Streep to the cast.
Season 3, however, has been in the works for some time. Both Witherspoon and Kidman have confirmed that a third season is happening, and Kidman recently teased its progress during a Q&A session last November. She mentioned that she and Witherspoon are in constant communication about the new season. “There’s a timeline and we’re doing it,” Kidman said, emphasizing their excitement for the project. She also shared in an interview with Vanity Fair in June that the third season is moving “fast and furious,” although she laughed about her own eagerness to talk about it too soon.
Although details about the storyline are still under wraps, Witherspoon’s recent comments hint at the involvement of the original characters, and the potential for new developments as the kids in the story have grown older. The first season of Big Little Lies was widely acclaimed, winning several major awards, including the Emmy for Best Limited Series. The second season, while not initially planned, was brought back due to popular demand, exploring the aftermath of the murder and the consequences of the characters’ actions.
In addition to Witherspoon and Kidman, the cast has always been a major draw for the show, with all the leading actresses expressing their enthusiasm about returning. Laura Dern and Shailene Woodley, who also played key roles in the first two seasons, have previously spoken about their eagerness to reunite for another season. Dern, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly earlier this year, expressed her excitement about the possibility of working together again. “We love each other so much and would have the time of our life being back together, and we love our characters so much,” Dern said.
The addition of Moriarty as the lead writer for Season 3 has raised expectations among fans, as the original book was widely praised for its complex, layered characters and gripping plot. Moriarty’s involvement gives the show a sense of continuity and ensures that the new season stays true to the source material, which is an exciting prospect for both fans and the cast.
Beyond the excitement surrounding Big Little Lies, Witherspoon is also busy with other projects, including the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel, which she is producing. In the meantime, fans of Big Little Lies are eagerly awaiting more details about the third season and hoping that the show’s trademark blend of drama, mystery, and character-driven storytelling will continue to captivate audiences. With the original team back in place and new material soon to be unveiled, the return of Big Little Lies is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in television.
In conclusion, as Big Little Lies heads into its third season, both the cast and creators are excited about the return to the show’s roots. With the original author and characters back in action, there’s high hope that the upcoming season will continue the show’s legacy of compelling storytelling and unforgettable performances. Fans can look forward to the new season with the promise of fresh, engaging content that stays true to what made the show a cultural phenomenon in the first place.