The Monterey Five Return: 5 Shocking New Details About Big Little Lies Season 3

The whispers are over, and the truth is out: *Big Little Lies* Season 3 is officially in development at HBO, marking one of the most anticipated television revivals in recent memory. As of December 2025, after years of speculation, the return of the wealthy, complicated women of Monterey, California, is finally moving forward, promising to unravel a new layer of secrets and drama that will captivate fans worldwide. This deep-dive article brings you the freshest, most critical updates, from the new creative team to the surprising source material that will fuel the next chapter of the "Monterey Five."

The original series, adapted from Liane Moriarty’s novel, became a cultural phenomenon, exploring themes of domestic abuse, motherhood, and the dangerous facade of perfection in an affluent community. Six years after the Season 2 finale, which saw the women walk into the police station to confess their involvement in the death of Perry Wright, the story seemed closed. However, new developments, including a major creative hire and a new book from Moriarty, have paved the way for the Monterey Five—Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie—to face the consequences of their actions and the 'big little lies' they continue to tell. The stakes are higher than ever.

The Official Status and New Creative Blood for Season 3

The biggest news surrounding the *Big Little Lies* universe is the confirmation of a third season being actively developed. While HBO has not yet issued a formal, final greenlight announcement, multiple cast members and industry sources have confirmed that the project is well underway.

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The key to this revival lies in the hiring of a new showrunner and writer: Francesca Sloane. Sloane is best known for her critically acclaimed work as the co-creator of the Amazon Prime Video hit series, *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*. This choice signals a fresh, contemporary direction for the series, moving beyond the direct involvement of creator David E. Kelley, though his influence as an executive producer remains significant.

• New Writer/Showrunner: Francesca Sloane, who will also serve as an executive producer.
• Development Status: Officially "in the works" at HBO.
• Time Gap: The new season comes six years after the conclusion of Season 2.

The decision to bring in a fresh voice like Sloane is crucial. The second season, which moved beyond Moriarty's original book, received mixed reviews, particularly regarding its narrative direction and the introduction of Meryl Streep's character, Mary Louise Wright. Sloane's proven ability to blend high-stakes drama with sharp, character-driven narrative promises a compelling new chapter for the Monterey Five.

The Cast: Who is Confirmed to Return as the Monterey Five?

A show of this caliber, featuring a powerhouse ensemble of Oscar and Emmy winners, faced significant scheduling hurdles. The main cast, often referred to as the "Monterey Five," have all been highly active in film and television since the show's last outing. However, the latest reports and cast interviews have brought clarity to the core ensemble's return.

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Core Cast Confirmed

While no official network announcement has named the entire returning cast, the two driving forces behind the series have publicly confirmed their involvement and the show's development:

• Nicole Kidman (Celeste Wright): Kidman has been the most vocal proponent of Season 3, confirming its development and her return as the complex, grieving widow Celeste.
• Reese Witherspoon (Madeline Mackenzie): Witherspoon, who also serves as an executive producer, is also reported to be returning as the energetic, high-strung Madeline.

The Remaining Five and Key Supporting Roles

The rest of the core group and key supporting actors are also strongly hinted at or have confirmed the project's existence:

• Shailene Woodley (Jane Chapman): Woodley confirmed that Season 3 is "officially in the works" at HBO, suggesting her return as the single mother Jane.
• Kathryn Newton (Abigail Carlson): Newton, who plays Madeline's daughter, Abigail, also confirmed her return, stating the season is happening.
• Laura Dern (Renata Klein): Dern, whose character Renata Klein delivered some of the most memorable and meme-worthy moments, has expressed strong interest in returning, though her official status is often tied to her busy schedule.
• Zoë Kravitz (Bonnie Carlson): Kravitz’s character, Bonnie, was the one who pushed Perry Wright to his death and the one who struggled most with the collective "lie" in Season 2. Her return is crucial for the plot's continuation.
• Alexander Skarsgård (Perry Wright): While Perry is dead, the possibility of his return in flashbacks or dream sequences, similar to his appearances in Season 2, remains a possibility, as Skarsgård has reflected positively on the show.

The return of these central figures—the Monterey Five—is essential, as the show's topical authority lies in the chemistry and complex relationships between Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie.

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The Shocking New Source Material: Liane Moriarty's Sequel Book

One of the most compelling and fresh details about Season 3 is its narrative foundation. Unlike Season 2, which was a wholly original story created by David E. Kelley with input from the author, the third season will reportedly be based on a brand-new, upcoming sequel novel by the original author, Liane Moriarty.

This is a massive development, as it ensures the new season will have the narrative depth and character-driven focus that made the first season a massive critical success. Moriarty's ability to weave dark themes with suburban satire is the show's core strength.

Anticipated Plot Points and Themes

The new book, which is reportedly scheduled for publication in 2026, is expected to provide the framework for the HBO series. Given the timeline, this suggests a potential premiere date for Season 3 sometime in 2027, allowing for the book's release, adaptation, and production. The plot will undoubtedly revolve around the consequences of the collective lie and the final image of the women walking into the police station.

• The Legal Fallout: The central theme of Season 3 is likely the legal consequences of their confession regarding Perry Wright's death. Will the women face jail time? How will the wealthy Monterey community react to their downfall?
• Mary Louise Wright's Return: Meryl Streep's character, Perry's mother, Mary Louise Wright, was last seen losing custody of her grandchildren. Her reaction to the Monterey Five's confession and the potential for a new legal battle could provide the major dramatic tension.
• The Children's Future: The show has always focused on the impact of parental lies on the children, particularly Celeste's sons, Max and Josh, and Jane's son, Ziggy Chapman. The new season will explore how the children cope with the truth about their parents and Perry's abuse.
• Renata's Financial Ruin: Laura Dern’s character, Renata Klein, was left financially ruined by her husband Gordon. Her journey to rebuild her empire and her rage-fueled resilience will be a major sub-plot.

The return to Moriarty's source material and the introduction of Francesca Sloane promise a Season 3 that is both narratively cohesive and creatively revitalized. This is not just a reunion for the sake of a reunion; it is a continuation of a story that has yet to fully explore the price of the big lie they all share.

Cast & Character Entity List (The Monterey Universe)

The following key entities are central to the *Big Little Lies* narrative and are expected to drive the plot of Season 3:

• Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon): The self-appointed ringleader, whose own 'little lies' often complicate the 'big lie'.
• Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman): The abused widow grappling with the memory of her husband, Perry Wright, and the custody of her twin sons.
• Jane Chapman (Shailene Woodley): The newest member, who is finally finding peace after the truth about Perry (her rapist) came out.
• Renata Klein (Laura Dern): The successful businesswoman whose life was dramatically upended by her husband's crimes.
• Bonnie Carlson (Zoë Kravitz): The most reserved of the group, whose emotional struggle with the murder is a key psychological element.
• Mary Louise Wright (Meryl Streep): Perry's mother, a formidable antagonist in Season 2.
• Ed Mackenzie (Adam Scott): Madeline's long-suffering husband.
• Ziggy Chapman: Jane's son, who is Perry's child.
• Max and Josh Wright: Celeste's twin sons.
• Abigail Carlson (Kathryn Newton): Madeline's rebellious daughter.
• Gordon Klein: Renata's disgraced husband.
• Monterey, California: The beautiful, deceptive backdrop for the drama.
• Liane Moriarty: The author of the original novel and the upcoming sequel.
• Francesca Sloane: The new showrunner/writer for Season 3.
• HBO: The network behind the award-winning series.

The anticipation for *Big Little Lies* Season 3 is palpable. With a new writer, the commitment of the main cast, and a fresh source novel to draw from, the next chapter promises to be a powerful and complex exploration of guilt, friendship, and the enduring power of secrets in the most beautiful of places.