Reese Witherspoon shares promising update on ‘Big Little Lies’ season three

Big Little Lies season three is continuing to move ahead, according to star and executive producer Reese Witherspoon, who recently provided one of the clearest updates yet on the long awaited return of the acclaimed HBO series.

Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Witherspoon confirmed that work on the new season is actively underway. After years of speculation and occasional hints from cast members, the actor said the project is "in process" and reassured fans that development is progressing.

The upcoming season will be based on Big Little Truths, a new novel by author Liane Moriarty. The book, scheduled for release on August 25, marks Moriarty's first sequel and revisits the residents of Monterey more than a decade after the events of the original story.

Unlike the second season of Big Little Lies, which was created without a direct literary follow up, the third instalment will once again have source material from Moriarty. The story reportedly follows Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata and Bonnie as they navigate life with older children who are now teenagers or young adults.

According to the book's synopsis, mysterious developments begin to affect the community, including a stranger lingering near the school and a disturbing package sent to the principal. The women are also forced to confront the consequences of secrets and truths shared over the years.

The original novel was adapted into HBO's award winning drama in 2017. The series starred Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz and Shailene Woodley. Its second season concluded in July 2019 and featured the addition of Meryl Streep.

Momentum for season three has increased in recent months. Series creator David E Kelley recently said the team was "getting the band back together", although he declined to reveal specific details.

Shailene Woodley has also expressed enthusiasm about returning. Speaking earlier this month, the actress said she was excited by the prospect of exploring the characters a decade later and reuniting with her co stars.

Witherspoon's latest comments offer the strongest indication yet that fans may eventually return to Monterey. By using Big Little Truths as its foundation, the next season aims to continue the story of the beloved characters while introducing a new stage in their lives.

The success of Big Little Lies turned the series into one of HBO's most celebrated dramas, and anticipation for its return has remained strong despite the lengthy gap between seasons. With a new novel arriving this year and the creative team once again assembling, season three appears to be steadily moving closer to becoming a reality.