'Big Little Lies' Season 3 Begins Filming in California to Secure Tax Credit

Production on the third season of hit series Big Little Lies has briefly kicked off this week, with HBO filming a single day of scenes to secure a California state tax credit. The information comes from Variety.

The shoot took place Thursday at Warner Bros. Studios Burbank’s The Ranch Lot. Under California tax incentive regulations, projects must initiate principal photography within a strict timeframe following conditional approval to retain allocated funding.

Among the cast present was Merrin Dungey, who reprises her recurring role as Detective Adrienne Quinlan. Her character will be investigating the lives of the Monterey 5, played by Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Reese Whiterspoon, Zoë Kravitz, and Shailene Woodley. 

Next season won't start its full production until 2027, with an exact start date yet to be determined. HBO has declined to comment, and a director for the upcoming season has not officially been named, though a director previously associated with the series oversaw Thursday's shoot.

The drama series, based on the works of author Liane Moriarty, last aired its second season in 2019. The long-delayed third season gained momentum following the addition of writer Francesca Sloane (Mr. & Mrs. Smith) and the August release of Moriarty’s follow-up novel, Big Little Truths, which is expected to form the narrative basis for season 3.