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The Monterey Five Are Back: A Complete 2025 Update On The Big Little Lies Actors And Season 3

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The mystery of Monterey is officially being reopened. As of late 2025, the biggest news surrounding the acclaimed HBO series *Big Little Lies* is the long-awaited confirmation that a third season is in development, a seismic shift that brings the entire core cast—known as "The Monterey Five"—back together. This update, which was seemingly confirmed by star Shailene Woodley on social media, has ended years of speculation, promising a fresh, dark narrative based on an upcoming sequel novel by original author Liane Moriarty. The return of the show's powerhouse ensemble is not just a TV event; it’s a reunion of some of Hollywood’s most accomplished and busiest stars, all of whom have been stacking up major projects in the interim.

The show's enduring success is rooted in the chemistry and dramatic weight of its actors, who have since gone on to dominate both film and television. With Season 3 moving forward under new showrunner Francesca Sloane, now is the perfect time to look at the full biography of the core cast and see what each of the *Big Little Lies* actors has been doing since they last walked the beaches of the Pacific Palisades.

The Monterey Five: Full Cast Biography and Role Breakdown

The heart of *Big Little Lies* lies with the five mothers whose lives become irrevocably intertwined after a deadly incident at a school fundraiser. This list details their full profile, their iconic role in the series, and their most notable new projects outside of the confirmed Season 3.

Nicole Kidman (Celeste Wright)

  • Born: June 20, 1967 (Honolulu, Hawaii, USA)
  • Career Highlights: Academy Award winner for *The Hours*, known for *Moulin Rouge!*, *Eyes Wide Shut*, and the TV series *Nine Perfect Strangers*.
  • BLL Role: Celeste Wright, a beautiful, wealthy former lawyer trapped in a cycle of domestic abuse with her husband, Perry Wright.
  • Latest Projects: Kidman has been exceptionally busy in 2025, headlining the thriller film *Holland* and reprising her role for a second season of *Nine Perfect Strangers*. She is also currently filming the thriller series *Scarpetta* alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and is set to star in the erotic thriller *Babygirl*, which earned her the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival.

Reese Witherspoon (Madeline Martha Mackenzie)

  • Born: March 22, 1976 (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA)
  • Career Highlights: Academy Award winner for *Walk the Line*, star of *Legally Blonde*, and a major producer through her company, Hello Sunshine.
  • BLL Role: Madeline Martha Mackenzie, the passionate, high-strung, and fiercely loyal leader of the group, often at the center of Monterey's drama.
  • Latest Projects: Witherspoon continues her reign as a media mogul. Her production company, Hello Sunshine, is co-developing the live-action *Polly Pocket* film. While *Sweet Home Alabama 2* remains a popular rumor, Witherspoon is focused on expanding her new company, Sunnie, and developing numerous projects through her banner.

Laura Dern (Renata Klein)

  • Born: February 10, 1967 (Los Angeles, California, USA)
  • Career Highlights: Academy Award winner for *Marriage Story*, known for her collaborations with David Lynch (*Blue Velvet*, *Twin Peaks*), and the *Jurassic Park* franchise.
  • BLL Role: Renata Klein, a high-powered, successful businesswoman obsessed with her daughter Amabella's well-being and a constant rival to Madeline.
  • Latest Projects: Dern starred in the 2025 Searchlight Pictures comedy *Is This Thing On?* with Will Arnett, which premiered at the New York Film Festival. She also recently appeared in and executive produced the series *Palm Royale*.

Shailene Woodley (Jane Chapman)

  • Born: November 15, 1991 (San Bernardino, California, USA)
  • Career Highlights: Golden Globe nominee for *The Descendants*, star of *The Fault in Our Stars* and *The Divergent Series*.
  • BLL Role: Jane Chapman, the newest resident of Monterey, a single mother to Ziggy Chapman, and the victim of sexual assault by Perry Wright.
  • Latest Projects: Woodley has been building a diverse slate, joining the cast of the second season of the TV series *Paradise* in a recurring role in early 2025. She is also attached to star in the crime drama film *The Murderous Miss Highsmith* and a highly anticipated biopic about music legend Janis Joplin.

Zoë Kravitz (Bonnie Carlson)

  • Born: December 1, 1988 (Los Angeles, California, USA)
  • Career Highlights: Known for her roles in *Mad Max: Fury Road*, *The Batman*, and the *Fantastic Beasts* series.
  • BLL Role: Bonnie Carlson, a yoga instructor and the new wife of Madeline's ex-husband, Nathan. She is the one who ultimately pushes Perry Wright to his death.
  • Latest Projects: Kravitz made her directorial debut with the thriller film *Blink Twice* and is set to star in the 2025 film *Caught Stealing* with Austin Butler. Following her success, she is also in early talks to direct the film *How to Save a Marriage*.

The Shocking Return of Big Little Lies Season 3

The news of *Big Little Lies* Season 3 is the most significant development for the franchise since the Season 2 finale in 2019. For years, the return was contingent on a new story from novelist Liane Moriarty and the availability of the A-list cast. That patience has finally paid off.

The third installment is confirmed to be based on Moriarty's upcoming sequel novel, which is scheduled for publication in 2026. This new source material is key, as Season 2 ventured beyond the original book, leading to creative differences and a mixed critical reception. The involvement of a new showrunner, Francesca Sloane (known for her work on *Mr. and Mrs. Smith*), alongside original executive producers David E. Kelley, Nicole Kidman, and Reese Witherspoon, signals a fresh creative direction while maintaining the show's foundational integrity.

The original series, directed by the late Jean-Marc Vallée, masterfully explored themes of trauma, domestic abuse, and the facade of perfection in wealthy communities. The return of the Monterey Five—Madeline, Celeste, Renata, Jane, and Bonnie—will undoubtedly delve deeper into the aftermath of Perry Wright's death and the collective lie that binds them. Fans are eager to see how the story will address the cliffhanger ending of Season 2, where the women appear to confess to the police.

Key Supporting Actors and Their New Roles

While the focus is on the five leads, the show's gravitas was amplified by its major supporting players. Their involvement in Season 3 is anticipated, and their recent work keeps them highly visible in the industry.

Alexander Skarsgård (Perry Wright)

Despite his character, Perry Wright, being the victim of the Season 1 murder, Skarsgård's presence is often felt through flashbacks and the continued trauma of his actions. The actor, who won an Emmy for the role, continues to take on complex, high-profile projects. His upcoming work includes the Apple TV+ series *Murderbot* (Season 2) and the gothic horror film *The Wolf Will Tear Your Immaculate Hands*.

Meryl Streep (Mary Louise Wright)

Streep joined Season 2 as Mary Louise Wright, Perry’s mother, a brilliantly passive-aggressive character seeking custody of her grandsons. Her performance was a masterclass that elevated the second season. Streep remains one of the world's most sought-after actresses. In 2025, she is confirmed to star alongside Sigourney Weaver in the thriller film *Useful Idiots*, directed by Joseph Cedar.

The collective star power of the *Big Little Lies* cast is unmatched in modern television. The official confirmation of Season 3, coupled with the incredible slate of projects each actor is undertaking—from Kidman's *Babygirl* to Kravitz's directorial work—ensures that the return to Monterey will be one of the most anticipated television events of the next few years, proving that the drama of the Pacific Palisades is far from over.

actors on big little lies
actors on big little lies

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