'Big Little Lies' creator says Season 3 is 'on track' to film soon

AUSTIN — For those eager to watch your favorite leading ladies lie and scream with the billowing Monterey waves crashing in the background, you're in luck: We have some intel on "Big Little Lies" Season 3.

It's "just starting to percolate, but it is going to happen," series creator David E. Kelley told USA TODAY on the red carpet at SXSW. "Excited about it. Again, an incredible cast, so, opportunity for good storytelling there, but it looks on track to start shooting in the fall." The series premiered in 2017 and was followed by a second season in 2019.

Those looking to sink their teeth into a new series from Kelley should look no further than "Margo's Got Money Troubles," which premiered at SXSW on March 12 and streams on Apple TV on April 15.

The show stars Elle Fanning and Kelley's wife, Michelle Pfeiffer. Fanning plays Margo, a college student whose life turns a little more than upside-down after an affair with her college professor. Her unexpected pregnancy and parenthood journey sends her searching for ways to make money, including on OnlyFans.

"I read Rufi Thorpe's book and loved the story, and particularly fell in love with the characters," Kelley said. "When you're doing a television series, that's a starting point for me, characters that really resonate. You hope to populate it with people that can make you laugh, make you think, and maybe move you to tears on occasion. It was all there in the book. So I felt lucky and blessed to get the opportunity."

Plus, "I got to work with Michelle, and she's very good. I think she's got a career ahead of her," he joked.

David E. Kelley talks about lasting marriage to Michelle Pfeiffer

So do Kelley and Pfeiffer keep the spark alive? The pair have been married since 1993, a rarity in Hollywood.

"I don't know if there's any secret sauce," he said. "I know what works for us."

Kelley added: "We love each other and like each other and respect each other, and we're both our favorite pals to hang out with. So that helps."