'My Brilliant Friend' Season 3: Everything We Know So Far

My Brilliant Friend is a drama series based on Italian novelist Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Series. The show has already come out with two seasons: the second (an eight-episode series) is an adaptation of the second book, The Story of a New Name. For fans wondering if the series will return for a third installment, the answer is yes! The third season is an adaptation of the third book from Lenu and Lila’s story, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay.

When Will 'My Brilliant Friend' Season 3 Release? 

The show's second season aired in Italy back in February, before releasing on HBO in the US in May, reports HITC. UK audiences caught the season on Sky Atlantic on June 19 last year. The show follows the story of Elena and Lila (played by Margherita Mazzucco and Gaia Girace) in 1950s Naples.

According to Vulture, in a statement, HBO executive Francesca Orsi said, “The fact that viewers and critics alike have continued to embrace Elena and Lila’s story makes it all the more gratifying, and we thank the entire team led by Saverio Costanzo for their outstanding work on the second season. We cannot wait to tell the next chapter of Elena and Lila’s lives and friendship.” It's possible that we could see season 3 arrive in late 2021 or early 2022 based on previous release time gaps. However, considering COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, it's also possible there might be delays.

Season 3 Plot: What Is It All About?

Like we mentioned, the previous seasons were based on the books: Season 1 was based on the book My Brilliant Friend, while season 2 is based on The Story of a New Name. The third installment will be adapted from the story of the third book, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay. Here, Lenù and Lila’s friendship will be challenged more than ever as the duo’s respective romantic lives are under more and more pressure. Since there are four books in the Neopolitan Novel series, fans can expect a fourth season of the drama series as well. 

Who Will Be In The Cast Of 'My Brilliant Friend' Season 3?

As the story is based on the two main character's friendship turning into adulthood where Lila leaves her husband to join the workforce, and Elena becomes a college graduate with a published novel, the actors will have to "age up" for their roles. This could mean an entirely different casting. 

Actor Gaia Girace, who plays Lila, is, in fact, leaving her role three episodes into Season 3, according to TVZap, reports Bustle.  "I'm sorry to leave Lila's character because I've been working on it for three years. I'm growing up with her, and I'm sorry to leave it to someone else," Girace told TVZap. "I hope that whoever takes my place will love her at least a penny of what I love her." That means it's possible that Margherita Mazzucco's teenage character Elena will also be played by a new, older actor as well.