Actor Tom Ellis has confirmed that he will begin filming season 3 of Hulu’s Tell Me Lies on Saturday, May 10. Speaking to People at CBS Fest in Los Angeles, Ellis shared his excitement about reprising his role as Oliver, a married professor entangled in an affair with student Bree, played by Catherine Missal.
“Yes, I’m going back. I’m actually going there on Saturday to start shooting,” Ellis said, adding that he has already read the first four episodes of the upcoming season. “Fans will not be disappointed,” he promised. “It is as dark, toxic, and funny as ever. And just when you thought our characters couldn’t do anything more ridiculous to themselves, they ended up doing it.”
Ellis, who is married to Tell Me Lies showrunner Meghan Oppenheimer, also revealed that season 3 will give his character Oliver “a lot of redeeming moments”—despite the fact that Oliver’s wife, Marianne (played by Gabriella Pession), is well aware of his affair with Bree and his history of infidelity.
Describing Oliver as “despicable,” Ellis admitted he struggles to justify his character’s behavior. “I find it really difficult to imagine his redemption moments because I don’t think he deserves any,” he said. While he uses his own moral compass to ground himself, Ellis acknowledged that the role does leave a psychological impact. He added that when he reflects on his career one day, Oliver won’t be a character he’s proud to celebrate.
As for where the show is headed, Oppenheimer told Variety that season 3 will span from 2008 to 2015, and viewers can expect major character development. Bree, in particular, will evolve significantly and finally move on from Oliver.
In addition to Tell Me Lies, Ellis is also starring in CBS’s upcoming FBI spinoff, CIA, set to premiere later this year.