You can breathe easy, "Locke & Key" fans. The fantasy horror drama about teens fighting demons with magical keys will return for a third season on Netflix after the streamer announced the show's early renewal last year. It ensured that season 3 went into production before season 2 was released, giving the cast and crew a chance to begin filming much earlier than planned. And now, "Locke & Key" season 3 is ready to premiere in 2022.

Netflix is infamous for canceling shows early on, but the renewal of "Locke & Key" has been a comfort to fans, considering the massive cliffhanger at the end of season 2. An enemy from the family's distant past resurfaced in a pretty unexpected way and had viewers pointing and screaming at their screens. No? Was it just me?

Based on the comic of the same name from creators Joe Hill and Gabrielle Rodriguez, season 1 followed the events that took place following the death of the Locke family patriarch. Here's a synopsis of the story:

"After their father is murdered under mysterious circumstances, the three Locke siblings and their mother move into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, which they discover is full of magical keys that may be connected to their father's death. As the Locke children explore the different keys and their unique powers, a mysterious demon awakens — and will stop at nothing to steal them."

So, what do we know about "Locke & Key" season 3?

A New Villain Will Emerge

Meredith Averill, who developed the Netflix show along with Carlton Cuse and Aron Eli Coleite, detailed the arrival of a dangerous new villain in an interview with Collider. Judging from her statement, it seems like the new antagonist is a significant step up from Dodge, the demonic being from the other side of the Black Door.

Cuse and Averill explained that while season 3 will focus "much more heavily on the family," they describes the Lockes' new foe as the "greatest threat" they'll face to date. Teaming up against the villain will bond the family in a new way, unlike anything we've seen before. Averill told the publication:

"Part of our challenge, that we happily take on is that every season we need to outdo the season before it. It's a challenge, but it's a fun one, and I think we've been able to do that."

What Is The Plot Of Locke & Key Season 3?

"Locke & Key" is straying away from its source material in season 3. The show's main antagonist, Dodge, was defeated in season 2, and Eden used the Echo Key to conjure an "echo" and bring back Captain Frederick Gideon — who is about to rain terror on Matheson. He appears to be the "greatest threat" showrunner Meredith Averill is referring to.

Gideon was once a British soldier in colonial Massachusetts who died after being possessed by a vicious demon of the Black Door, and is one of the Demon Dimension's most powerful entities. The second season finale set him up as a future villain, though he isn't a character in the original comics.

Another possible storyline that can be explored is Tyler Locke's decision to forget about magic. Still grieving the death of his girlfriend Jackie, Tyler chooses not to use the Memory key, which allows adults to see and remember the magic of Keyhouse. Tyler's choice means he will forget that magic existed as his 18th birthday approaches. Season 3 might tackle the consequences of his decision and how it will affect the relationship he shares with his family. The Lockes will need all the help they can get while battling the new villain on the block, so we might just see Tyler change his mind.

The Locke family will undoubtedly discover several new keys to aid them in their battle against Gideon. But first, they need to learn what he's capable of — and that warrants a trip back in time.

At its core, the fantasy-horror epic is a story of loss that addresses trauma and grief through its supernatural setting. We can expect that theme to be carried forward into season 3.

Locke & Key Season 3: Which Cast Members Will Return?

The Locke family will return for a new season of adventures sooner than you might think. So get ready to see Darby Stanchfield (Nina), Connor Jessup (Tyler Locke), and Emilia Jones (Kinsey Lock), and Jackson Robert Scott (Bode Lock) once again! There's also Aaron Ashmore's Duncan Locke, whose memories have been restored and will join the fight against a new threat.

Kevin Durand will return as the malicious Frederick Gideon, and Petrice Jones will be back as Scot. Brendan Hines is expected to play a crucial role in season 3 because his character Josh is a descendant of Captain Gideon. There's no doubt Josh's knowledge of Gideon's past atrocities will help the Locke family navigate through the inevitable danger that lies in their future.

In terms of a release date and trailer for "Locke & Key" season 3, we're yet to hear from Netflix. Deadline confirmed the season would be released in 2022, and Netflix typically shares trailers a month before release. "Locke & Key" season 1 aired in February 2020, season 2 was released in October 2021, so I'm guessing the third season will arrive in the latter half of 2022. Until then, we'll be patiently waiting for a teaser!

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The post Everything We Know About Locke & Key Season 3 So Far appeared first on /Film.