Natalia Grace producer shares disappointing update about Season 3

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace follow-up Natalia Speaks ended on the ultimate cliffhanger – but the producer has just shared a disappointing update about Season 3. 

“Curious” is an understatement – the real-life case of Natalia Grace is more twisty than an M. Night Shyamalan movie, with the first season of the documentary series centering on the two conflicting accounts of the eponymous orphan and her former adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine Barnett. 

As more details came to the fore, it only made sense for Natalia to share her side of the story. And so, more than half a year later, Natalia Speaks dropped, unveiling the revelation that she hadn’t been lying about her age. Additionally, following Michael’s divorce, he corroborated allegations that Kristine had been abusing Natalia while she was under their care. 

Although the ending appeared as if Natalia was set to live a happy life with her new adoptive parents, Cynthia and Antwon Mans, the final scene featured the ultimate rug-pull while alluding to a potential Season 3. But is this the case?

Natalia Grace producer shares disappointing update about Season 3

Although the Natalia Speaks ending promised that “Natalia’s story will continue,” The Curious Case of Natalia Grace Season 3 won’t be dropping anytime soon, with producer Shannon Evangelista saying there’s “nothing to report at this time.”

However, that’s not to say it won’t happen. In a new interview with Variety, Shannon Evangelista – executive producer of the true crime series and Hot Snakes Media co-founder – opens up about the potential continuation of the story. 

While she says there aren’t any updates, the outlet states that she “plays coy” and “quips” that there’s nothing to report, indicating that the creators may just be keeping their cards close to their chests for now.

Another clue that makes some believe they are working on something is that both the Mans family and Natalia Grace have gone quiet on social media – the former hasn’t posted on Instagram since November 2023, while Natalia said she’s “taking a break” in January. For now, we’ll have to wait and see. 

In the Natalia Speaks finale, Natalia appeared to find some semblance of peace in her life after officially being adopted by the Mans, who took her in while she was living alone in Lafayette, Indiana. But in a surprising twist, text across the screen stated: “Two weeks ago, and six months after Natalia’s adoption, the producers got a shocking phone call.” 

The audio played out, with the Mans claiming Natalia “stabbed her family in the back” and that they are “done with her.” Antwon said: “Something ain’t right with Natalia. This girl is tweaking. I feel like she’s the enemy in the house. And she said to us, we have held her hostage, made us look like we’re the enemy.”

“Natalia is stabbing her family in the back over a complete lie,” added Cynthia, before Antwon continued: “She’s done other things too but this was a new low. Natalia does not have emotions for nothing but herself. We’re done. We’re done with her.” The docu-series then promised that “Natalia’s story will continue.”

Speaking about the various twists in the case, Evangelista explains: “We were following the story in real time as it unfolded and didn’t know what to expect beyond the first season. We could not predict future events. For example, we did not know when the Barnetts’ trials would take place or what the exact timing would be.

“Therefore, we did not plan beyond the first installment. We had also hoped to hear Natalia’s side, which prompted the creation of the second season.”

“This particular story is a wild ride, and I wanted to immerse the audience in that journey. However, it was truly heartbreaking to hear about Natalia’s ordeals at the Barnetts,” she continues. 

“Nevertheless, my intention is always to ask challenging questions and let the investigation unfold naturally, allowing the audience to embark on an equally enthralling journey. This is our approach when creating all of our documentaries.”

Evangelista also spoke about the planned Hulu dramatization of the story, which got the greenlight back in 2022 and is set to star Ellen Pompeo as Kristine. “I can’t wait to see the Hulu adaptation, and I believe Ellen Pompeo’s talent will perfectly capture the complexity of this character,” she says. 

There’s not been much news on the adaptation since, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted as and when updates arrive.