Michelle Monaghan, renowned for her role in The White Lotus, has recently dismissed a popular fan theory surrounding the show’s current season. As this season unfolds, viewers are introduced to the Ratliff family along with a close-knit group of friends, featuring Jaclyn (portrayed by Monaghan), Laurie (Carrie Coon), and Kate (Leslie Bibb). In keeping with the show’s tradition, the premiere episode of season 3 opens with a shocking scene—a floating lifeless body—quickly followed by a cacophony of gunfire, setting the stage for another gripping mystery.
In a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Monaghan took the opportunity to address a widely circulated theory that suggests monkeys could be behind the on-screen death. She confidently refuted this notion, emphasizing that the primates are not to blame for the season’s chilling event. As she succinctly put it:
You know, I’ve just got to debunk a theory out here. Guys, the monkeys did not do it! People have gone ape s— thinking that.
Implications for Season 3 of The White Lotus
Debunking the Monkey Theory
One of the most thrilling aspects of The White Lotus is the audience’s engagement in speculating about the fate of its characters and the circumstances that lead to their demise. While most fans assume that human involvement is a given in these deaths, a quirky theory emerged suggesting that a monkey could randomly shoot a gun at the hotel, resulting in a floating body. Another variation of this theory posits that the monkeys might provoke a guest into a fatal accident with a firearm.
Monaghan’s prompt dismissal of this theory hints that the season will resolve the mystery surrounding the death in a manner that is likely to be more nuanced and human-centered. Aside from the improbability of a monkey being implicated in the chaos, several valid theories are circulating about which characters might bear responsibility for the gun violence—none quite as far-fetched as the “monkey theory.”With the absence of our primate friends, viewers can expect a riveting narrative fueled by character-driven intrigue.
Our Perspective on the Disproved Monkey Theory
Is a Monkey as the Killer Truly Interesting?
Image via Max
Across the series, The White Lotus has woven intricate tales filled with unexpected twists, particularly surrounding pivotal deaths. Season 1 featured Armand (Murray Bartlett) being fatally stabbed by Shane (Jake Lacy), while Season 2 witnessed Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) meet her end in a dramatic boat incident. Both deaths were impactful, capturing the essence of the series’ suspense and originality.
However, the prospect of a monkey being the cause of chaos in season 3 would detract from the show’s intricate exploration of human relationships and their consequences. Introduction of such an implausible element would undermine the complex dynamics that have been carefully crafted over the season. The collapse of tension surrounding deaths at the hands of monkeys would ultimately feel like a narrative shortcut, failing to deliver the gripping storytelling fans expect from The White Lotus.
For further insights, viewers can catch the full conversation on Jimmy Kimmel Live.