A Major Character Is Dead in the New "13 Reasons Why" Trailer

Trigger warning: This article discusses suicide and rape.

13 Reasons Why has always pushed boundaries. Both the first and second seasons of the show drew heavy criticism from schools and parents, who slammed its graphic portrayal of suicide and rape.

Now, the trailer for the third season has been released, and it looks like we are about to transition from teen suicide to teen murder.

Set to launch on Netflix on 23 August, there’s really a limited amount of time to emotionally prepare ourselves. Plus, Netflix has confirmed that season four will be the final season, so there’s also that to come to terms with.

Let’s break it down.

There’s a lot going on here. The trailer opens with an array of angsty shots of cast members being secretive, fighting with one another, and an ominous voice-over that tells Deputy Standall (Miles Heizer), "The truth is, given the right circumstances, the right motivation… anyone could have done this."

For a split second, you are left wondering what the mysterious voice-over actress is referring to. However, the trailer quickly answers that. In the next shot, the main cast is seen standing over a coffin dressed up in white roses.

Who is in there? None other than Liberty High's bad boy, Bryce Walker (Justin Prentice).

Personally, we won’t be 100 per cent certain until we see the body. It really does seem like we are headed for some CSI type season. Bryce’s mother asks, "If any of you know anything, please say something." Clay (Dylan Minnette) opens his mouth in response, but that’s where the promo ends.

Instead it cuts to the link whokilledbrycewalker.com, an interactive mobile site where visitors are interviewed via video chat by Deputy Standall. It’s kind of cool.

Will Katherine Langford be back?

No. Katherine Langford confirmed last May that she would bid farewell to her character Hannah Baker at the end of Season Two.

Considering much of Clay’s character development over the past two seasons centred around his inability to let go of Hannah, it will be exciting to see how he evolves from here.

Will it be as controversial as the first two seasons?

While there is no way to know for sure, it is entirely possible that 13 Reasons Why Season 3 might turn it down a notch when it comes to graphic scenes. Last month, Netflix announced that it would be editing out Hannah’s suicide scene from the last episode of season one.

The show’s creator Brian Yorkey said in a statement posted on Twitter, "We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers."

It will be interesting to see whether this attitude has also been taken into season three.

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Header Image: Netflix