'Wayward Pines' season 3 canceled or renewed rumors update: Fox head teases S3, says characters could return

Following a cliffhanger in the season 2 finale, fans of Fox's "Wayward Pines" are on the edges of their seats, waiting to hear if the sci-fi mystery thriller's story will continue on into the third season.

But while Fox has yet to renew or cancel "Wayward Pines," recent statements from Fox TV boss Dana Walden and "Wayward Pines" author Blake Crouch seem to indicate that the popular series does have a future.

Even before its second season premiered, executive producer M. Night Shyamalan had said that the "Wayward Pines" story spans three seasons. But the dip in ratings that the show experienced in season 2 could have placed it in a precarious position.

Fortunately, according to Slash Film, during the Television Critics Association's summer press tour, Fox Television Group Chairman and CEO Dana Walden expressed hope for a "Wayward Pines" season 3 to the press that were present.

"I definitely think there could be a season three," Walden said, adding that the show still holds the top spot among scripted shows this summer.

But while Walden acknowledged that they are still waiting for the multi-platform numbers, the Fox TV CEO said that the series had hit its side by the third episode. She also admitted that having to reinvent a show each season is difficult.

Walden also revealed that she has heard Shyamalan's and creator Chad Hodge's pitch for season 3. "They have a really compelling idea for season three that I liked very much," she said. "We're definitely talking about the show right now."

As for the possible cast for a potential season 3, Walden said that there's a chance that the season 2 characters left alive at the end of the finale could re-appear in season 3. "I would anticipate that some of them would be back, but it's so premature," she said.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Crouch echoed this statement, saying, "If we're lucky enough to have a third season, I think it's possible for characters to return and to have new ones as well."

Fox has not announced a season 3 renewal or cancellation for "Wayward Pines."