'The Leftovers' season 3 spoilers: Nora and Kevin get intimate in behind-the-scenes photos, showrunner talks show's tone

Production for "The Leftovers" season 3 has begun and there are already behind-the-scenes photos featuring Justin Theroux who plays lead character Kevin on the set in Austin in Australia.

The first photo shows a shirtless Kevin lying on one side of the bed. He appears to be deeply meditating, having a dream or sleeping, in which case, he does so stiffly as if he does not want to be fully taken away to dream world.

The second photo from "The Leftovers" season 3 shows an intimate moment with Kevin cuddling in bed with Nora (Carrie Coon) with her cast in her left arm visible. The two looked a bit troubled.

Directing my beautiful co-stars. What a gift and it's not even Xmas.

More photos like the aforementioned ones should be released in the weeks to come as production for "The Leftovers" season 3 progresses.

Meanwhile, as "The Leftovers" season 3 takes the action and drama to Australia, showrunner Damon Lindelof, teased what to expect from the show's final run in terms of the tone.

When the second season ended, the characters were in a despondent situation as they look for a new safe haven, it won't be all hopeless for Kevin and company.

"We don't want darkness without relief. There has to be lightness and humor — a flicker of hope — or else audiences tune out if the show gets too dark," Lindelof told Variety.

"The Leftovers" showrunner acknowledges the audience's craving for darkness and despair, but also their equal yearning to see the characters free themselves from such situations.

"Audiences don't want to see characters wallowing in misery — they want to see characters trying to dig themselves out of holes," Lindelof stated.

"They want people who are vying for inner peace; trying to get out of the tunnel. They want to see a light at the end of the tunnel — not extinguishing a light," he continued.

"The Leftovers" season 3 will premiere sometime next year.