Josh Holloway Finally Reveals His Controversial Take on the 'Lost' Ending [Exclusive]

After 16 years, Lost star Josh Holloway is finally opening up with a bold take on the sci-fi show’s divisive finale. The series kept viewers on their toes, always throwing unique twists into the story, like a polar bear on a tropical island or an ominous smoke monster. The truth about the island and the survivors’ time there was kept under wraps, with the finale bringing closure with a distinct change of scenery, showing audiences the characters in the afterlife. They weren’t dead the entire time, as many posited; rather, the island was the most meaningful experience of their lives. This allowed the characters to reunite, delivering an impactful finale that was divisive at the time but has since found appreciation among many viewers.

Despite Lost leaning into the idea that the island was a sci-fi hotspot, it was not the end of the road for many characters. The final season introduced flash-sideways sequences that functioned as an afterlife, rather than the usual flashbacks and flash-forwards. While this seemingly dispels the notion that the island was purgatory, Holloway disagrees. MovieWeb caught up with Holloway during a panel at Fan Expo Boston, with the 2026 event set to have record-breaking attendance. While the actor has since appeared in shows like Colony and Yellowstone, the conversation touched on the beloved sci-fi series, with the man behind Sawyer embodying his character’s bold nature in his answers about Lost.

The Lost star was asked about his interpretation of the show’s finale, as some have distinct ideas about the true meaning, allowing it to thrive beyond a basic interpretation. When asked where the characters ultimately were, Holloway apologized for his potentially controversial take on the ending but quickly noted that he subscribes to the purgatory theory.

“They were in purgatory. I’m sorry. To me, I like that. For me, that feels like they’re in purgatory. They learn what they need to learn. That makes logical sense to me. Carlton and Damon would kill me right now.”

Holloway humorously notes that showrunners Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof “would kill me” for supporting the divisive theory, as it subverts their intended message. While the sideways flashes represent the characters’ time together in the afterlife, Holloway believes they were suffering through a type of purgatory while on the island. He says the characters “learn what they need” to move on, which frames their time on the island as almost penance, with the finale allowing them to reunite.

What’s great about the finale of Lost is that it can be seen as Cuse and Lindelof envisioned it. Still, the show has enough questions and unique ideas that it can be analyzed in ways that feel satisfying to each viewer. Optimistic viewers can find beauty in reuniting after the survivors struggle through life, while others may see it as a narrative cop-out that leaves some questions unanswered. However you view Lost’s ending, the finale’s ongoing discussion shows the show’s lasting legacy.

MovieWeb is hosting more panels at Fan Expo Canada, running August 27–30, so stay tuned for more exclusive content from the show.