HBO’s The White Lotus has become one of the network’s most popular dramedies in recent years. Every season follows wealthy vacationers and put-upon staffers at a different location of a fictional high-end resort, a formula that allows for both escapism and social critique. Since its 2021 premiere, the limited-series-turned-anthology has earned critical acclaim as well as 13 Emmys, and the third season was greenlit almost immediately after the show’s sophomore season premiere.
“[Creator Mike White’s] courage to explore the uncharted waters of the human psyche, paired with his signature irreverent humor and buoyant directing style, have us all dreaming of more vacation days at the resort we’ve come to adore. We couldn’t be more thrilled to get the chance to collaborate on a third season together,” Francesca Orsi, EVP of HBO Programming, said in a statement.
Read on for everything we know about the new season. (Warning: spoilers ahead from Season 2).
A first look at season three provides a closer look at the new cast.
HBO has officially shared its first look at The White Lotus season 3 and while we only have the quickest sneak peek at what’s to come, we’re already excited. Along with seeing a glimpse at new cast-members (including Blackpink’s Lisa in her acting debut), familiar faces like Season 1’s Natasha Rothwell also make an appearance.
The third season will take place in Thailand.
Per Variety, the third season of The White Lotus will be filmed in Thailand. Since seasons 1 and 2 both took place at Four Season resorts in Hawaii and Italy, respectfully, it’s likely the series could film at one of the four hotel conglomerate’s properties in the country, which are located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and the Golden Triangle.
A new season means a whole new cast.
While Season 1 favorite Natasha Rothwell is returning to The White Lotus for Season 3 reprising her role as spa attendant Belinda, new actors are also joining the ensemble series. Per Variety, six new castmembers are set to join the show including Leslie Bibb, Dom Hetrakul, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Tayme Thapthimthong.
Season 3 could follow the power dynamics between global leaders.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the director also gave a hint regarding a possible season 3 plot, sharing that his initial pitch for season 2 populated the hotel with political and business tycoons.
“Originally, it was more of like a Bilderberg conference, more about getting into some of the bigger power dynamics there,” White said, referencing the annual forum attended by American and European governmental leaders and industry experts. “But Sicily was a totally different vibe than the idea I pitched. That didn’t seem right.”
So will we see the White Lotus crew in a scenario that sounds more Succession than Sicily? Only time will tell.
Cre: Harper’s Bazaar
