After the unexpected and dramatic ending to The White Lotus Season 2, fans want more. We can only hope that the next installment of HBO’s Emmy-winning satire is equally, if not more, outrageously dramatic and silently turbulent. After HBO announced the show’s renewal on November 25, 2022, fans are eager to know what’s in store for the White Lotus, its guests, and its staff.
In an interview with Variety, executive Vice President of HBO Programming and head of HBO drama series and films Francesca Orsi said, “Reflecting on The White Lotus‘ humble, run-and-gun origin as a contained pandemic production, it’s impossible not to be awestruck by how [the show’s creator Mike White] orchestrated one of the buzziest and most critically acclaimed shows…We couldn’t be more thrilled to get the chance to collaborate on a third season together.” Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long for a new storyline, but here’s what we know so far about The White Lotus Season 3.
Cast
As we know by now, each new season of The White Lotus starts fresh in a brand new paradise, with an (almost) brand new cast. While Season 3’s cast remains a mystery, one guest certainly not returning is Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge).
However, previous cast members from Season 1, like Alexandra Daddario, Sydney Sweeney, and Jake Lacy, have voiced their interest in returning for another season. On April 19, it was announced that a familiar face will definitely be returning: Natasha Rothwell. Although she took a break from her role as Belinda for Season 2, she’s back for the Thailand excursion.
Some brand-new cast members were also just announced. Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Michelle Monaghan, Dom Hetrakul, and Tayme Thapthimtong are all confirmed to join the hotel next season. We’re excited to see what these new characters have in store, or if one of them will possibly add to the mysterious and terrifying storyline.
Location
According to Variety, the new season will take place in Thailand. Since the first two seasons were shot at Four Seasons Hotels, it’s safe to assume this will hold true for Season 3. Thailand’s Four Seasons Resorts span multiple terrains, ranging from scenic beaches and dense jungles to bustling cities. Mike’s pick is anyone’s guess.
Plot
The White Lotus‘s satirical approach to wealth and greed makes it an excellent and gripping binge-watch. During the behind-the-scenes segment after the final episode of Season 2, creator Mike White delved into what could be in store for the third season. “The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex,” he stated. “And I think the third season, it would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and eastern religion and spirituality.”
Release Date
While the release date of The White Lotus hasn’t yet been announced, HBO revealed filming will start in February 2024. The new predicted date of release is in 2025, as strikes have delayed production.
