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‘The White Lotus’ Season 3: Major Filming Updates, New Cast Info and More

Room for one, please

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The hotel staff at the White Lotus.
Mario Perez/HBO

Viewers are still reeling over the White Lotus season two finale (and Jennifer Coolidge's iconic performance), which aired in December 2022 on HBO Max. In the epic season finale, audiences anxiously watched Coolidge’s character, Tanya McQuoid, meet (*spoiler alert*) an untimely fate. 

Since then, fans have been analyzing theories and wondering what other characters will return to the series for season three. While fans have to wait until 2025 for The White Lotus season three to premiere, Mike White (aka the show’s creator) gave an exciting update that will certainly brighten their spirits.

In November 2023, White sat down with EW and shared that he and the writers are “finishing scripts” for season three. And that’s not even the best part. The creator also teased the next installment will be bigger than ever.

“It’s going to be a supersized White Lotus,” White said about the third season, which will take place in Asia. “It’s going to be longer, bigger, crazier. I don’t know what people will think, but I am super excited, so at least for my own barometer, that’s a good thing...I’m super excited about the content of the season.”

Once the SAG-AFTRA strike concluded, White immediately started casting for the new season. According to Deadline, production will begin in February. 

In other news, Variety previously reported that a fan-favorite cast member from season one is returning for the third installment. Plus, several other newcomers are joining the cast—including Blackpink’s Lisa.

Here’s everything we know (so far) about The White Lotus season three.

Tanya McQuoid from 'The White Lotus' season two.
HBO

1. What Is The White Lotus Season Three About?

Pack your bags White Lotus fans, because it looks like our next cast will be catching the first plane to Thailand. Max's official press release confirmed that the third season will take place in and around Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok, and it will follow a new group of guests at another White Lotus property.

Janet Graham Borba (EVP of Production for HBO and Max) released a statement confirming that production is working alongside the Thailand tourism board. “We are pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mike’s creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to the White Lotus,” she said.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), also said in a statement, “We are honored to have Thailand featured as the filming location for the highly anticipated upcoming season of The White Lotus. The kingdom’s exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites and diverse landscapes are the perfect settings to share our fascinating culture, fantastic cuisine, top-notch wellness and luxury offerings, and most importantly our people and Thai hospitality.”

Creator, writer and director Mike White previously teased the possibility of traveling to Asia. “I think it’d be fun to maybe go to a whole different continent,” he said, according to Deadline. “You know, we did Europe, and maybe Asia, something crazy like that, that would be fun.”

Plus, in an HBO featurette following the season two finale, White teased the season three plotline and said, “The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex, and I think the third season, it would be a satirical and funny look at death and eastern religion and spirituality. And it feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round of White Lotus.”

2. When Did HBO Renew The White Lotus for Season Three?

In November 2022, HBO announced that the Emmy-winning drama is returning for season three. In a statement, White revealed that it was a no-brainer to renew The White Lotus, and only a few episodes into the second season, HBO gave the anthology series the green light.

“There’s no place I’d rather work than HBO, and there’s no people I’d rather partner with than Casey Bloys, Francesca Orsi, Nora Skinner and their incredible team,” White said, per Deadline. “I feel so lucky to get this opportunity again and am excited to reunite with my amazingly talented collaborators on The White Lotus.”

Francesca Orsi, EVP of HBO Programming and Head of HBO Drama Series and Films added, “It’s impossible not to be awestruck by how Mike orchestrated one of the buzziest and most critically acclaimed shows. And yet, he’s only continued to reach new heights in season two, which is the ultimate testament to Mike’s raw, unparalleled vision. His 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.”

Natasha Rothwell from The White Lotus.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

3. Are There Any Surprise Characters Returning for Season Three?

While history indicates there will be an almost entirely new cast for season three of The White Lotus, fans will be happy to hear that another fan-favorite character from season one is returning for the third season: Belinda Lindsey, who is portrayed by talented actress, Natasha Rothwell.

Variety exclusively reported that the actress is going to reprise her role as the beloved spa manager in season three. Following the announcement, Rothwell tweeted, "Belinda is back baby!!!"

Additionally, in a December 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, she revealed her reaction to reading the scripts for season three. Rothwell said, "I gasped out loud a minimum of five times, and this was just me reading them!"

She continued, "The scripts are a testament to Mike’s skill and ability to tell the most smart and entertaining stories. I mean, everything that he does is like a lesson to me as an actor and a performer. And as a writer myself, he takes folks on a journey. Everyone needs to buckle up, because it’s going to get real!"

The White Lotus Staff S1 CAT
Mario Perez/HBO

4. Who Else Will Be in the Cast of The White Lotus Season Three?

Since the second season follows a different group of vacationers staying in an Italian White Lotus resort, it’s hard to tell who will return for future installments. For the second season, Coolidge returned as Tanya McQuoid (but, *spoiler*—based on that season two finale, we have a feeling Coolidge won't be returning for the third installment). Now, we know Rothwell will return to play Belinda Lindsey in the third installment. But the big question is: Who else will be joining season three?

Well, according to Deadline, several newcomers will join the cast of The White Lotus season three. This includes Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb, Dom Hetrakul, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey and Tayme Thapthimthong. Variety also reports that Walton Goggins, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Aimee Lou Wood, Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola have been added to the cast.

Deadline also revealed that Julian Kostov will portray a recurring Russian character. He will replace Miloš Biković, who was originally cast in the role.

As for the latest casting news, Deadline announced that Blackpink’s Lisa will make an appearance in the new season. The singer will be credited by her real name, Lalisa Manobal.

HBO hasn’t revealed any details about their characters, but we imagine they’ll portray a combination of guests and staff.

5. Well, Is There a Trailer?

As of right now, there is no trailer for The White Lotus season three (*wipes tear*). But when it becomes available, you’ll be the first ones to know.

So far, all we have is a teaser clip that was posted to the official Instagram account for the series.

In the video, an underwater scene plays in the background before text appears that says: “Another vacation is in your future.” Then it says, “The White Lotus season three.” The caption along with the clip read, “At #TheWhiteLotus, we manifest the things our guests desire into existence. We can’t wait to welcome you to our next White Lotus property.”

6. Is There a Release Date for The White Lotus Season Three?

Sadly, the premiere date is quite a ways off. HBO chairman and CEO Casey Bloys revealed that the release was postponed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, but that was before they reached a deal. “White Lotus Season three, that was going to be '24 and that's likely moving into 2025,” he said, according to Deadline. Now that casting is officially underway, we'll be crossing our fingers for more details soon.

jennifer coolidge movies and tv shows white lotus
FABIO LOVINO/HBO

7. Are There Any The White Lotus Season Three Theories?

One of the most popular theories involves Tanya McQuoid getting the last laugh over her husband, Greg. What if Tanya carries through on her word after all and somehow leaves her inheritance to Belinda? This could even involve a surprise cameo from Portia who shows up to deliver the news of the inheritance—and of Greg getting his due legal punishment.

But wait, there’s more. Another theory suggests that Kim Catrall will join the cast as Jennifer Coolidge’s sister. We don’t know how her role would fit into the story line, but we wouldn’t be opposed to their on-screen banter (even if it’s only in flashbacks).

All we know is that it’ll be worth the wait.

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Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

Karelle McKay is the Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment at PureWow. Before she started writing about all things pop culture, she was a literal couch potato who loved...

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Nakeisha has been interviewing celebrities and covering all things entertainment for over 8 years, but she has also written on a wide range of topics, like career...