The White Lotus, creator Mike White’s Emmy-winning social satire, is officially returning with season 3 set to begin filming in Thailand in February. Like the first two, the new installment will take place at another one of the luxury hotel’s exotic locations, where a new group of guests and employees will find their lives clashing in unexpected ways. With production nearly underway, HBO has formally announced the cast and location for The White Lotus’ upcoming third season.
Now, ET is exploring everything we know so far about the cast, location, and plot — including White’s latest hints and what many of the sprawling ensemble have previously said about returning.
The Cast
In January 2024, HBO announced the cast for The White Lotus season 3. Leslie Bibb, Dom Htrakul, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Tayme Thapthimthong are all set to join the series, alongside previously announced returning cast member Natasha Rothwell, who reprises her role as spa manager Belinda Lindsey in the inaugural Hawaii-set season.
“I can’t say anything. I literally can’t,” Rothwell told ET in December.
“I will say I’ve read all of the scripts and people are in for a treat. It’s bigger than ever. Buckle up.”
Many fans previously wondered whether Jennifer Coolidge would return as Tanya McQuiod, the grief-stricken guest who found solace in Greg Hunt (Jon Gries) in season 1 before the two’s romance started to fall apart in season 2. The 62-year-old actress won her first Primetime Emmy for season 1 and was nominated again for reprisal. In an interview with Deadline, White said that he couldn’t imagine doing another installment without her. “Jennifer is my friend and everybody loved her in the first season, and I was like, ‘I can’t go to Italy without Jennifer.’ And maybe that’s still the case. Like, maybe you can’t go to Japan without Jennifer, either.”
And Coolidge seemed to be open for more. “Yes, yes. Of course,” she told ET when asked about returning, before adding, “I mean, I don’t know what Mike has in mind. But yes, I would love [to come back].”
However, based on the season 2 finale, Coolidge’s involvement with the series has come to an end.
While Rothwell is the only returning star tapped for this season, there are still plenty of other White Lotus alums who would jump at the chance to check in again. White previously told Deadline, “There are so many fun actors we’ve worked with so far, so it’s just kind of like who’s available.”
Prior to the announcement of her role reprisal, Rothwell previously gushed, “I will follow Mike White to the ends of the earth.” Her upcoming material could be a way to tie up loose ends involving Tanya’s storyline, which may need some closure following the events of season 2.
Of the season 1 ensemble, several have told ET that they are willing to come back for another stay at the White Lotus.
“I would do anything with Mike White. Like, White Lotus season 3 [or] something totally different. You know, help him move boxes into a new house. Like, whatever he wants. I absolutely adore him and think he’s a genius. So, if he’s got something going and I get a call, I will be there,” Jake Lacy said, confirming that he’s “100 percent” in if White wants him to reprise his role as a demanding guest Shane Patton.
Alexandra Daddario, who played Shane’s wife Rachel, is also down to come back.
“If he had a great idea, then of course,” she said. “I would do anything… Just being a small part of the series is amazing.”
As for other season 1 stars, Connie Britton, who played mother and businesswoman Nicole Mossbacher, said, “With any luck, maybe I’ll be in another season.”
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The White Lotus seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Max. The first installment received 20 Emmy nominations across 13 categories and saw 10 wins, the most of any show that year. The second season has earned 23 Emmy nominations, with the winners set to be announced at the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on Jan. 15. RELATED CONTENT: