Each season of The White Lotus covers a different theme. In season 1, the creators analysed the topic of post-colonialism, while in season 2 they focused on gender relations. They also explored class differences, the collapse of social bonds and addictions, all sprinkled with a dash of black humour.
The gripping finale of The White Lotus season 2 provoked questions about the next instalment of the show. Will there be a third season of the anthology? And if so, where will showrunner Mike White take viewers this time?
Here is all the important information about the future of The White Lotus.
What is the release date for The White Lotus season 3?
HBO announced the third season before season 2 came to an end.
Unfortunately, Mike White’s series won’t be back anytime soon – HBO has pushed back The White Lotus premiere date to 2025.
Where will The White Lotus season 3 be set?
Initially, it was speculated that the new season would be set in the Maldives – that resort was mentioned by Daphne during her farewell dinner with Cameron, Ethan and Harper in season 2.
There were also rumours that the team wanted to shoot the show’s third instalment in Japan. However, HBO finally confirmed that season 3 will be set in Thailand.
HBO
What will the plot of The White Lotus season 3 be?
At the time of writing, HBO hadn’t revealed any plot details for the new season. However, it’s known that the story will focus on religion and spirituality.
In a video unpacking the season 2 finale, Mike White stated:
The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex. I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus.
In a recent interview for Entertainment Weekly, the show’s creator revealed that:
It’s going to be a supersized White Lotus. 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.
Which cast members are confirmed for season 3 of The White Lotus?
Spoilers for season 2 below.
Mike White’s series is an anthology featuring a different cast each season. HBO has begun to reveal who will appear in season 3 of the show. Here’s the list so far:
- Parker Posey
- Carrie Coon
- Leslie Bibb
- Dom Hetrakul
- Jason Isaacs
- Michelle Monaghan
- Tayme Thapthimthong
- Miloš Biković
- Christian Friedel
- Morgana O’Reilly
- Lek Patravadi
- Shalini Peiris
- Patrick Schwarzenegger
- Aimee Lou Wood
- Walton Goggins
- Sarah Catherine Hook
- Sam Nivola
Tanya McQuoid, played by Jennifer Coolidge, connected seasons 1 and 2. However, after Tanya died in the season 2 finale, we now know she has no chance to return. The question is, who might be back in season 3 instead of her?
HBO
According to Variety, the new instalment of the anthology will feature Natasha Rothwell, who played spa manager Belinda Lindsey in the first season.
Tanya’s husband, Greg (Jon Gries), who was probably behind the plan to kill the millionaire, survived season 2. Whether he managed to get his wife’s inheritance remains an open question. Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) also gets out of Sicily alive – following Jack’s “advice”, she heads straight to the airport, where she learns from Albie (Adam DiMarco) about the tragic events on the yacht. However, the girl may decide to discover what actually happened to her boss.
In a clip mentioned above about season 2, Mike White stated:
I think as far as what happens to Greg and the conspiracy of Tanya’s death, it’s possible that I think Portia is scared enough to just leave it alone but the fact that all of those guys die on the boat feels like there’s gotta be somebody who’s gonna track it back down to Greg. But maybe you’ll have to wait to find out what happens.
The creator also joked about the return of the Di Grasso family:
Who knows, maybe there’ll be another White Lotus season where Dominic comes with his wife and they patch it all up!
Considering that the voice of Dom’s wife in season 2 was recorded by Laura Dern, such a turn of events would be welcome.
How to watch The White Lotus
In the US, Mike White’s series is available on Max. A basic, ad-supported subscription costs $9.99 per month – there are ad-free options available as well.
In the UK you can watch The White Lotus via the Now website. An Entertainment Membership is priced at £9.99 a month.
Alternatively, UK-based fans can catch up on the series on Sky Atlantic if this channel is included in their TV package.