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

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.”

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!"

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.

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.