You’ve solely simply obtained dwelling from a vacation if you begin planning the following one. So it’s with the super-rich spa satire The White Lotus. The gunsmoke remains to be clearing from the finale of the third season however hypothesis is rife about the place the HBO hit will head subsequent.
This week’s climax of Mike White’s drama might need divided critics, nevertheless it was nonetheless group chat-dominating, column inch-gobbling TV, notching its highest scores but. The present was renewed for a fourth journey earlier than the third had even aired, with White reportedly pitching HBO execs his subsequent concept whereas nonetheless filming in Koh Samui. Buzz is now constructing in regards to the subsequent chapter, anticipated on our screens in late 2026.
Every season has unfolded at a luxurious resort in a distinct area. Viewers have been whisked to the Pacific (the debut season in Hawaii), Europe (the Sicily-set sequel) and Asia (the third lodge from hell, filmed in Thailand). White has beforehand stated his dream for the present is to “hit each continent”.
If the sample continues, choices are prone to be Africa (there are rumours of a Moroccan riad, Kenyan safari or a sightseeing tour of Egypt), South America (Buenos Aires has been talked about) or Australia (White has alluded to its “wealth of expertise”).
An element is the manufacturing’s partnership with 4 Seasons, after signing a reported £25m deal in 2021 to movie completely within the high-end chain’s resorts. Its five-star lodge in Marrakech’s historical medina has emerged as a frontrunner. White apparently stayed on the 4 Seasons Tamarindo in Mexico earlier than Christmas, doubtlessly on a analysis journey. He has additionally stated to have checked out £1,000-per-night glamping on the 4 Seasons in Tanzania’s Serengeti nationwide park.
There’s conjecture that after three sun-soaked tales, a chilly local weather would supply a change of substances. White had been noticed in Norway, making {that a} robust favorite. Native press experiences counsel it almost occurred for season three. There are not any 4 Seasons websites in Norway, however spectacular options embody the Juvet Panorama lodge, which featured within the HBO collection Succession.
Nonetheless, the present’s producer, David Bernad, has hinted this can be a longshot, saying: “Mike doesn’t just like the chilly. He’s a California man. He’s not constructed for snow.” For his half, White has teased that the fourth season may transfer away from seaside settings, saying: “I wish to get slightly bit out of the ‘crashing waves on rocks’ vernacular.”
Tax incentives and subsidies will play a component within the determination, making Japan a gorgeous proposition. 4 Seasons Kyoto or Osaka head the shortlist right here. In the meantime, there have been requires the manufacturing to remain nearer to dwelling. The media union Sag-Aftra needs the fourth season to be shot in California as a part of its “keep in LA” initiative.
Maybe probably the most definitive clue got here from HBO’s head of drama, Francesca Orsi, who stated in February: “We’re location scouting within the subsequent couple of weeks. I can’t actually say the place we’re going to land however likelihood is someplace in Europe.”
There are many 4 Seasons spots in mainland Europe to select from, notably Cap-Ferrat within the French Riviera. Nonetheless, White received’t take an apparent path. “The place we select to go subsequent could possibly be vastly impactful to that vacation spot,” he informed the Hollywood Reporter. “That’s why it was so cool to shoot in Thailand. It’s laborious to go backward. Doing it in Paris seems like a cop-out.”
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As for the season 4 forged? Stick a pin in a listing of A-list performing expertise. Woody Harrelson got here near being forged in season three because the Bangkok berserker Frank, in the end performed Sam Rockwell. It was solely scheduling conflicts that scuppered Harrelson’s involvement, so he may be excessive on the hitlist subsequent time round. Hollywood names will most likely be joined by a scene-stealing Brit or two, with huge impressions made by Tom Hollander, Leo Woodall, Jason Isaacs and Aimee Lou Wooden in earlier collection.
Every season has featured overlapping characters. Jennifer Coolidge’s needy heiress Tanya McQuoid supplied continuity between the primary two seasons in meme-spawning type. In season three Natasha Rothwell returned because the spa supervisor Belinda and Jon Gries as Tanya’s murderous widower Greg aka Gary.
Rothwell is a agency favorite with followers and could possibly be due one other comeback. Having tapped Greg for $5m hush cash, Belinda has gone from put-upon employees to potential pampered visitor. What higher approach to illustrate how wealth corrupts? Rothwell has stated she “is aware of nothing” of what White has deliberate however would return if requested.
If she doesn’t get the decision, who’re the opposite candidates? The sad honeymooners Shane and Rachel from season one (Jake Lacy and Alexandra Daddario) or season two’s intercourse employee Lucia (Simona Tabasco) may work nicely. If it’s a season three star, attainable names embody Carrie Coon because the brittle lawyer Laurie Duffy, Patrick Schwarzenegger because the protein shake-guzzling Saxon Ratliff or Parker Posey as his mom, Victoria, set to grow to be a “jail widow”.
White has even talked about an all-star collection as a “cool” concept. “I really feel like they’d do all of the douchiest guys collectively or all of the lodge managers collectively,” stated Schwarzenegger.
One member of the White Lotus staff who received’t be returning is the Emmy-winning composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, whose feud with White has performed out in public. After De Veer spoke out about inventive variations over the newest theme tune, White hit again that this was “a bitch transfer”. We will safely assume another person will provide season 4’s signature music.
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