New season of 'The White Lotus': Surprises, intrigue and stars
What is known about season 3 of "The White Lotus" (HBO / Warner Bros.)
The sensational series about wealthy tourists, "The White Lotus," has returned to screens. On February 16, the premiere of the first episode of season 3 aired, and fans were thrilled by the news, eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story. RBC-Ukraine offers a detailed look at what is known about the film project and what to expect from the new episodes.
What is known about season 3 of "The White Lotus"
The anthology series tells the story of wealthy vacationers at the "White Lotus" hotel in each season, also showcasing strange murder cases. The characters' stories are never fully revealed, which intrigues viewers from the very first moments of watching and hints at various scenarios the plot could follow. However, one thing remains certain — someone must die.
The first season premiered in the summer of 2021, and the filming took place in Hawaii. In October 2022, the creators presented the continuation — the second season, filmed in Sicily. The series won all the major awards in its category: "Best Miniseries," "Best Screenplay," "Best Direction," "Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries," and "Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries."
A scene from "The White Lotus" series
As for the third season, it was filmed in Thailand on the island of Phuket, and fans were able to watch the first episode on February 16.
"In the first season, we focused on money, in the second – on sex. The third part will offer a satirical look at death, spirituality, and enlightenment," said the screenwriter and director of the project, Mike White.
A scene from "The White Lotus" series
He combines beautiful landscapes, talented actors, and a gloomy social satire with mystery in his work. Most of White's ideas are focused on how people place their own pleasure above the needs of others.
Through the characters, he attempts to show and understand their selfish mistakes, rather than simply mocking human weaknesses. Mike understands that anyone can be led by desire, especially when they find themselves in a place designed to help them discover themselves and try new things.
A scene from "The White Lotus" series
Main characters of "The White Lotus" season 3
Fans can once again see a star-studded cast, which can be loosely divided into four groups.
The Retliff family - "blue blood" of North Carolina, which consists of:
- Timothy – a successful businessman who isn't interested in spiritual knowledge.
- Victoria (Parker Posey) – Timothy's wife, a bold beauty who believes that everything her children do is good.
- Their older son, Saxon – a financier who works for his father and constantly seeks new intimate partners.
- Their daughter, Piper – a student at the University of North Carolina, working on her thesis about Eastern religions.
- Their younger son, Lachlan – a high school senior who has just entered university and isn't sure if he wants to follow in his father's and brother's footsteps
The second largest group is the trio of "old friends" who reunite after a long separation:
- Lori (Carrie Coon) – a businesswoman from New York
- Kate (Leslie Bibb) – a housewife from Texas
- Jacqueline (Michelle Monaghan) – an actress recognized by the hotel staff.
A scene from "The White Lotus" series
The third group is a couple that seems completely mismatched:
- Rick (Walton Goggins) – an irritable man who everyone finds too suspicious.
- Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) – a much younger girlfriend, cheerful and free-spirited, eager to try new things and seize the opportunities around her.
Each pair of guests receives a "health mentor" who helps them book spa treatments and attend events.
- For the friends, it's Valentin, with whom the women will try to rebuild their relationships in the upcoming episodes of the season.
- For the Retliffs, it's Pam, who is often ignored, especially when she mentions the resort's rule about not using mobile phones in public areas.
- For Rick and Chelsea, it's Mook (Lalisa Manobal).
Among the hotel staff, there's also Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), a massage therapist at "The White Lotus" since the first season. She plans to spend three months in Thailand to relax, unwind, and recharge for further accomplishments.
A scene from "The White Lotus" series
Facts about "The White Lotus" filming
Fans who have watched the previous two seasons of the series won't be surprised that the continuation begins with a murder. The events unfold in the Thai jungle at a wellness resort. Amidst the dense groves, a relaxation session is suddenly interrupted by loud noises and the appearance of a corpse. After this, the viewers are taken back to the beginning of the story, which happened a week earlier.
It is also known that the filming began in February of the previous year and finished in August. The filming covered several locations throughout Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
To create the fictional hotel, the creators used several luxury resorts: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, and Rosewood Phuket.
A scene from "The White Lotus" series
First reviews of the new season and where to watch "The White Lotus" season 3
After its premiere, "The White Lotus" season 3 has received positive reviews for its sharp satire, character development, and the successful blending of Thai culture with the series' overall atmosphere. Viewers will experience a deep dive into themes of spirituality and existential exploration. The show's tradition of mixing dark humor with social commentary remains strong and vividly expressed.
"The White Lotus" season 3 is available on HBO, and in Ukraine, it can be streamed on Megogo and Sweet.TV.
Everything we know about "The White Lotus" seasons 1&2
In the first season, the events occur in Hawaii at the White Lotus Resort Hotel. Viewers immediately learn that a murder has occurred, but it is unclear who the victim is or under what circumstances the crime happened. The entire story gradually unfolds, keeping fans eagerly watching episode after episode to uncover what actually took place.
In the second season, which was released in 2022, the events move to Sicily, taking place in another hotel of the same chain. The atmosphere becomes even more tense and erotically charged, and the themes shift as well. This time, the focus is on issues of sex, betrayal, and power dynamics in relationships.
Sources: information about the series from the English Wikipedia, articles from People, The Times, Financial Times, and Decider.
