Beaches, betrayal and a body bag: The White Lotus S3 trailer is here!
Ever since the end credits rolled on The White Lotus series 2, we’ve been desperate to know when we'd get our next fix of Mike White’s Emmy Award winning drama – and now, not only do we have a date for the new series, but there’s an exciting trailer, too.
While series 1 satirised white privilege at a luxury Hawaiian resort and series 2 was about sex and seduction under the Sicilian sun, series 3 is set in Thailand and sees a new cast of characters embarking on a holiday of a lifetime – only for some to experience their worst nightmare.
Here’s what we’ve gleaned so far about the upcoming series. Buckle up!
What will happen in The White Lotus series 3?
Speaking about the third instalment of his hit HBO show, writer/director Mike White said: “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.”
And from the looks of the tantalising trailer, he’s certainly delivered on his promise. Set in a lavish resort in Thailand, guests flock to lap up the sun, sex, and debauchery on offer – “If everyone gives into their base instincts it would be total depravity, like a race to the bottom,” notes a wise teen guest – or seek some form of spiritual enlightenment.
But as a Buddhist monk ominously warns: “Everyone runs from pain towards pleasure, but they get there only to find more pain”. What that discomfort looks like remains to be seen, but it ranges from the disintegration of relationships, mental anguish, and actual death (of course it does, this is The White Lotus we’re talking about!)
Who's in The White Lotus series 3 cast?
As you’d expect there's a whole new crop of holiday makers and staff in series 3, but one familiar face will be making a reappearance. Fan favourite Natasha Rothwell who played spa manager Belinda Lindsey in series one and was given a wad of cash by Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge) to set up her own business has transferred to the luxury Thai resort.
“When Mike White was finishing up season two, he asked to grab dinner with me. I thought nothing of it,” Rothwell revealed. “He was already thinking about season three and wanting to explore Belinda more. I told him I’d follow him anywhere, and I meant it. I didn’t know where the shoot or the storyline were, it was just a yes.”
In terms of new faces, the powerful combo of White’s wonderful storytelling, the huge success of series 1 and 2, and, let’s face it, the prospect of a nice jolly in Thailand has attracted some stellar names to the cast.
Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb play Laurie, Jaclyn and Kate, three old friends who haven’t seen each other in a while and are hoping to reconnect on a girls’ trip. Though, from the looks of it, it doesn’t seem to be going too well with Laurie calling Jaclyn “pathetic” behind her back because she “lives off male attention”. Ouch.
Jason Isaacs plays Timothy Ratliff, a wealthy businessman who is on holiday with his wife Victoria (Parker Posey) and their three children: eldest son Saxson (Patrick Schwarzenegger) who works for his father’s successful company; middle child Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), a college senior majoring in religion studies; and youngest son Lochlan (Sam Nivola) who is a high school senior. Victoria is less than pleased that someone has stolen her anxiety medication and plans to drink herself to sleep instead – so, a nice, relaxing family holiday, then.
Meanwhile, Walton Goggins is highly strung Rick Hatchette, who is travelling with his free-spirited girlfriend Chelsea, played by the fabulous Aimee Lou Wood. Chelsea is hugely tolerant of her boyfriend’s foibles and seems well versed at talking him off the ledge – encouraging him to try the stress management meditations.
Also, Lalisa Manobal – the rapper known as Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink – makes her acting debut as a member of staff at The White Lotus.
Where is The White Lotus series 3 filmed?
Expect some gorgeous, lush backdrops as the new series is filmed in and around Koh Samui (they filmed at the Four Seasons Resort), Phuket – they shot at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas – and Bangkok. With both Hawaii and Sicily experiencing a bump in tourism because of “The White Lotus effect”, viewers will undoubtedly be inspired to visit Thailand after watching the show.
“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,” said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “Thailand has long been considered one of the world’s favourite filming locations. The White Lotus project will certainly strengthen the kingdom’s status as a preferred filming destination and a beacon of experience-based tourism, inspiring even more visitors to amazing Thailand.”
When can we watch The White Lotus series 3?
Put 17th February in your diaries because that’s when we can feast our eyes on the third series, which will air on Sky Atlantic/NOW TV. The countdown is on!
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