A chaotic vacation unfolds in *The White Lotus*, a critically acclaimed series with 15 Emmy Awards, now entering its third season set in Thailand. Created by Mike White, the show explores the lives of wealthy tourists navigating moral dilemmas amidst stunning backdrops. The new season features a diverse cast, including Walton Goggins and Lalisa Manobal, promising a blend of humor and emotional depth. As characters confront their true selves, the narrative hints at future adventures across various cultures.
A Vacation Gone Awry: The Allure of *The White Lotus*
A week in paradise quickly spirals into chaos, much to the delight of audiences. With an impressive collection of 15 Emmy Awards, *The White Lotus* has ignited fervor among viewers since its debut four years ago on HBO, the American cable powerhouse known for producing groundbreaking series like *Sex and the City*, *Game of Thrones*, *The Sopranos*, and *Succession*. “It took off very quickly, as soon as we started airing. It was thrilling to see. I think no one expected it,” reflects Natasha Rothwell, the sole cast member returning from the first season for the highly anticipated third season, which premieres on Max in France on January 17.
A Deep Dive into Thailand’s Mystique
This choice of location is intentional. *“Buddhism and spirituality are deeply rooted in Thai culture. There’s a mystical side to this country that occupies a place in all our imaginations. So what better place than this?”* Goggins notes, emphasizing Thailand’s unique appeal.
His character, Rick Hatchett, arrives with his younger partner Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood, known for *Sex Education*), who quickly forms a bond with the enigmatic Chloé (played by Quebec’s Charlotte Le Bon). They coincide at the White Lotus with Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), an actress traveling with her childhood friends Laurie (Carrie Coon) and Kate (Leslie Bibb).
The Ratliff family adds a delightful touch of dysfunction to the mix. Comprising the father Timothy (Jason Isaacs, infamous as Lucius Malfoy in *Harry Potter*), the competitive eldest son Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), the indecisive youngest Lochlan (Sam Nivola), the culture-absorbing daughter Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), and the annoyingly vocal mother, Victoria, whose Southern accent grates on everyone, this family promises plenty of drama. *“I hope people will imitate her and mock her because memes are part of *The White Lotus*,”* Posey quips.
The first two seasons captivated audiences, thanks in part to Jennifer Coolidge’s unforgettable performances. *“I’m a big fan. I even have a hat with quotes from Tanya on it!”* exclaims Wood. The third season aims to elevate the experience further, showcasing Mike White’s sharp, ironic writing that balances humor with deeper emotional themes.
*“It’s not just about the meanness,”* insists Leslie Bibb. *“Everything he writes hides a deep pain. He touches on everything that makes you hesitate and lose confidence in yourself.”* Goggins agrees, calling White an extraordinary observer of the human condition, which may explain the series’ resonance with viewers.
While it’s often said that travel shapes youth, for the characters in *The White Lotus*, these journeys reveal their true selves. *“It’s like a mirror that allows them to see themselves more intensely. I believe that when you travel, you often use this opportunity to audition a version of yourself that may not exist yet,”* Rothwell observes. Her character, Belinda, an employee at the Hawaii hotel, heads to Thailand for training with local staff.
Among the Thai cast is Lalisa Manobal, an emerging actress and member of the globally celebrated K-pop group Blackpink. *“Seeing everything Mike White has captured in terms of Thai culture and spirituality has only rekindled my appreciation for everything Thai,”* shares her partner Tayme Thapthimthong.
*The White Lotus* offers viewers an exquisite glimpse of the region, allowing its vacationers to explore beyond the confines of the hotel for the first time. From Koh Samui to Phuket to Bangkok, the third season promises excitement, and even before its release, a fourth season has already been confirmed. *“If Belinda survives, I want to go to the African continent. To Morocco, Egypt, or South Africa. It’s a good opportunity to have those conversations that Mike knows so well how to lead about social classes, societal expectations, and colonialism,”* Rothwell expresses. Francesca Orsi, head of HBO’s series section, hints to *Deadline* that future installments could take place *“somewhere in Europe.”* Our bags are packed for what we hope will be a thrilling adventure in the mountains.
*>> *The White Lotus* season 3 – New episodes every Monday starting February 17 on Max*