The White Lotus season 3, the first images that spark debate

The hit series The White Lotus, created by Mike White, returns for a highly anticipated third season. After an exploration of money in Hawaii and relationships in Sicily, the series settles in Thailand.

Scheduled for 2025 on HBO and the Max platform, this new season will tackle themes of religion and spirituality, with scenes shot on Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok.

A satire of modern obsessions

Since its debut in 2021, The White Lotus has relentlessly criticized the lives of the ultra-rich and their shortcomings, blending caustic humor with sharp scenes. This season will focus on spiritual and religious practices in Thailand, bringing to a close a triptych on the major concerns of modern society. Mike White told Deadline that this season “will be a kind of satirical and funny look at death in religion and Eastern spirituality.”

The first teaser: mixed reactions

A first teaser, shared by the Max platform, has sparked controversy. While fans are delighted to see the series back, some have criticized the use of a yellow filter to represent Thailand. On X (formerly Twitter), one user was outraged: “Using a yellow filter to represent countries outside the West is a bit racist.” Another added: “Why does yellow = poor country in American fiction?” Despite these reactions, expectations for the new season remain high.

A cast of international stars

Season 3’s cast promises memorable moments, with new faces such as Lisa from Blackpink and Quebec actress Charlotte Le Bon. Among the main cast, Parker Posey joins the team, already generating enthusiasm among fans who see her as a worthy successor to Jennifer Coolidge. The actress, who left her mark on the series with her role as Tanya McQuoid, will not be returning, but her performance earned her a Golden Globe in 2023.

Alongside Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs (known for his role as Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter), Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb and Thai actors Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimthong will bring a fresh dynamic. New talent also includes Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Aimee Lou Wood.

The return of an outstanding character

For the new season, viewers will be reunited with Natasha Rothwell, who reprises her role as Belinda, the spa manager from the first season in Hawaii. The actress said she was delighted to be working with Mike White again: “Everything he does is like a lesson for me as an actress and writer… He takes people on a journey.”

Between social satire, spirituality and wry humor, season 3 of The White Lotus promises to be full of twists and turns. With this new Thai setting, Mike White looks set to deliver another biting critique.

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