Parker Posey and Jason Isaacs are among the new cast members announced for the third season of HBO’s critically acclaimed comedy drama The White Lotus.
The pair has been revealed alongside the Iron Man star Leslie Bibb, True Detective’s Michelle Monaghan, Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimthong.
The six actors join the season one star Natasha Rothwell, whom Variety confirmed would reprise her Emmy-nominated role as the beleaguered luxury hotel masseuse Belinda back in April 2023.
Exact plot details for the third season, set to begin production in Thailand in February, are being kept under wraps, although it is expected the new outing will again follow a set of guests at a different fictional White Lotus hotel property. The creator, writer and director Mike White will again serve as executive producer and director, along with David Bernad and Mark Kamine as executive producers.
White has previously teased that the third season will delve into eastern spirituality, potentially aligning with Belinda’s interest in wellness. “The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex,” White said in an HBO clip tied to the season 2 finale. “I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and eastern religion and spirituality.”
Rothwell, recently seen in Wonka, has already teased a surprising season in-store. “I gasped out loud a minimum of five times, and this was just me reading them,” she told Vanity Fair last month. “The scripts are a testament to Mike’s skill and ability to tell the most smart and entertaining stories.”
HBO has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to support filming and promotion of the third season. “We are pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mike’s creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to the White Lotus,” said Janet Graham Borba, executive vice-president of production for HBO and Max, in a statement reported by Variety.
Thailand has long been considered one of the world’s favorite filming locations,” added Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “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.”
The White Lotus was an instant critical hit since its debut in 2021 as a limited series – its first season, set in Hawaii, earned 20 Emmy nominations and 10 wins, including for best limited series. Its second season, set in Sicily, is up for 23 awards, including best drama, for the 2023 Emmys, which were postponed until 15 January.
