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The White Lotus: Which great American actress will join the cast of season 4?
It is now official, the hit series The White Lotus will soon unveil a highly-anticipated fourth season. After Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand, director Mike White opted for France, and more precisely, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, to shoot the new episode of his social satire. Discover the first images on the steps of the Palais des Festivals…
and Violaine Schütz.
Published on 30 October 2025. Updated on 28 May 2026.
Actress Aimee Lou Wood in The White Lotus season 3 (2025) © HBO.
The White Lotus, a razor-sharp satirical show
Since the release of its pilot in 2021, The White Lotus has established itself as a sharp social satire, dissecting the privileges and hypocrisies of elites on vacation. Each season, written and directed by Mike White, explores a new idyllic location and a fascinating, yet detestable cast of characters. Season 4 of the hit show is already in the works.
Season one was set in Hawaii and captivated audiences with its dark humor, social tensions, and Jennifer Coolidge‘s memorable performance. This first chapter scored a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and went on to win multiple Emmy Awards.
Season two, in Sicily, deepened the themes of desire and power, while season three, set in Thailand and aired in February 2025 on HBO, was praised for its visual richness and stellar performances. The cast includedWalton Goggins, Aimee Lou Wood, Carrie Coon, Charlotte Le Bon, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and K-pop superstar Lisa from Blackpink.
Saint-Tropez becomes the setting for season 4
HBO has confirmed a fourth season for The White Lotus. One might have thought that Mike White would move away from tropical beaches to explore new settings. The possible destinations, according to fans? Japan, Mexico, Australia, or South Africa.
On August 5th, 2025, Deadline reported that the story will unfold in France. Up until now, HBO had a partnership with the Four Seasons, which could have meant filming the series in one of the group’s properties, like the George V in Paris, Hôtel Megève or Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. But according to Variety, HBO has ended that partnership and the new episodes could therefore take place partly at the Ritz or the Lutetia in Paris. However, most of the action is expected to unfold on the French Riviera.
A film set at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival
In April 2026, the shooting of the series started on the Côte d’Azur, in Saint-Tropez, Monaco and Cannes. This new season will follow a group of guests and employees at the White Lotus Hotel over the course of a week, during the Cannes Film Festival. The Hôtel Martinez, renamed Lotus Blanc Cannes, will serve as the main set throughout the festival. While HBO is keeping the plot under wraps, several sources are mentioning a storyline driven by the buzz and frenzy of Cannes.
Creator and director Mike White has reportedly chosen Château de La Messardière, a 19th-century palace owned by the Airelles group and renowned for hosting a wealthy clientele since its reopening in 2021. A setting, renamed Lotus Blanc du Cap, that seems tailor-made for the show’s satirical universe.
As the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival officially came to a close on May 23rd, 2026 — crowning Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu’s feature Fjord — the cast of The White Lotus took over the steps of the Palais des Festivals. On May 26th, 2026, actress Laura Dern and several other actors starring in season 4 were spotted filming in Cannes.
Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Laura Smet and Vincent Cassel in the cast
Another important change? The departure of composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer, whose distinctive score shaped the first seasons. This transition could highly influence the series’ sonic atmosphere. Regarding the cast, American star Laura Dern is to replace British actress Helena Bonham Carter (Fight Club) at the last minute.
Alexander Ludwig (Vikings, The Hunger Games) and AJ Michalka, singer of the duo Aly & AJ, are among the first official names. Season 4 will also welcome Steve Coogan (The Trip), Sandra Bernhard (The King of Comedy), Heather Graham (Boogie Nights),Rosie Perez (Do the Right Thing), model Frida Gustavsson, Chris Messina (Sharp Objects), Marissa Long, and Caleb Jonte Edwards (Black Snow). French actors Laura Smet, Vincent Cassel, Corentin Fila (Mortel), and Nadia Tereszkiewicz will also star in this upcoming chapter.
Season 3 of The White Lotus (2021-), created by Mike White, is available on HBO Max. Season 4 has no release date yet.
