LONDON – Prepare to dive into the world of “The White Lotus” as it sets its third season in Thailand. Unfortunately, this time around, fans will miss Jennifer Coolidge’s beloved character Tanya, who had quite the dramatic exit in season two.
With Tanya’s departure, new characters will have their moment to shine when the series premieres this Sunday on Sky and HBO. Among the newcomers are Michelle Monaghan, portraying a vacationing TV star, and Aimee Lou Wood as a trendy British traveler. Natasha Rothwell returns as Belinda, the spa manager, still reeling from her previous interactions with Tanya. Rising star Lisa from Blackpink makes her acting debut as a resort staff member in this season.
As is customary in Mike White’s anthology series, the opulent guests at this lavish resort struggle to escape the underlying tension that seems to pervade their luxurious surroundings. For the cast, however, the experience has been rather enjoyable.
Monaghan expressed her excitement at landing the role of TV star Jaclyn, even tearing up when she found out she was selected for the part. Celebrating with a bottle of Champagne, she proclaimed that this role, in a critically acclaimed series filmed in beautiful locations, is undoubtedly the best job on television. Rothwell shares her sentiment, feeling fortunate to be part of the ensemble again and thankful for the opportunities provided by the show.
Fans expressed their frustration with Tanya’s decisions in the first season, particularly her failure to support Belinda’s ambitions. Rothwell believes this strong viewer response can be attributed to the show’s timely release during global lockdowns, giving audiences a chance to escape into a world of luxury and intrigue while their own lives were on pause.
However, not everyone found the prolonged location shoot easy to navigate. Wood, known for her role in Netflix’s “Sex Education,” described the experience of living on set as increasingly claustrophobic. She noted the challenge of wrapping up a day of filming only to head to her hotel room just a few steps away. Yet, she eventually cherished the experience, humorously drawing comparisons to “The Truman Show.” Meanwhile, Rothwell’s challenges were lighter, dealing instead with unexpected encounters with local wildlife during her scenes.
Each season features a new White Lotus resort in sought-after vacation destinations, but this time Thailand itself takes the spotlight more vividly than in previous seasons set in Hawaii and Sicily. Monaghan elaborated on how the cast was able to explore the local culture and sights beyond the confines of the resort, enhancing the show’s narrative scope considerably. Rothwell echoed this sentiment, stating that Thailand enriches the storyline in a way that makes the setting feel like another character in the series.
Monaghan’s character, Jaclyn, is on a girls’ trip with her old friends played by Carrie Coon and Leslie Bibb. Drawing parallels with her own life, Monaghan found the dynamics evoked by White’s storytelling to resonate deeply with her experiences as a woman trying to maintain friendships amidst busy lives.
Wood portrays Chelsea, embodying the essence of a carefree vacationer. She is in a relationship with a somewhat dull partner, bringing out the complexities of her character. Additionally, Lisa, performing under her real name Lalisa Manoban, plays an employee who assists pampering guests, showcasing her acting range while juggling her music career.
Thailand’s Lek Patravadi plays a White Lotus owner, reflecting the glamorous and spoiled lifestyle on display throughout the season. Parker Posey enjoys a role as Victoria Ratliff, a lavish guest soaking up the sun with her family.
To prepare for her role, Monaghan humorously described the arduous process of self-tanning to achieve a golden glow, often while her co-stars enjoyed their moments on the beach. Wood, on the other hand, has seen her skin tone change for the first time in her life, gaining a subtle tan after spending seven months in Thailand.
When discussing their characters as potential travel companions, Wood believed her laid-back Chelsea would make an excellent travel buddy. Meanwhile, Rothwell jokingly suggested that her character Belinda’s hospitality skills would help others come out of their shells, contrasting with her more introverted personality. Finally, Monaghan emphasized that Jaclyn not only ensures a fun time but also comes with the added perk of a generous budget for vacationing. This blend of character dynamics promises an engaging season for viewers to enjoy.
