Each of the earlier seasons opened with a shot of an unidentified lifeless physique, organising a thriller within the background that propelled the comedy-satire by means of its story on class and relationships. The primary season highlighted cash and the second intercourse, and creator Mike White had stated that the third season could be a “satirical and humorous take a look at loss of life and Jap faith and spirituality.” One thing that felt like “a wealthy tapestry” to do one other spherical at White Lotus.
When the second season completed, White stated he may very well be open to giving viewers extra solutions from the finale, notably associated to Tanya’s husband, Greg (Jon Gries), and his involvement within the tragic ending. In a later function with THR, he spoke about revisiting different characters (earlier than Rothwell was introduced), the present’s pivot from restricted collection to drama and why he might not open season three with one other lifeless physique.
“It could be simple to simply be full-on anthology, however I believe it’s extra enjoyable to have little threads by means of the present. If the present goes on for a few seasons, it will be enjoyable to have an all-star season,” he stated. “I don’t assume it must at all times be a physique [opening the show]. There are such a lot of ways in which we need to reinvent the present every year. Like, what is that this present — aside from folks? A contemporary thriller, folks possibly anticipate that. However I don’t really feel constrained by expectation. It’s enjoyable.”
Coolidge added to THR: “Mike will need to have some juicy stuff for [Rothwell’s character]. I believe that would be the most fascinating storyline of all: no matter’s occurred to Natasha’s character. However, yeah, I additionally need to see Greg get it.”
When nearing the top of 2023’s SAG-AFTRA strike and finalizing his scripts, White informed EW that season three could be “a supersized” White Lotus — one thing the forged bulletins are bearing out: “It’s going to be longer, larger, crazier. I don’t know what folks will assume, however I’m tremendous excited, so not less than for my very own barometer, that’s a great factor … I’m tremendous excited concerning the content material of the season.”
Weeks forward of premiere, White, in his interview with Time, expanded on his inspirations for the season (years of journey, trip observations and a personally exhausting yr). The third season explores his curiosity in Jap spirituality and wellness practices, alongside together with his skepticism of how Westerners use the drugs on self-care. “They’re all in some type of damage,” White stated of this season’s friends. “Like, they’re all lifeless, however they don’t comprehend it.”
He additionally stated the Thailand-set season will likely be “a lot, a lot darker” than the 2 earlier seasons, in addition to grander and extra epic. “I do really feel like the opposite seasons had been a rehearsal for this one,” stated White.
