Max - The White Lotus Season 3: A Luxurious Premiere in Paris Ahead of Its Thailand Adventure

By Mulder, Paris, Pathé Palace & Buddha Bar, 12 february 2025

Max treated his guests to an unforgettable evening in Paris, immersing us in the world of The White Lotus” ahead of the eagerly awaited third season. The exclusive preview event took place at the historic Pathé Palace, where attendees were treated to the first episode of the original HBO series, scheduled to premiere on February 16, 2025. To make the experience even more memorable, we were then transported by tuk-tuk and golf cart decorated in the colors of the series to the Lotus Party held at the famous Buddha Bar, where the atmosphere reflected the luxurious yet disturbing charm of the series.

The evening was a very popular event, bringing together a range of notable personalities, including Diane Leyre, Simon Ehrlacher, Cookie Kunty, Maxime Dereymez, Ruben Alves, Gabrielle Lazure and Antoine de Maximy. In addition, a diverse group of content creators such as Sparkdise, EmmaParis, Enzotaistoi, Raphael Say, Alex Miguel, Who is Lyse and Yugnatt were also present. We were welcomed with wellness massages and Thai-inspired cocktails, immersing us further in the world of the series.

Known for its biting social satire and opulent sets, The White Lotus continues to explore the hidden tensions and power struggles between its wealthy guests and its devoted staff. The third season features a new cast of acclaimed actors, including Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong and Aimee Lou Wood. In particular, Natasha Rothwell reprises her role as Belinda Lindsey, a character whose past history has left fans eager to see the next chapter.

Since its debut, The White Lotus has evolved both in its setting and in its thematic depth. The first season, set in Hawaii, dissects issues of privilege and wealth, winning ten Emmy® Awards. The second installment, set in Sicily, delves into power and desire, garnering further critical acclaim. Now, with the third season set in Thailand, creator Mike White has hinted that he will focus on Eastern spirituality and the nature of death, adding new layers of complexity to the series' signature blend of satire and intrigue.

The journey to bring The White Lotus season 3 to life has not been without its difficulties. The series was renewed for a third season in November 2022, even before the end of the second season, demonstrating HBO's confidence in the longevity of the series. However, production faced an unexpected hurdle in the form of the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, which caused significant delays. Originally scheduled for release in 2024, the season was ultimately pushed back to 2025.

Filming took place from February to August 2024 in some of Thailand's most breathtaking locations, including Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. Interestingly, Japan had originally been considered as a potential setting for the season, with creator Mike White scouting locations in Honshu. However, Thailand was ultimately chosen due to the country's generous $4.4 million tax incentive for film productions, whereas Japan does not have a comparable incentive program. This decision not only shaped the visual identity of the series, but also allowed the production to fully immerse itself in the rich cultural and natural landscapes of Thailand.

One of the greatest strengths of The White Lotus is its ability to create multifaceted characters whose seemingly carefree vacations turn into stories of ambition, betrayal, and existential crisis. The third season will be no exception, with an eclectic mix of travelers, each with their own secrets and motivations. Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon and Michelle Monaghan will play longtime friends on a reunion trip, while Walton Goggins will play a man traveling with his much younger girlfriend, Chelsea, the free spirit of Aimee Lou Wood. Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey will play the roles of Timothy and Victoria Ratliff, a wealthy couple on vacation with their three children, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK's Lalisa Manobal makes her acting debut as Mook, a health advisor at the resort, while Lek Patravadi plays Sritala, one of the resort's influential owners.

The synopsis of the series hints at a new descent into chaos under the veil of paradise: “In a picture-postcard beach resort, guests enjoy their holidays in an idyllic setting, looked after by the friendliest and most helpful staff. But it soon becomes clear that the apparent happiness and smiles are deceptive.” This formula has been hugely successful in previous seasons, drawing viewers into a world where the elite indulge in excess, oblivious (or willfully ignorant) of the tensions simmering just below the surface.

Behind the camera, Mike White continues to be the creative force behind The White Lotus, as writer, director and executive producer alongside Nick Hall, David Bernad and Mark Kamine. The production team remains top-notch, with cinematography by Ben Kutchins and Xavier Grobet, and editing by Heather Persons and John M. Valerio. The series' haunting and playful soundtrack, composed by Cristobal Tapia de Veer and Kim Neundorf, is once again set to set the tone for this blend of comedy and unease.

With its luxurious setting, complex character dynamics and biting social commentary, season 3 of The White Lotus is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated television events of 2025. As the premiere approaches, fans are wondering what new scandals will erupt in this pristine Thai paradise. Who will emerge unscathed from the White Lotus resort and who will become its latest victim? All will be revealed when the series returns to HBO and Max on February 16, 2025.

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Synopsis : 
In a postcard-perfect seaside resort, guests enjoy their vacations in idyllic surroundings, looked after by the most pleasant and helpful staff. But it soon becomes clear that the apparent happiness and smiles are deceptive.

The White Lotus
Created, Written and directed by Mike White
Starring  Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, Aimee Lou Wood, Nicholas Duvernay, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Scott Glenn, Dom Hetrakul, Julian Kostov, Charlotte Le Bon, Morgana O'Reilly, Shalini Peiris
Music by Cristobal Tapia de Veer, Kim Neundorf
Executive producers : Nick Hall, David Bernad, Mike White, Mark Kamine
Producers : John M. Valerio, Heather Persons, Todd Brown
Cinematography : Ben Kutchins, Xavier Grobet
Editors : Heather Persons, John M. Valerio
Production companies : HBO Entertainment, Pallogram, The District, Rip Cord Productions
Network : HBO (United States), Max (France)
Release July 11, 2021 – present

Photos & video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville