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Season 4 Speculation: Where Will “The White Lotus” Unfold Next?
As the curtain closes on the captivating third season of “The White Lotus,” fans are already buzzing about the next destination for Mike White’s acclaimed series. With Season 4 officially greenlit by HBO, speculation is rife regarding the luxury resort that will serve as the backdrop for the next installment of the darkly comedic drama. Each season transports viewers to a different opulent location within the White Lotus chain, immersing them in the lives of affluent, yet often discontented, vacationers whose idyllic getaways are inevitably disrupted, sometimes with fatal consequences.
Recap of Previous Seasons
Before diving into Season 4 predictions, a quick look back at the previous settings:
- Season 1: The series debuted in the tropical paradise of Hawaii.
- Season 2: Viewers were whisked away to the picturesque landscapes of Sicily.
- Season 3: Most recently, the drama unfolded against the exotic backdrop of Thailand.
Location Hints and Fan Theories
Ahead of the Season 3 premiere, executive producer David Bernad mentioned to The Post that future locations were still under consideration. Following the finale, online discussions ignited, with observant viewers suggesting possible clues within Season 3 itself. A Reddit theory pointed to actress Carrie Coon wearing a Colombia t-shirt in one episode, sparking speculation about a potential South American setting.
European Destinations on the Horizon?
However, HBO executive Francesca Orsi offered a different perspective to Deadline, hinting that Season 4 might head back to Europe. She indicated that “chances are somewhere in Europe,” suggesting a return to the continent after Season 2’s Sicilian sojourn.
Cold Weather Locations Unlikely
Could a chilly vacation spot, perhaps Iceland or Norway, be in store? Bernad, speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, cast doubt on this possibility. He revealed that series creator Mike White “does not like the cold,” stating, “I feel confident we’ll never do a season in the cold. Mike is not built for…he’s a California guy, he’s not built for the cold,” effectively diminishing the likelihood of a Nordic setting.
Exploring Warmer European Options
With colder climates seemingly ruled out, numerous sunnier European nations remain as potential locations. Spain and France, both popular tourist hotspots, are viable options that the show has yet to explore. Alternatively, Season 4 could venture into Eastern Europe, perhaps to Slovenia, an increasingly favored destination, or Romania, with its intriguing castles.
Four Seasons Hotels: A Strong Partnership
Historically, “The White Lotus” has primarily utilized Four Seasons resorts for filming. The formalization of a partnership between the Four Seasons and HBO prior to Season 3 suggests this collaboration will likely continue. Europe boasts several Four Seasons properties, including locations in London, Paris, Geneva, Budapest, Athens, Madrid, and Portugal, making these cities strong contenders.
Beyond Europe: Egypt and Mexico Still in Contention
Despite the European leanings, destinations outside the continent haven’t been entirely dismissed. In February, a source indicated to Parade that “Egypt or Mexico” were strong possibilities for the next season’s shoot. Orsi’s comments to Deadline, mentioning consideration of “some countries on the map” before location scouting, further keeps options open beyond Europe.
Creative and Practical Factors in Location Selection
Bernad explained the location selection process to The Post, noting a dual approach: “There’s a macro approach, which is ‘what’s a country that has a film community or local crew that also has a tax rebate that’s film friendly?’ We start in a broader sense, and each season has a larger theme.” The allure of hosting “The White Lotus,” an Emmy-winning series, has created unexpected competition among potential locations. Bernad acknowledged this, stating, “There’s an element of that – of people soliciting us – which is incredibly flattering and unexpected.” However, he emphasized that “ultimately, we’re dictated by the creative” vision above all else when finalizing each season’s setting.
Composer Change for Season 4
Adding a note of change for the upcoming season, the show’s signature music will have a different flavor. Composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer recently announced his departure from “The White Lotus” due to creative disagreements with Mike White, marking a shift in the sonic landscape of Season 4.