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Shifting Sands for ‘The White Lotus’ Season 4: A New Destination on the Horizon?
Speculation surrounds the upcoming season of HBO’s acclaimed series, “The White Lotus,” as creator Mike White suggested a potential departure from the show’s signature beachside settings for its fourth installment. Known for its exotic resort locations, the satirical drama may be charting a new course for future episodes.
Creator Hints at Setting Evolution
In a video interview following the Season 3 finale, White, 54, indicated a desire to move away from the “crashing waves against rocks” aesthetic that has characterized the previous seasons. However, he reassured viewers that the possibility of intrigue and even fatalities at White Lotus properties remains firmly in place.
Previous Seasons Basked in Tropical Locales
Each season of “The White Lotus” unfolds at a different branch of the eponymous luxury hotel chain. To date, viewers have been transported to idyllic settings in Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand, each serving as a backdrop for the series’ signature blend of social satire and dark comedy.
Europe Emerges as a Potential Destination
Francesca Orsi, HBO’s Executive Vice President, offered a glimpse into the potential Season 4 locale in a prior interview. She revealed that location scouting was imminent, hinting that Europe was a strong contender for the next chapter of “The White Lotus.”
“We’re going on some locations scouting in the next couple of weeks, so we’ll know soon,” Orsi stated. “I can’t really say where we’re going to land but chances are somewhere in Europe.”
Orsi further mentioned ongoing discussions regarding specific European countries but emphasized that concrete details would remain under wraps until location exploration was completed.
Four Seasons Partnership Strengthens Resort Connection
The formalized partnership between Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and HBO prior to Season 3 suggests a continued collaboration. This development increases the likelihood that Season 4 will once again utilize a Four Seasons property as its central setting.
European Four Seasons Locations Offer Diverse Backdrops
The Four Seasons boasts an array of opulent European hotels in cities such as London, Paris, Geneva, Budapest, Athens, Madrid, and various locations across Portugal. These diverse locales present a range of possibilities for the show’s evolving visual and thematic landscape.
Cold Climates Unlikely, According to Producer
Despite the potential shift away from beaches, executive producer David Bernad previously indicated that a drastically colder environment was improbable for Season 4. He stated that Mike White, the show’s creator, prefers warmer settings.
Location Selection: A Multifaceted Approach
Bernad previously explained the complex process of choosing each season’s location, noting both practical and thematic considerations.
“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,” Bernad detailed, highlighting the blend of logistical and creative factors at play.
Composer Departs Over Creative Disagreements
Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, the composer behind the distinctive theme music for the first three seasons, confirmed his exit from “The White Lotus.” Citing creative differences with Mike White, Tapia de Veer indicated a permanent parting of ways, signaling a potential shift in the show’s sonic identity as well.
Tapia de Veer stated that he and White “had our last fight forever,” leading to his decision to leave the series.