The Creator of The White Lotus Hints at Significant Changes for Season 4
The White Lotus might be making some dramatic changes for its fourth season.
After three seasons filled with sun-soaked mysteries, creator Mike White hinted that the upcoming season of the HBO acclaimed drama could take a chillier turn, possibly exchanging sunny locales for wintery backdrops.
“In the fourth season, I’d like to step away from the ‘crashing waves against rocks’ imagery,” White mentioned in a video shared by HBO after the season 3 finale aired on Sunday, April 6.
He went on to say, “However, there’s always space for more murders at the White Lotus hotels.”
The first three seasons of The White Lotus unfolded in stunning tropical destinations, with filming locations including Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand. The idea of trading beaches for ski resorts certainly presents an intriguing angle for season 4. (Just imagine a murder mystery on the slopes!)
Warning: Spoilers regarding the season 3 finale of The White Lotus follow.
The season 3 finale on Sunday featured three pivotal deaths. Rick (Walton Goggins) briefly reconciled with his choice not to kill Sritala’s (Lek Patravadi) husband in retaliation for his father’s death but ultimately changed his mind and met his demise. His girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), and Sritala’s husband, Jim (Scott Glenn), who turns out to be Rick’s father, also perished in the unfolding chaos.
Following the episode, Goggins honored Rick and Chelsea’s character arcs through a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“With a heavy heart … our story was a love story at its core. It was always about love, complicated by unresolved childhood trauma,” Goggins, 53, wrote alongside images featuring him and Wood, 31. “We all carry them … but can we overcome?”
The actor reflected on his connection to Rick and Chelsea’s storyline, stating, “In the depths of despair, beauty always surrounds us. If we can sit with our pain and not react … without letting it define us … love is ever-present, just waiting for us to recognize it… Trust me, I’ve experienced it.”
Goggins expressed appreciation for White’s creativity, saying, “Thank you for your vision, your compassion, and for the opportunity to share this story.” He also thanked Wood, proclaiming, “For being my partner in this unforgettable journey.”
In his message, Goggins also acknowledged his scene partner Sam Rockwell along with the entire cast and crew.
“Sammy Rock, you’ve been the best wingman I could have wished for. And to every outstanding actor in this cast, you’re a joy to watch. Bernad, John, Ben, Kamine … and the entire team. Love to you all,” he continued. “We’ll always cherish our time in Thailand. And to everyone else … thank you for joining us on this adventure. Those first 5 photos, some taken on those fateful days, are by our amazing stills photographer @fabio_lovino_ Gifts. Thank you, dear friend.”
Goggins ended his post with a quote from Aeschylus: “’Even in our sleep, pain which cannot be forgotten falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.’”
The White Lotus is currently available for streaming on Max.
