Each of the earlier seasons opened with a shot of an unidentified useless physique, establishing a thriller within the background that propelled the comedy-satire by way of its story on class and relationships. The primary season highlighted cash and the second intercourse, and creator Mike White had mentioned that the third season can be a “satirical and humorous take a look at loss of life and Japanese 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 mentioned 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 useless physique.
“It could be straightforward to simply be full-on anthology, however I believe it’s extra enjoyable to have little threads by way of the present. If the present goes on for a few seasons, it will be enjoyable to have an all-star season,” he mentioned. “I don’t suppose it must all the time be a physique [opening the show]. There are such a lot of ways in which we wish to reinvent the present annually. Like, what is that this present — apart from individuals? A recent thriller, individuals possibly anticipate that. However I don’t really feel constrained by expectation. It’s enjoyable.”
Coolidge added to THR: “Mike should have some juicy stuff for [Rothwell’s character]. I believe that would be the most attention-grabbing storyline of all: no matter’s occurred to Natasha’s character. However, yeah, I additionally wish to see Greg get it.”
When nearing the tip of 2023’s SAG-AFTRA strike and finalizing his scripts, White informed EW that season three can be “a supersized” White Lotus — one thing the forged bulletins are bearing out: “It’s going to be longer, greater, crazier. I don’t know what individuals will suppose, however I’m tremendous excited, so not less than for my very own barometer, that’s an excellent 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 laborious yr). The third season explores his curiosity in Japanese spirituality and wellness practices, alongside together with his skepticism of how Westerners use the medication on self-care. “They’re all in some type of damage,” White mentioned of this season’s friends. “Like, they’re all useless, however they don’t comprehend it.”
He additionally mentioned the Thailand-set season will probably 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,” mentioned White.