The White Lotus is set to venture to an enticing new resort somewhere in the world in season 3, and here are some ideas of who should join the cast. The HBO series from Mike White was a smash hit, coming at the perfect time in Summer 2021, yet it wasn’t intended to continue beyond season 1. However, its inaugural tale in Hawaii captivated audiences with its clever wit, unexpectedly dark twists, and poignant themes. Season 1 was a story of its time, focusing on money and class structure, yet season 2 upped the ante with its fascinating examination of sex and power dynamics in relationships.
What really sold The White Lotus was White’s ingenious writing and the engaging performances from the eclectic casts of characters across both seasons. Of course, Jennifer Coolidge was a uniting factor as Tanya McQuoid, an all-time iconic character in pop culture now. Not much is known about The White Lotus season 3, yet, presumably, Coolidge won’t be returning given Tanya’s shocking death in season 2. However, White has indicated that The White Lotus might venture to Asia and delve into spirituality and death in season 3. Those themes could elevate The White Lotus to new heights in the TV landscape, especially if they get the right crop of actors.
10 Natasha Rothwell
With season 2 as Tanya’s swan song, it opens up the question of whether any of Coolidge's former castmates will return for season 3. Some exciting prospects would include Jon Gries as Greg, Tanya’s husband - specifically given the theories he was responsible for Tanya falling in with her enigmatic new friends in Sicily - or Meghann Fahy’s Daphe as she was a scene-stealing breakout. However, should any The White Lotus character return, they should look back to season 1 and bring back Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda, the kind spa manager and masseur who nearly went into business with Tanya in Hawaii.
Rothwell was one of the many highlights of season 1, and it would be fascinating to check back in with the character, whether she’s at this new White Lotus resort as an employee or a guest. She was already nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for Belinda, so this could help her clinch a Starring Actress award. Rothwell’s other credits, specifically Insecure and Sonic the Hedgehog films, showcase her vast comedic range, and in addition to her nuanced portrayal in season 1, The White Lotus season 3 can allow her to fully let loose to Belinda can stand out even more.
9 Laura Dern
It might surprise audiences who couldn’t instantly discern her voice on the phone calls to learn Laura Dern was in The White Lotus already. She voiced Abby, the estranged wife of Michael Imperioli’s Dominic Di Grasso. That led some to believe she could therefore show up as part of the seasons’ climactic ending. That obviously didn’t happen, and they even used another person’s image in a picture of Abby, thus closing out any possibility Dern could come into play as her. Nevertheless, Dern would be a perfect choice to join The White Lotus season 3.
She was asked and willing to do what basically amounted to a favor to Mike White by recording a few simple lines because they’ve worked together before. Together they created the HBO dramedy Enlightened with White writing and Dern starring. As a well-renowned and highly-awarded actress, Dern could be the perfect option to step into Coolidge’s shadows with a completely distinct character. With her at the helm, The White Lotus can maintain its status as one of the best TV shows around.
8 Stanley Tucci
If Mike White is looking for a male performer to fill the void left by Coolidge, he needn’t look further than Stanley Tucci. He’s best known for his myriads of supporting characters in films like The Devil Wars Prada, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Supernova, yet The White Lotus show would be a great opportunity for Tucci to steal the spotlight as a central figure. He’s proven time and time again that he works well with others, knowing when to take focus and when to leave it for someone else, a talent essential for a great The White Lotus character.
Tucci would bring with him a joyful wit and charm, and he’d definitely be a popular choice. His range is impressive as he can be incredibly humorous and fun-loving like in Easy A or he can project a menacing aura as he does for his Sherlock Holmes-esque character in Inside Man, Jefferson Grieff. Regardless, all in all, Tucci is often highly likable and would be a great person to center on in The White Lotus season 3.
7 Gael García Bernal
The White Lotus show has fascinated audiences by perfectly balancing the line between comedy and drama with intimate, character-driven narratives and picturesque settings. As such, it needs performers well-pitched to meld with the chaotic humor and relaxed pacing. One such actor is Gael García Bernal of Coco and Mozart in the Jungle fame. However, it’s actually Station Eleven where he best showcases how good of a fit he’d be on The White Lotus. He’s an actor that excels in conversation and can deliver both with enticing subtly and outrageous vigor. Those are all foundational elements necessary for The White Lotus.
Bernal recently joined the MCU as the titular hero in Werewolf by Night Halloween Special. Presumably, that’ll be coming him somewhat busy as the MCU continues to expand its supernatural stories. Regardless, Werewolf by Night is actually another example of how Bernal could work well in The White Lotus show. While it was classical action-based, there were delicious intimate moments too in which Bernal imbued his character with unexpected levity and strength. If he can act opposite a body in a green suit and make audiences believe he’s best friends with a swamp monster, imagine what he can do with his fellow humans under the limited parameters of The White Lotus.
6 Parker Posey
The White Lotus season 3 will need to find someone with the enthralling aura of Jennifer Coolidge, but with a different pitch and timbre. As such, they need to consider Parker Posey. She is well-known for roles like Dr. Smith in Netflix’s Lost in Space and has been a frequent collaborator of Christopher Guest in such projects as Best in Show and Mascots. Her range across comedy and drama is perfectly attuned to what The White Lotus show needs in season 3, and Posey is definitely someone who deserves the attention and acclaim Coolidge’s received.
Importantly, Posey wouldn’t just fill the void with a similar character as Tanya, but she brings a special and entertaining aura that could allow her to be Coolidge’s spiritual successor. Whenever she appears in a TV or a film, Posey’s able to deliver a scene-stealing performance. As such, she could have a lot of fun with Mike White’s clever writing.
5 Lee Pace
Lee Pace has celebrated a great career across TV and film from his tenure in the MCU as Ronan to his Emmy-nominated role of Ned in the fantastic dramedy Pushing Daisies. Strangely enough, it's his most recent project, 2022’s Bodies Bodies Bodies as Greg that showcased how he could fit in well with The White Lotus characters. He was out of place there, but in the right way, and his natural charm can help him work alongside his eclectic castmates - plus there’s a chance he might make it out alive.
Lee Pace is a walking leading man, a heartthrob with a special charm. He can exude charisma and suave personability, endearing eccentricity, and threatening strength. As such, he’s well suited for whatever Mike White would throw his way. Additionally, his inclusion could also help showcase more LGBTQ+ perspectives and relationships. The White Lotus has done well in that regard in both seasons 1 and 2, so season 3 should be no exception.
4 Constance Wu
The White Lotus struck gold by showcasing ingénue-like characters with a dark and special twist. There was Alexandra Daddario’s Rachel, who was at the center of White Lotus season 1’s controversial ending, and season 2 had variations with Aubrey Plaza’s Harper and Haley Lu Richardson’s Portia. One actress who would be well-suited for this type of role in season 3 is Constance Wu. From Fresh Off the Boat to Crazy Rich Asians, Wu can steal the spotlight regardless of whether the prompt is comedy, tragedy, or romance. The White Lotus can showcase all in tandem.
Unfortunately, Wu has recently been at the center of unjust media attention for disgraceful harassment she faced while working on Fresh Off the Boat. Since that came to light, she’s embarked on a new era in her career and is currently voicing Daphne on HBO Max’s Velma. Including her in The White Lotus season 3 would be a fantastic way to launch this next phase of hers to the stratosphere, especially since the wait for Crazy Rich Asians 2 seems never-ending.
3 LaKeith Stanfield
LaKeith Stanfield has a wide range that can fit well to The White Lotus plot via all sorts of character archetypes. From Darius’ endearing eccentricities in Atlanta to the strength and conviction he brings to William O’Neal in Judas and the Black Messiah, LaKeith’s characters always stand out. He is a well-rounded actor, being able to play light-hearted levity, quirky intrigue, stoic calmness, and extreme rage all with precision and nuance. Including him in The White Lotus season 3 would allow him to show a completely unique side to himself as an actor.
He is coming off an exciting and hilarious run on Atlanta with the season 4 finale ending on Darius. Therefore, a turn on The White Lotus season 3 could be just what he needs in this next phase of his career. He could fulfill nearly any type of role required for the story, whether they’re embroiled in scandal, lovelorn, or one of the few characters capable of enjoying themselves at a White Lotus resort.
2 Rachel Sennott
In order to make The White Lotus stack up to the quality of previous seasons, season 3 does need to feature some dynamic surprises, and a performer like Rachel Sennott is perfect for that. She’s a breakout star from 2020’s Shiva Baby, in which she also served as executive producer, and Bodies Bodies Bodies with Lee Pace. Coming down the pipeline for her is HBO’s The Idol, from the creator of Euphoria, another show in which Sennott would also excel. From her past energetic and bold performances, Sennott could shake The White Lotus up for its own benefit.
Importantly, The White Lotus has dedicated itself to exploring its themes across generations. Sennott could be the perfect avenue to embracing spirituality, death, and power - should those be the themes Mike White goes with in season 3 - through a younger generation’s perspective. Furthermore, featuring Sennott in The White Lotus season 2 follow up would be a mutually beneficial experience. The natural prestige the show has accumulated could help develop Sennott’s burgeoning career, especially if she can effectively tap into the show’s heartbeat and emotional center. She’s done so before to great success, so The White Lotus needn’t be anything different.
1 Steven Yeun
Steven Yeun’s filmography is extensive and impressive with projects ranging from Minari, which earned an Academy Award nomination, and Nope to The Walking Dead and Invincible. His career trajectory is remarkable as he's become more recognizable and respected with each passing year, but he truly does deserve more. As such, The White Lotus show should capitalize on this as they did for Aubrey Plaza, and it will only reward them. Yeun is a leading man who excels in collaboration with others.
Yeun would be a great fit for a plethora of roles, whether they range more on the outwardly comedic or require a more delicate and sensitive touch. However, what really makes Steven Yeun a perfect candidate for The White Lotus season 3 is that it could give him a type of role that he isn’t always associated with. His inherent personability and clout would draw in, and his performance would enthrall audiences across the entire season. For such reasons, Yeun numbers among the many intriguing possibilities to join The White Lotus season 3.