'The White Lotus' in Cannes: What do we know ahead of season four?

CANNES, France - Sex, money, power and vanity: "The White Lotus" is returning with its signature cocktail of obscene luxury, cringe characters and slow-build drama.

After Hawaii, Sicily and Thailand, the show is moving to the Côte d'Azur for its fourth season - to Saint-Tropez and Cannes, some of the most glamorous locations in the world.

Cameras and actors have appeared in Cannes for the first time as "The White Lotus" begins filming its fourth season on the French Riviera, according to the US trade publication Variety.

What do we know about the new season?

According to Variety, Canadian actor Alexander Ludwig ("The Hunger Games") was spotted on set in Cannes. A video posted on X shows the 34-year-old in a black suit on the Croisette.

Filming had already taken place earlier in the famous resort of Saint-Tropez on the Côte d'Azur, a popular meeting point for celebrities from around the world. Scenes were shot at the Château de la Messardière, among other locations - a sprawling luxury hotel with views over the coastline. Paris is also said to be planned as a filming location.

The fourth season is said to hold up a mirror to the film world itself: Two rival film teams meet in Cannes, both with the same goal - to be seen. The season is about fame, competition and being in the right place at the right time.

The scale of the production is reported to be growing and the new season is said to cost around $120 million, more than any previous season, Variety reported. No release date has been set, with late 2026 or 2027 being mentioned as possibilities.

What kind of cast can we expect?

The series has assembled an international mix of French and English-speaking actors - from Vincent Cassel and Laura Smet to Steve Coogan and Kumail Nanjiani. Familiar names provide recognition, younger talents bring fresh perspectives and well-chosen guest appearances generate additional attention. The result is an ensemble that appeals to different generations.

Despite their exaggerated eccentricity, the characters feel internally consistent. Series creator Mike White works with details and contradictions that make them feel both relatable and morally ambiguous.

A last-minute casting change also drew attention: Laura Dern of "Jurassic Park" fame is stepping in for British star Helena Bonham Carter, who was originally set to take the role. The reason was not a personal conflict but creative differences between Carter's interpretation of the role and the production's vision. The character was subsequently reworked and recast.

The core premise remains unchanged: a satire of high society in luxury hotels, and at the same time a dark comedy about social customs and behavior.

Why are the locations so important?

In "The White Lotus", the location is far more than a mere backdrop. Each season's setting provides its own social framework: Hawaii references colonial history, Sicily explores tensions between the old European elite and newly wealthy American visitors.

Thailand places the contradictions of global tourism center stage - a world in which exoticism is marketed while local realities are often pushed to the background.

With the fourth season set on the Côte d'Azur, the lens shifts again: Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Paris stand for glamour, status and performance.

At first glance, the series resembles a luxury reality TV setting: wealthy guests, an exotic hotel, simmering conflicts - and the certainty that something will escalate. It is a basic structure that has defined "The White Lotus" from the start.

Showrunner White, the creative force behind the series who also serves as writer and sometimes director, combines entertainment with sharp social observation. The focus is on characters and dialogue that are frequently heightened and exaggerated.

The series works with recurring power dynamics - between status and interpersonal tension. It is a format that blends elements of a luxury-milieu drama with broader social themes.

One reason lies in the dialogue. It is pointed and sharp - with lines that are instantly recognizable and easy to share. Season three, for example, produced the line: "I just don't think, at this age, that I'm meant to live an uncomfortable life."

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 6:06 AM.