Production on the fourth season of HBO's The White Lotus has begun in France. Shortly after filming started, actress Helena Bonham Carter departed the project. She has been replaced by Laura Dern, who will portray a new character written by series creator Mike White. The season is set against the backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera.
Laura Dern takes over a central role in the new season, set during the Cannes Film Festival.
Casting Changes
Departure of Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter was one of the first actors cast for the fourth season and was expected to play a central role. Days after filming began, HBO confirmed that she had exited the production. An HBO spokesperson stated that the character created by Mike White for Bonham Carter "did not align once on set." Reports indicated that the departure was due to a misalignment with the show's tone.
HBO, the producers, and Mike White expressed disappointment regarding her exit but stated they hope to collaborate with her on a future project.
Replacement by Laura Dern
Actress Laura Dern has joined the cast, taking over the role. Series creator Mike White is developing an entirely new character for Dern, rather than rewriting the one originally intended for Bonham Carter. The role is described as central to the season's storyline.
Dern has a history of collaboration with White, having worked with him on the film Year of the Dog and the series Enlightened. She previously had an uncredited voice cameo in Season 2 of The White Lotus.
Season 4 Production Details
Filming Location and Setting
The fourth season is being filmed in France, primarily along the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur). The story is set during the Cannes Film Festival. The narrative will follow a new group of hotel guests and employees over the course of one week.
Filming Locations
- The Airelles Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez, which will portray the fictional "White Lotus du Cap" hotel.
- The Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, which will portray the "White Lotus Cannes."
- Additional filming will occur in St. Tropez, Monaco, and Paris. Per HBO, the story remains set on the Côte d'Azur.
Production Schedule
Filming began in late April and is expected to continue through late October. The production is scheduled to be present during the Cannes Film Festival, which is held from May 12 to May 23. According to a source, the cast is expected to attend the festival for three to four days during the second week and may walk the red carpet. It is not confirmed if the series will film scenes during the actual festival events.
Full Season 4 Cast
The confirmed cast for the fourth season includes:
- Laura Dern
- Vincent Cassel
- Steve Coogan
- Alexander Ludwig
- Chris Messina
- Kumail Nanjiani
- AJ Michalka
- Chloe Bennet
- Sandra Bernhard
- Heather Graham
- Max Greenfield
- Rosie Perez
- Ben Schnetzer
- Caleb Jonte Edwards
- Dylan Ennis
- Corentin Fila
- Ari Graynor
- Marissa Long
- Nadia Tereszkiewicz
- Frida Gustavsson
- Charlie Hall
- Jarrad Paul
- Laura Smet
Production Team
Mike White serves as the creator, writer, director, and executive producer. Other executive producers include David Bernad and Mark Kamine.