The highly anticipated Season 3 of "The White Lotus" is now available to stream on Max, bringing viewers to the enchanting landscapes of Thailand. This season introduces a new cast while featuring several familiar faces from previous seasons. Natasha Rothwell returns as Belinda Lindsey, the spa manager from Season 1, now trading her towels for tequila as she becomes a guest at the White Lotus in Thailand. Joining the cast is Parker Posey, making her debut as Victoria Ratliff, a mother with a controlling streak and narcissistic tendencies. This season also marks a significant milestone for Lisa from Blackpink, who steps into the acting world as Mook, a health mentor at the resort.
Belinda's return to "The White Lotus" offers viewers a fresh take on her character's journey. Natasha Rothwell expressed that Belinda's story from Season 1 felt incomplete, "kind of ended on an ellipsis," and this new setting provides a chance to explore her character further. In Thailand, Belinda navigates a different role, immersing herself among the guests rather than serving them.
Parker Posey, on the other hand, steps onto the Asian continent for the first time in her life with this role. Her character, Victoria Ratliff, is described as a mother who attempts to control her children, an archetype Posey finds deeply nuanced and challenging.
"I think when you go to a place [with] a different culture, you feel the soul of the place. There's all this stuff that we as people pick up on, and I loved Asia immediately," – Parker Posey
Posey felt an immediate connection to Asia, appreciating the cultural purity and the enriching experiences offered by Thai traditions.
The season also marks the acting debut of Lalisa Manobal, better known as Lisa from Blackpink. Manobal plays Mook, whose interactions at the resort add depth to the unfolding drama. Despite her nerves about stepping into acting, Manobal embraced the challenge.
"For me, the challenge was [thinking] if Mook was in this situation, how is she gonna react or [what is she going to] say to Gaitok – and not just [thinking about what] Lisa [would] usually say." – Manobal
Manobal's transition into acting was supported by a Thai director who guided her in embodying her character authentically. The director ensured that Mook's speech reflected natural Thai communication styles.
"But we had our Thai director who helped us shape [the characters]," – Manobal
Mook's relationship with fellow character Gaitok required adjustments in language that were overseen by their Thai director.
"Mook is really close to Gaitok, so don't say 'ka'. Please take it out." – Thai director
The filming in Thailand presented new experiences for both cast and crew. The vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery enriched their storytelling process, adding layers to their performances.
"When I was given the script to read in my own version of Thai, [the producers] were like 'Ah, this is not how a Thai local would talk'," – Thapthimthong
Thapthimthong, another member of the cast, appreciated the opportunity to represent Thailand on such a grand stage.
"I'm so grateful to have been chosen as one of the few Thai actors on the show," – Thapthimthong
He found joy in showcasing Thailand's beauty and authenticity through the lens of this worldwide show.
"It's a worldwide show. I feel like they represent Thailand in such a beautiful way. Even though I've been in Thailand for the past 12 years, I've never seen Thailand quite in this spectacle." – Thapthimthong
The experience of filming in Thailand was described by Natasha Rothwell as "sensory overload," while Parker Posey shared her newfound love for Asia's cultural landscape.
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