HBO has confirmed three major new stars joining the cast of The White Lotus Season 4, set against the luxurious backdrop of the French Riviera. The new cast members are acclaimed actors Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Messina, and Marissa Long. They will join the previously announced ensemble for the upcoming season of Mike White’s Emmy-winning anthology series.
The official announcement was made on January 29, 2026, via HBO’s social media channels. The new season will take place in France, marking the show’s second European location after its Sicily-set second season. The season is scheduled to begin filming later this year.
Meet The New White Lotus Season 4 Cast Members
The three new actors bring a mix of established star power and fresh talent to the series. Helena Bonham Carter is a two-time Oscar nominee, recognized for her roles in The King’s Speech and The Wings of the Dove, and is famous for portraying Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter film series. She is also a five-time Emmy nominee for her television work, including playing Princess Margaret in The Crown.
Chris Messina is known for his role as Dr. Danny Castellano on the popular comedy series The Mindy Project. His film credits include Air, Argo, and Birds of Prey, and he has also starred in HBO’s limited series Sharp Objects.
Marissa Long is a newcomer whose role in The White Lotus Season 4 will mark her television acting debut. Details about the specific characters these three will play are being kept secret, as is typical for the series.
Full Cast List and Returning Stars
The trio joins several other actors whose casting was announced earlier. The growing ensemble for the French season now includes:
- Steve Coogan, the British comedian and actor famous for his character Alan Partridge.
- Alexander Ludwig, known for his role as Bjorn Ironside in Vikings.
- AJ Michalka, a singer and actress with roles in Super 8 and The Goldbergs.
- Caleb Jonte Edwards, an Australian actor who had a brief role in Black Snow.
As an anthology series, each season of The White Lotus features a largely new cast. However, a few actors have appeared in multiple installments. Jennifer Coolidge starred in the first two seasons, while Natasha Rothwell appeared in the first and third. Jon Gries is the only actor to have played the same character across all three previous seasons. It is not yet known if any past characters will return for the fourth season, though creator Mike White has expressed interest in bringing back Sydney Sweeney’s character, Olivia, but noted it might not be feasible.
Season 4 Setting and Location Details
The White Lotus Season 4 will be set in France. The show is expected to film in Paris and at multiple luxurious spots along the French Riviera. While not officially confirmed by HBO, multiple reports indicate the primary resort will be the Chรขteau de La Messardiรจre, a lavish 19th-century palace turned five-star hotel in Saint-Tropez.
This location represents a shift from the previous seasons, which were all filmed at Four Seasons resorts. The agreement with the Four Seasons chain has ended. The Chรขteau de La Messardiรจre is part of the ultra-exclusive Airelles Collection, with private villas that can cost nearly $14,000 per night. The property offers extensive amenities, including a private beach service with Rolls-Royce chauffeurs and Michelin-level dining.
โI think itโs going to speak to culture in a way that [โฆ] is going to be relevant,โ executive producer David Bernad said about the new season. โI know what it is and where itโs going, and itโs really excitingโ.
Fan Reactions to the Casting News
The announcement, particularly of Helena Bonham Carter’s involvement, generated immediate excitement among fans on social media. On platform X, one fan wrote that her “quirky brilliance is perfect for this world. Canโt wait to see the chaos she brings!”. Another user commented, “Helena Bonham Carter in The White Lotus S4? Perfect casting she’s got that wild, unpredictable energy that fits the show’s chaos vibe so well”.
On Reddit, fans were already speculating about what kind of character she might play. Some hoped she would portray a member of the hotel staff, while others debated whether she might fit the “eccentric rich lady” archetype. The casting of relative newcomer Caleb Jonte Edwards also sparked conversation after he quietly started an Instagram account just before the announcement, posting scenic beach photos that aligned with the show’s Riviera setting.
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Release Date and Production Timeline for Season 4
An official premiere date for The White Lotus Season 4 has not been announced. Based on the production schedule, with filming set to begin later in 2026, industry reports and sources suggest the new season will likely not be ready for viewers until 2027. This means there will be a significant gap following the third season, which aired in early 2025.
The series has become a major awards contender for HBO. The first season won 10 Emmy Awards, the second won 5, and the most recent third season was nominated for 23 Primetime Emmys. Jennifer Coolidge won two consecutive Emmy Awards for her performance as Tanya McQuoid.
The show is also known for driving significant tourism to its filming locations. After the first season aired, the Four Seasons Maui in Hawaii reported a 500 percent increase in visitor interest. A similar effect is anticipated for the French Riviera locations featured in the upcoming season.
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