HBO has chosen the French Riviera as the location for their upcoming season of The White Lotus. This year’s season has already commenced filming at Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco. Production started on April 15, 2026, and the plot will be set during the Cannes Film Festival. This marks the first time that the show’s season has been based on a real-life world event. Its budget is estimated at $120 million, with each season maintaining the formula of one week of staying followed by death, which causes flashbacks.
White Lotus season 4 mixes the Cannes setting and cast change
According to the creator, Mike White, this season will feature two resort hotels. Airelles Château de la Messardière will act as the “White Lotus du Cap,” while Hôtel Martinez acts as the “White Lotus Cannes.” Scenes will be filmed during the real-life film festival from May 12 to May 23, with footage expected to include red carpet moments during the festival’s second week.
In addition, the season aims to address the topic of celebrities, fame, and the conflict between rich guests and the staff in the hotel. In such a way, the producers will use the French social environment in the setting to address the issue of celebrities’ public image and their personal lives.
However, in the process of shooting, there was an early cast replacement. Helena Bonham Carter left the project immediately following the commencement of production due to creative differences, according to HBO. As a result, HBO clarified that the character could no longer fit the new storyline. Then Laura Dern joined the cast and played an entirely new character.
The show features Vincent Cassel, Steve Coogan, Kumail Nanjiani, Heather Graham, Rosie Perez, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Alexander Ludwig, Chris Messina, and Max Greenfield.
As seen above, in comparison to previous seasons that had recreated luxury environments, Season 4 has integrated itself into an active international event. HBO hasn’t released information about the season’s premiere yet.
