Helena Bonham Carter and Chris Messina are checking into ‘The White Lotus’

The White Lotus is raising the stakes for season four, with Helena Bonham Carter and Chris Messina officially joining the cast of the hit HBO series.

The new additions were confirmed on Wednesday, following earlier reports that both actors were in talks for roles. Marissa Long has also been cast, marking her television debut. As with previous seasons, specific character and plot details are being kept under wraps.

The trio joins an ensemble that already includes Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Alexander Ludwig and AJ Michalka.

What we know about season four

Season four of The White Lotus will be set in France, with filming planned across Paris and several locations along the French Riviera. The change in setting follows earlier seasons in Hawaii, Sicily and Thailand, continuing the show’s formula of pairing luxury backdrops with simmering social tension.

Series creator Mike White returns as writer, director and executive producer. David Bernad and Mark Kamine also executive produce.

Why these cast additions matter

Bonham Carter brings significant awards pedigree to the series, having earned two Academy Award nominations along with multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nods. Her recent television work includes The Crown, alongside film roles in The King’s Speech, Sweeney Todd, Fight Club and the Harry Potter franchise.

Messina is best known for his role in The Mindy Project, with television credits including Sharp Objects, Gaslit, The Sinner and Based on a True Story. His film work includes Argo, Air, Birds of Prey and I Care a Lot.

Marissa Long’s appearance in The White Lotus will mark her first television role, adding a fresh face to a series known for blending established stars with emerging talent.

When does it release?

HBO has not yet announced an official release date for The White Lotus season four.

Filming is expected to begin later this year and continue through much of 2026, with production taking place in France. Based on the current timeline and previous seasons, the new instalment is widely expected to premiere in 2027, though this has not been confirmed.

More details are likely to be revealed closer to the start of filming.

A familiar ‘White Lotus’ approach

Since its debut, The White Lotus has built a reputation for tightly guarded storylines, slow-burn character reveals and sharp social commentary. Season four is expected to follow the same structure, gradually unveiling its conflicts over the course of the series.

Further casting announcements and production updates are anticipated in the coming months.