“The White Lotus”. Actors Who Could Star in the 4th Season

We don’t know much yet about the fourth season of The White Lotus. What we do know is that it’s happening, and that its creator wants to set it in a place “where the waves don’t crash against the shore.” Unconfirmed rumors suggest a return to Europe, this time to Central Europe. One thing’s for sure: we’re in for a range of new characters and casting opportunities.

After three seasons, we can probably already identify a certain casting pattern for the show. The cast usually includes people from four generations, typically physically attractive, mostly white, often strongly associated with other TV hits or somewhat faded Hollywood stars.

These are the clues I based my suggestions on—which, I should stress!—are just a fun exercise, not grounded in any official HBO plans.

Sophie Thatcher

Let’s start with the young Sophie Thatcher, star of Yellowjackets, who made a strong impression with Heretic and The Companion, putting herself firmly on the map as one of the most interesting Gen Z acting talents. Even now, Thatcher already shows a wide range of acting skills, which The White Lotus creator Mike White would surely know how to put to good use.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover is a true Renaissance man. Musician, actor, director, screenwriter, producer. And a real prince of the small screen, recently in the acclaimed Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and before that the now-iconic Atlanta. The White Lotus rarely features non-white guests (pun somewhat intended), but I believe Glover would be perfect as a member of the privileged class—albeit one who doesn’t come from a typically privileged background.

Hailee Steinfeld

If Glover is the prince of TV, Hailee Steinfeld is the queen of streaming. Remember 2021, when she was practically everywhere—on Apple TV+ (Dickinson), Disney+ (Hawkeye), and even voicing a role on Netflix (Arcane). Graceful, sexy, and talented, she would absolutely fit in with the luxury and drama of The White Lotus. Her recent role in the excellent Sinners only confirms that.

Tony Dalton

In Hawkeye, Hailee Steinfeld was paired with Tony Dalton, a Texas-born actor most known to TV fans as the terrifying Lalo in the final seasons of Better Call Saul, the outstanding Breaking Bad spin-off. I’d love to see him bring that same menace to the guests of The White Lotus.

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana has been steadily building her career for decades, and her recent Oscar win for the controversial Emilia Perez will no doubt boost her even further. She could also show up at the resort, fighting for non-white representation among the residents, just like Donald Glover.

Martin Freeman

To some, Martin Freeman is the beloved Dr. Watson in Sherlock, to others, Bilbo in The Hobbit, or Agent Ross in Marvel’s films and shows. Maybe he’d like to add another, very different title to his list by appearing in Mike White’s now-iconic series. No doubt, Freeman’s talent would allow him to create a truly unique hotel resident.

Fernanda Torres

Fernanda Torres completely won me over in the Brazilian film I’m Still Here, which deservedly won an Oscar. Like Zoe Saldana, this could be the boost that launches her further—perhaps into a prestigious HBO series. Especially since, as far as I can recall, we haven’t yet seen any South American actors in The White Lotus.

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell is without a doubt one of the biggest stars in global cinema, but in recent years he’s also been strengthening his presence on the small screen, appearing in True Detective, Sugar, and The Penguin. I think he’s one of the most versatile actors of his generation, and I’d be thrilled to see his talent on display in The White Lotus.

Laura Dern

For Laura Dern, appearing in Season 4 of The White Lotus wouldn’t be her first time working with Mike White—this brilliant American actress starred in his two-season series Enlightened and even appeared (via voice) in The White Lotus Season 2 as the wife of Michael Imperioli’s character. I think it would be clever to actually show her on vacation as that character’s partner.

Harrison Ford

I’ve loved Harrison Ford since I was a kid, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him in every show I watch. Lately, the American icon has been enjoying TV, starring in 1923 (a Yellowstone spin-off) and Shrinking. I think his current grumpy-old-man vibe would fit perfectly in The White Lotus’ atmosphere.

And you? Who would you like to see check into the iconic hotel?