12 Actors We Want To See In The White Lotus – SlashFilm

One of many nice joys in watching HBO’s “The White Lotus” is witnessing its immaculate ensemble solid every season. From breakout abilities to generational stars, showrunner Mike White and casting director Meredith Tucker at all times assemble an thrilling, numerous workforce of actors and actresses to match wits and even commerce spars, making for an thrilling status TV expertise. A few of them play into their effortlessly executed character sorts, whereas others shock us with new dimensions to their conventional personas.

On the time of this writing, audiences have already spent three suspenseful stays at The White Lotus, and a fourth is already on schedule. This anthology collection — although some marvel if it may well nonetheless be known as an anthology — will want a brand new solid quickly sufficient, so the query stays: Who ought to we see subsequent? There’s limitless prospects for robust casting, not solely in fan-favourite character actors but in addition within the native stars of whichever White Lotus we’re to journey to subsequent. Listed below are just some solutions, together with faces each recent and acquainted, of actors we need to see on “The White Lotus.”

If there’s one younger star we have to see on the following season of “The White Lotus” greater than another, it is Rachel Sennott. An “it woman” of the alt-comedy scene earlier than hitting it huge in initiatives like “The Idol” and “Saturday Evening,” Sennott’s chaotic queer vitality and air-headed millennial wit appears like an ideal match for the collection, mendacity someplace in the midst of characters performed Sydney Sweeney and Haley Lu Richardson in seasons 1 and a pair of respectively. Whether or not as an aimless younger grownup overseas trying to find one thing deeper or a spoiled wealthy child merely seeking to screw round, Sennott might effortlessly match into any of the archetypes Mike White has beforehand written for his youthful feminine stars.

Sennott has confirmed her sensible comedian timing from breakthrough performances in “Shiva Child” and “Our bodies Our bodies Our bodies,” to not point out “The Idol,” one other status HBO collection (although a messy manufacturing and terrible evaluations cancelled that one). Nevertheless, she has additionally confirmed herself to be a talented dramatic actor in smaller dramas like “Tahara” and “I Used To Be Humorous.” A slot within the ensemble for “The White Lotus” might be a powerful however sensical method to re-introduce Sennott to mainstream audiences as extra than simply comedian aid. Be sincere, you already know she would rock one in every of Mike White’s panicky, atmospheric shut-ups.

Although a little bit of a wild card decide, Glenn Howerton would make for a implausible participant in any “White Lotus” ensemble. Greatest identified greatest because the smug, conniving Dennis Reynolds in “It is At all times Sunny in Philadelphia,” Howerton is already a nicely-identified face to tv followers all over the world for his work on sitcoms each lengthy and brief-lived. Nevertheless, his brash comedian stylings have additionally made approach for extra intimidating (although nonetheless entertaining) roles, significantly his portrayal of Jim Balsille in “BlackBerry.” The efficiency proved to many who Howerton’s persona might be inverted to play anti-heros in additional conventional dramas.

At first look, Howerton’s knack for taking part in spoiled brats matches nicely inside the “White Lotus” mould, significantly within the vein of mama’s boy Shane (Jake Lacy) from season 1. As a disgruntled lodge patron, maybe on a trip together with his accomplice, he would harangue the employees with ease. It’s his capability for unbridled rage that units Howerton forward of the pack. When s**t begins to hit the fan, the actor’s skill to exert unhinged pressure might work within the collection’ favor. Should you thought the collection already noticed violent rampages, simply wait till Howerton’s character will get behind the barrel of a gun.

Older actresses have performed quite a lot of roles in “The White Lotus,” from rich socialites (Jennifer Coolidge, Parker Posey) to movie star sightings (Connie Britton, Michelle Monaghan). If we’ll proceed amassing them like Infinity Stones, why not add Toni Collette into the combination? She’s the type of chameleonic character actor who would elevate a “White Lotus” ensemble from good to nice, to not point out a megastar that will enhance the media profile of any tv present, not to mention one on HBO.

Although one could be fast to put Collette in a caught-up inventory position much like comedies like “Knives Out” and “Mickey 17,” she is an especially versatile actress who might slot in nearly anyplace inside a “White Lotus” ensemble. She might be a annoyed mom (“Hereditary”), a hotshot lawyer (“Juror No. 2”), or perhaps a socially neurotic globetrotter (a throwback to her breakthrough position in “Muriel’s Marriage ceremony”). You may even have her are available in as a shock supporting participant midway by way of the season, a la Molly Shannon in season 1 or Sam Rockwell in season 3. Regardless of the place or when she seems, Collette at all times understands the task, particularly huge thematic swings like “White Lotus.” Her and Mike White really feel like an actress-auteur dream workforce ready to occur.

Savvy followers of “The White Lotus” know that the 4 Seasons has been the official stand-in for The White Lotus inns. Each season is filmed at one in every of their places and casts native actors and actresses in some capability, suggesting that future seasons will observe go well with. When different 4 Seasons places, Japan stands out as a strong subsequent step for the collection, particularly with the data that the nation was the runner-up locale for season 3. Its inescapable cultural footprint in the US might make for strong satire inside the world of “White Lotus,” significantly given Mike White’s glee at exposing sexual proclivities.

When a world star to anchor our go to to Japan, look no additional than latest Emmy winner Hiroyuki Sanada. The Tokyo-born actor has lengthy been consultant of the nation throughout American media, from franchise blockbusters like “The Wolverine” and “John Wick: Chapter 4” to his accoladed work on tv in “Shōgun.” It is a no-brainer that he would seem in a “White Lotus” season ought to it happen in his residence nation, as his presence provides prompt gravitas to any mission, which is required for a present that depends so closely on intrigue and ambiance. Plus, if it’s essential to showcase some samurai expertise within the collection, he is already performed one numerous instances — in reality, that might make for its personal satire!

HBO followers already know Anthony Kerrigan as lovable Chechan mobster NoHo Hank in “Barry,” one of many best artworks to ever grace our screens, so it is a pure development for Kerrigan to star in one other one of many community’s staple reveals. Since his breakout success, he has usually been pigeonholed in villainous roles, like as Victor Zsasz on “Gotham,” however those that noticed “Demise of a Unicorn” can see that Kerrigan will be simply as humorous because the straight man caught in a looney bin. We’re even about to see him painting Metamorpho in James Gunn’s upcoming “Superman” reboot, which can usher in an opportunity for Kerrigan to really unfold his beforehand-typecasted wings.

With this in thoughts, Kerrigan would make the right lodge supervisor on any given season. Kerrigan’s confirmed talents to play a heartfelt folks-pleaser would translate nicely to the position, whereas his sharp comedian timing and hilarious response faces would bounce off of extra chaotic characters and not using a hitch. Seeing him attempt to keep management on a luxurious scale would make for his juiciest comedic position but. Plus, if an Australian Murray Bartlett might run the Hawaiian resort and a German Christian Friedel might run a Thai resort, an American Kerrigan might mix in nearly anyplace, making him a pure match for any season going ahead.

From “Orange is the New Black” to “Russian Doll” to “Poker Face,” Natasha Lyonne has cemented herself as one of many funniest stars on tv. Her sly, no-nonsense chutzpah paired together with her observant wit and gruff vulnerability have made her a singular display screen expertise, one that’s nearly too good a match for Mike White’s sharp satire. She thrives in roles that learn different characters for filth, so she could be an awesome mouthpiece for White’s writing. We can already see her as a disgruntled resort patron utilizing her incisive sass to knock different characters down a peg. Hell, perhaps she’s a bartender on the resort who offers the characters blunt recommendation. That is one thing we have by no means seen from the collection earlier than!

Then once more, she’s additionally nice because the driving pressure behind fixing mysteries, so perhaps Lyonne performs a cop investigating “White Lotus” inns after their latest string of murders. Followers have been fast to level out that the chain’s repute would have possible taken a success by now, so maybe Lyonne might introduce a recurring police presence as a part of the present’s ensemble. Maybe it is a cliche place to place her, however there is no disgrace in having actors play to their strengths.

Mike White has acknowledged that he’s prepared to maneuver “The White Lotus” to a much less-coastal location for future seasons, and in environments and places the collection hasn’t explored, Cairo stands out as a strong change of tempo. Bridging Africa and the Center East, Egypt is a geographically numerous nation, and amidst the deserts and pyramids, there’s a 4 Seasons lodge proper alongside the Nile River. It is the perfect of each worlds. Plus, given the ever-contentious state of politics between America and the Center East, Mike White would have loads of class and cultural disparity to probably satirize.

If we’re doing satire in Egypt, there are few those who match the invoice greater than Bassem Youssef. People might not acknowledge his identify, however Egyptians know him because the host of “Al-Bernameg” (“The Present” in English), a “Every day Present”-inspired satire that took direct purpose at Egyptian political leaders and, consequently, was pressured to depart Egypt to America for political safety. He stays one in every of comedy’s most outspoken political voices, however he is additionally an extremely intelligent stand-up comedian who has achieved occasional visitor work on reveals like “Mo” and “Ramy.” His native movie star standing and involvement in his area’s state of affairs make him a pure match for “The White Lotus,” however it’s additionally an opportunity for Youssef to chew off a real dramatic half, one thing at which many unassuming comedians secretly excel.

Full disclosure, we need to see J.Ok. Simmons in nearly each present on tv. Ever since his morally crushing, Oscar-profitable efficiency in “Whiplash,” and even earlier than that as J. Jonah Jameson within the Sam Raimi “Spider-Man” movies (and throughout Marvel initiatives actually), Simmons has remained an infectious presence that completely absorbs each inch of the body and each modicum of our consideration. So, yeah, it might be cool to see him in “The White Lotus” too. He is one other as soon as-in-a-technology star that will have us anticipating a brand new season with bated breath.

Extra particularly, Simmons would slot in nicely with the troubled father archetype that has appeared to observe the collection by way of every season. First, it was Steve Zahn, adopted by Michael Imperioli and Jason Isaacs. Because the present goes on, the fathers appear increasingly misplaced in area, and if there’s one factor we all know Simmons might do nicely, it is painting a beleaguered, weary father who simply cannot join together with his child. We know Simmons can get offended, and we would prefer to see a few of that within the present too, however a few of his greatest work comes from his quieter roles: “Juno,” “Up within the Air,” and “The Legend of Korra.” The man incorporates multitudes, one in every of them being drained vulnerability, and we expect J.Ok. might work that magic with Mike White and make a strong season of tv doing it.

Few actors’ eyes had been made for the digital camera greater than Aaron Pierre. I imply, severely, take a look at these hazel jewels! The man would make the Mike White shut-up appear like a renaissance portray. That alone could be sufficient to suggest the up-and-coming star for a job in “The White Lotus,” however Pierre’s brief but exceptional profession up to now can also be loads of proof that he can play with the large boys. In 2024 alone, Pierre led the superb Netflix unique motion thriller “Insurgent Ridge,” which was one of many few Netflix productions with genuinely optimistic phrase of mouth, whereas additionally taking part in the titular lion monarch in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which grew to become a gradual-burn field workplace hit. He even performed Malcolm X beneath all of our noses within the fourth season of “Genius.” If he wasn’t about to blow up into superstardom taking part in a Inexperienced Lantern, the person has confirmed he’s prepared for primetime.

It is exhausting to say what position Pierre would play, if solely as a result of there are lots to select from. He might be a sexual plaything, like Jack (Leo Woodall), or a accomplice whose relationship has buried secrets and techniques, like Cameron (Theo James). He might even be a member of the lodge employees merely working for a hustle, like Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius). Regardless of the place you set him, simply make sure that he is staring instantly down the lens.

A number of the most fascinating characters on “The White Lotus” come from comparatively unknown actors. Season 1 helped launch the careers of Fred Hechinger and Lukas Gage. The Italians in season 2 had been fan-favorites, significantly Lucia (Simona Tabasco) and Mia (Beatrice Grannò). In season 3, Aimee Lou Wooden stole the highlight as Chelsea. Each season wants a number of smaller names with confirmed expertise ready to be found and, ought to the collection ever resolve to movie on the 4 Seasons lodge in Madrid, we all know one identify that must be thrown into the combination.

Milena Smit is without doubt one of the most promising younger actresses to come back out of Spanish cinema to this point this decade. She earned two Goya Award nominations (the Spanish equal of the Oscars) inside simply three years of her on-display screen profession, one in every of which was beneath the path of legendary director Pedro Almodóvar within the Oscar-nominated movie “Parallel Moms.” Her efficiency in that movie alone earns her a spot inside this ensemble, as Smit navigates her character’s advanced journey with grace and assurance, to not point out a captivating mixture of innocence and sensuality. Maybe as a topic of intrigue for an American customer, and even as a lodge patron, Smit would play nicely into Mike White’s recreation of intercourse and secrets and techniques.

This one appears like one other pure decide. I imply, it is Steve Buscemi. He is one of the vital beloved character actors of all-time, a real oddball who can go between sneering to suave with out audiences ever dropping a way that his gears are nonetheless turning. His performances in classics like “Reservoir Canines” and “Fargo” put his chaotic kookiness on the map, however even later in life, Buscemi nonetheless offers closely in farce. “Demise of Stalin” and “Psycho Remedy” function extra restrained characters however it’s all nonetheless in service of absurdity. That stated, it has been a minute since Buscemi was a daily on status tv, final seen in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and shortly to be seen within the second season of “Wednesday.” So let’s preserve the tv comeback rolling with a job in “The White Lotus,” the place his deadpan ability set shall be put to good use.

Buscemi’s character is certainly the one we’d count on to trigger bother, but we’re undecided how, precisely. Possibly he is like Greg (Jon Gries) and simply has an elusive air of blood on his fingers, or perhaps he is a schizophrenic lodge visitor who turns into obsessive about one of many employees. Possibly he is like Sam Rockwell, a person in search of salvation after losing his life away on intercourse and medicines. Regardless of the character, Buscemi would have us buzzing over him and the way he matches into Mike White’s bigger puzzle field.

We’re undecided what number of seasons are left for “The White Lotus,” however we’d be shocked if France would not wind up being one of many present’s locations earlier than the top. Not solely is it an iconic trip vacation spot for almost all people in America, however the lengthy-held tradition conflict between the American and the French is just too ripe for comedy to disregard. There’s additionally one thing there in regards to the tourism trade? We’ll let Mike White determine it out.

Loads of French stars have crossed the pond into Hollywood, however we expect Omar Sy could be essentially the most attention-grabbing selection for French expertise. Regardless of being a César Award-profitable actor (the French equal for the Oscars) and a well-known face in international Hollywood blockbusters, Sy has by no means had a serious position in an American tv collection. The closest is his present declare to fame as Assane Diop on the French Netflix collection “Lupin,” which has made him a worldwide star. 

Effectively, because the man’s profession started in comedy, let’s deliver Sy again to his roots and throw him into White’s satirical sandbox. Possibly he is a French star on vacation together with his household, or a rich businessman securing a deal. Possibly he makes an attempt to trace down a conspiracy, perhaps he is only a man making an attempt to evade informal racism. The prospects are countless, as is Sy’s expertise for servicing the fabric he is given.