Natasha Rothwell has urged ‘The White Lotus’ fans to “buckle the f*** up” for its third season. The show has garnered multiple Emmy Awards and critical acclaim since its debut in 2021.
The comedy drama anthology show – which follows guests and staff at a fictional resort chain – recently returned for another run, with the 44-year-old actress reprising her season one role as Belinda in the new series. The series has maintained an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes across its previous seasons.
Asked to sum up the new season in three words, she chose four and told the ‘Smallzy Surgery’ podcast: “Buckle the f*** up.” The podcast, which reaches millions of listeners worldwide, has become known for its candid celebrity interviews.
Natasha was also asked about her favorite moment from the third season, but insisted creator and writer Mike White takes viewers on a perfect journey. White’s previous work includes creating and writing for critically acclaimed shows like “Enlightened” and “School of Rock.”
“I feel like Mike has perfected the slow burn. When you’re watching a lit fuse burn, the anticipation is built over so many episodes,” she explained. “So, I’d hate to say just one, it’s kind of a compilation and the burn. When I tell you, the power, the explosion of his writing – the juice is worth the squeeze.” The show’s writing team has received numerous accolades for their storytelling approach.
Natasha‘s character Belinda is the only returning cast member, with each season typically set in a different hotel. The show’s anthology format has allowed it to explore various locations and themes while maintaining its sharp social commentary.
However, this time she is visiting the Thailand resort as a guest rather than just an employee. The Thailand tourism board has reported increased interest in luxury resorts since the announcement of the filming location.
“She still works for The White Lotus. She’s in Thailand on a work holiday,” she explained. “She’s signed up for a program, it’s like a work exchange program, and so she’s at the White Lotus in Thailand to learn Thai massage techniques… This time, she also gets to be a guest at the White Lotus.” Traditional Thai massage was added to UNESCO’s cultural heritage list in 2019.
When it comes to Natasha herself, she admitted she can be quite specific when it comes to hotel etiquette. Studies show that approximately 45% of hotel guests make their beds before housekeeping arrives.
“I’m a little neurospicy, I make my bed literally every morning even at home,” she said when asked if she likes to make the bed before housekeeping arrives. “When I walk into my bedroom, it has to be done. I don’t do it for the optics, I do it for my mental health.” Research indicates that maintaining daily routines like making your bed can reduce stress levels by up to 20%.
The upcoming season is set to feature a diverse ensemble cast alongside Rothwell, continuing the show’s tradition of attracting top-tier talent. Previous seasons have included performances from Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, and Aubrey Plaza.
The Thailand location promises to provide a stunning backdrop for the series’ signature blend of drama and dark comedy. The production team spent months scouting locations to find the perfect setting that would capture the show’s unique atmosphere.
The White Lotus franchise has become one of HBO’s most successful recent series, with each season averaging over 10 million viewers across all platforms. The show’s impact on popular culture has led to increased bookings at luxury resorts featured in previous seasons.
As anticipation builds for the new season, Rothwell’s warning suggests viewers can expect the same level of shocking twists and social commentary that have become hallmarks of the series. Critics are already speculating about how the show will tackle themes of cultural tourism and privilege in its Asian setting.
