Cannes confidential: White Lotus fans await shooting of new season in French resort
Cannes Confidential: White Lotus Fans Await Shooting of New Season in French Resort
Cannes confidential – As the Cannes Film Festival unfolds this week, the spotlight is not only on the red carpets and premieres but also on a hidden gem further along the iconic Croisette. Season 4 of *The White Lotus* is set to bring one of television’s most celebrated series to the heart of cinema’s glamorous French Riviera. The production, which has long captivated audiences with its sharp wit and intricate storytelling, will now take place in a setting that’s as much a character as the show itself. The Hôtel Martinez, a renowned luxury establishment on the Riviera, will play a central role in the fictionalized version of the series, rebranded as *White Lotus Cannes*.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the series’ return, the actual filming has yet to begin in Cannes. While production crews have started capturing exterior shots along the Riviera, the core scenes of the new season have not yet materialized in the French resort. This delay has raised questions about whether the festival will serve as a live backdrop for the show, as the event’s final day is still a few weeks away. However, with the Cannes Film Festival running until 23 May, there remains a window for the two worlds—cinema and television—to collide.
Setting the Scene
Mike White, the show’s creator, and his collaborators have chosen the Cannes Film Festival as the backdrop for Season 4, a decision that has sparked both curiosity and excitement among fans. The Hôtel Martinez, which has hosted countless celebrities and dignitaries since its 1929 opening, will be a focal point. Its opulent setting and historic ambiance provide the perfect stage for the series’ blend of satire and drama. In addition to the Martinez, another location further south in Saint-Tropez—the Airelles Château de la Messardière—has been selected. The latter will be rebranded as *White Lotus du Cap*, offering a dual narrative that spans the Riviera’s coastal allure and the festival’s cultural significance.
While the Martinez is a central hub for the new season, Cannes has remained steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing its own film selections. This year, the festival’s prestige has drawn major global films and high-profile directors, leaving limited room for television productions to interweave their narratives. Representatives from HBO and Cannes organizers have declined to comment on the specifics of the shoot, but the decision to set the season in Cannes underscores its role as a symbolic and practical backdrop for storytelling.
Behind the Scenes: Inspiration and Challenges
According to David Bernad, a producer on the series, the decision to film in Cannes stemmed from a specific experience during a 2021 trip. “We had a dinner where the interactions with a waiter and maître d’ epitomized the clichéd yet hilarious dynamics we often see at the festival,” Bernad explained at the Canneseries Festival. “That moment suddenly clarified what the show is about—the absurdity, the human connections, and the way people navigate high-stakes environments.” The producers felt that Cannes’ energy and social rituals could elevate the series, giving it a fresh layer of authenticity.
However, the production’s integration into the festival’s timeline has not been without hurdles. With the event’s busy schedule, coordinating filming around premieres, jury meetings, and celebrity appearances has proven challenging. Some cast members, like Vincent Cassel and Laura Dern, are already in Cannes for separate projects, but their presence may still influence the show’s portrayal of the Riviera’s elite. The challenge lies in balancing the show’s narrative with the festival’s real-time chaos, a task that requires careful planning and adaptability.
For the Martinez, the prospect of hosting *The White Lotus* has brought a mix of pride and anticipation. Michel Cottray, the hotel’s general manager, emphasized the establishment’s longstanding relationship with the festival. “Since the event began in 1946, we’ve been fully immersed in its spirit,” he said. “It’s a place where stars gather, and the energy is palpable. We’re not just a hotel—we’re part of the festival’s identity.” During the festival, the Martinez’s lobby becomes a bustling hub of activity, as attendees in formal attire flock to evening premieres. This includes not only film stars but also casts and filmmakers who ride in the official festival motorcade down the Croisette to the Palais des Festivals.
Private Events and Public Expectations
One of the Martinez’s most exclusive features is its private dinner for the Palme d’Or jury, an event that has become a tradition. This year, the gathering will include Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, and jury president Park Chan-wook. While the dinner is a behind-the-scenes affair, the anticipation for *The White Lotus*’s filming has turned the hotel into a focal point for fans and media alike. The blend of high-profile guests and the show’s upcoming presence creates a unique intersection of art and entertainment.
Despite the focus on film, the influence of the festival on the series is undeniable. The show’s new season is expected to highlight the chaos, glamour, and unpredictability of Cannes, mirroring the experiences of its characters as they navigate the event’s high-stakes environment. Bernad noted that the series will reflect the “ups and downs of the festival,” capturing its dual nature as both a celebration of cinema and a stage for human drama. “It’s about the people’s stories—how they interact, how they’re shaped by the setting,” he said. “Cannes is the beating heart of this season.”
As the festival progresses, the Martinez continues to prepare for the shoot, which is anticipated to take place in the coming months. Cottray expressed confidence in the upcoming collaboration, stating that the hotel is ready to welcome the production. “It will be a big experience for everyone involved, and we’re excited to be part of it,” he added. The combination of the hotel’s rich history and the festival’s cultural vibrancy promises to create a visually striking and narratively rich backdrop for the series.
For fans, the prospect of seeing the show’s new season unfold in Cannes is a source of excitement. The series has long been known for its sharp social commentary and satirical take on luxury, and the French Riviera setting offers a new canvas for these themes. While the exact timeline of the shoot remains unclear, the anticipation is building, with many hoping the production will integrate seamlessly into the festival’s atmosphere. Whether through the lens of a camera or the eyes of a character, *The White Lotus*’s Season 4 aims to capture the essence of Cannes—and the stories that unfold within it.
