An exciting new face is joining the ensemble of HBO's acclaimed series, The White Lotus. Australian model Caleb Jonte Edwards has been confirmed as the latest cast member for the show's highly anticipated fourth season, which is scheduled to commence filming this spring.
From Instagram Launch to HBO Stardom
The casting news broke shortly after the newcomer made a quiet but striking entrance on social media. Edwards launched his Instagram account on January 14, sharing a series of sun-drenched beach selfies that quickly garnered attention. Just two days later, on January 16, his role in the prestigious series was officially announced, confirming fans' suspicions that a big reveal was imminent.
His inaugural posts offered a tantalising glimpse of his aesthetic, featuring him clinging to the side of a boat against a backdrop of turquoise water and white sand. A final video in the carousel showed the actor leaping from a rocky cliff into the sea below.
A Lavish New Setting for Mayhem
Season four of the hit show will trade tropical resorts for the glamour of the French Riviera. Production is set to take place at the opulent Château de La Messardière in Saint Tropez, a five-star luxury hotel where peak-time private villas can cost up to £10,000 per night.
The chateau, set within 32 acres of parasol pines, cypress trees, and jasmine, offers extravagant amenities including a Rolls-Royce beach transfer and a children's camp with its own railway. A source told the Mail on Sunday that creator Mike White 'wanted somewhere evocative and sexy' and that this location 'ticked all the boxes'.
The source added: 'They had production scouts looking at destinations all over the world but Mike decided on France. The chateau is the perfect, serene backdrop to mayhem and murder. They will also be shooting in Paris and Nice.'
Star-Studded Ensemble and Tourism Impact
Edwards, whose previous credit includes a single episode of 'Black Snow', joins a growing list of confirmed cast members. They include Alexander Ludwig and AJ Michalka, with Steve Coogan also recently announced. Reports also suggest Helena Bonham Carter is in talks for a starring role.
The new season will follow the show's successful formula, beginning with a murder and following a group of wealthy guests over a week's holiday. It is expected to air later this year.
The choice of location is significant, as previous seasons have dramatically boosted tourism for their settings. The Four Seasons Maui (Season 1) saw a 500 per cent rise in visitors, with similar effects for hotels in Sicily and Thailand. This season marks a departure, as the show's agreement with the Four Seasons chain has ended. The Château de La Messardière is owned by Stephane Courbit's Airelles Collection.
