The fourth season of HBO's 'The White Lotus' is currently filming in the south of France, with the Cannes Film Festival serving as the backdrop for a story about 'the life of an artist,' according to executive producer David Bernad. Speaking at the Canneseries festival over the weekend, Bernad revealed that creator Mike White drew inspiration from the festival's unique energy and the personal experiences of the show's high-profile cast, which includes Vincent Cassel, Steve Coogan, Chris Messina, and Nadia Tereszkiewicz.
'Early on, Mike talked about wanting to do Season 4 as the life of an artist – the loneliness and the pain,' Bernad said. 'As we located the show at the Cannes Film Festival, this idea of fame popped up and who has the world's attention? Who can grab it and who is the plus one in a relationship?' He described the season as 'the most personal and the funniest' to date, examining how fame can corrode relationships and dictate life choices.
The decision to set the season on the French Riviera came after Bernad and White had a 'very funny moment' with a waiter and maître d' at a restaurant in Cannes, which convinced them to cancel location scouting elsewhere. Filming locations include the iconic Martinez hotel in Cannes, renamed the White Lotus Cannes, and the Airelles Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez, renamed the White Lotus du Cap. Additional interior filming is taking place in Paris to avoid the busy summer tourist season.
Bernad noted that the season will capture the 'tuxedos and the glamor and grandeur, and the passion for filmmaking' that he experienced when he first attended the festival. 'The energy around it was so intoxicating and this season will have elements of that,' he said. 'It's really about the people's stories, them navigating Cannes, and the ups and downs of the festival.'
Production began earlier this month, but one actress who will not be appearing is Helena Bonham Carter, who departed her role after it became apparent that the character created for her 'did not align once on set.' The role is being revamped and recast. When asked about 'creative challenges' during production, Bernad chuckled but was guided away from answering by the moderator.
