Jennie Garth Opens Up About Missing Out on The White Lotus Role
Jennie Garth, the actress best known for her role in the iconic 1990s drama Beverly Hills, 90210, has candidly revealed that she was unsuccessful in landing a part on the critically acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus. The 53-year-old star shared her disappointment during the Thursday episode of her podcast, I Choose Me With Jennie Garth, where she was interviewing guest Susan Lucci, the 79-year-old soap opera legend.
Garth explained that the conversation turned to roles they had missed out on, prompting her to admit: 'For me, one of the roles that I have recently not gotten that I was bummed about was one of the characters on White Lotus. And they shot that season in Thailand, which I would have really loved. So I was bummed about that. I'm not gonna lie.'
Potential Roles Garth Could Have Played
While it remains unclear exactly which character Garth auditioned for, her mention of Thailand filming confirms it was for season 3 of the anthology series. Industry observers suggest she might have been a natural fit for one of two key roles:
- Jaclyn, played by Michelle Monaghan, who was part of a girls' trip storyline with friends Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Laurie (Carrie Coon).
- Victoria Ratliff, portrayed by Parker Posey, the matriarch vacationing with her troubled husband and three children.
Garth's revelation comes just days after HBO officially announced several new additions to the highly anticipated season 4 cast, shifting the spotlight to the upcoming French Riviera-set installment.
Star-Studded Season 4 Cast Takes Shape
In a casting announcement shared on social media platform X on January 29, HBO confirmed that Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Messina, and Marissa Long will join the growing ensemble for Mike White's hit series. This trio joins previously announced cast members including Steve Coogan, AJ Michalka, Alexander Ludwig, and rising Australian actor Caleb Jonte Edwards.
Fan reaction to Bonham Carter's casting has been particularly enthusiastic, with many praising her as perfect for the show's chaotic atmosphere. One social media user exclaimed: 'Helena Bonham Carter in The White Lotus S4? Perfect casting she's got that wild, unpredictable energy that fits the show's chaos vibe so well.'
Another added: 'Her quirky brilliance is perfect for this world. Can’t wait to see the chaos she brings!' while a third predicted: 'This is gonna be the best season. Already calling it.'
Production Details and Timeline
Season 4 of The White Lotus is set in the South of France, with production rumored to take place at the ultra-luxurious Chateau de La Messardiere in Saint-Tropez. This sprawling five-star property features private villas costing up to $13,812 per night during peak season, set on 32 acres with panoramic Mediterranean views.
Amenities include a Rolls-Royce chauffeur service to the beach, a children's camp with its own railway, and multiple Michelin-level dining experiences. A source previously revealed that creator Mike White was searching for a location that felt 'evocative and sexy,' ultimately settling on France after considering destinations worldwide.
While HBO has yet to confirm an official release date, production timelines suggest viewers may not return to The White Lotus until 2027. The show will reportedly also film in Paris and Nice, continuing the series' tradition of using lavish settings that drive tourism booms.
Series Legacy and Casting History
The White Lotus has become renowned for assembling buzzy ensemble casts that include both established stars and rising talent. Past seasons have featured Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza, Theo James, Meghann Fahy, Michael Imperioli, Walton Goggins, and international stars like Blackpink's Lisa.
The show's agreement with the Four Seasons hotel chain has ended with season 4, marking a shift to the independently owned Chateau de La Messardiere, which is part of Stephane Courbit's Airelles Collection. Previous seasons were filmed at the Four Seasons Maui in Hawaii (season 1), Sicily's San Domenico Palace (season 2), and the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand (season 3).
Each installment typically opens with a mysterious death and follows wealthy guests whose bad behavior unravels during weeklong vacations. The casting news surrounding Caleb Jonte Edwards has drawn particular attention, as the newcomer quietly launched his Instagram account just days before his role was confirmed, sharing sun-soaked beach content that sparked immediate speculation among fans.
