Natasha Rothwell Shares Insight on ‘White Lotus’ Season 3 Revival

The White Lotus” Season 3 Los Angeles premiere on Feb. 10, 2025.
Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty

Natasha Rothwell had a whirlwind experience being asked to return for season 3 of “The White Lotus.” The star of season 1, she was pleasantly surprised when Mike White mentioned the possibility over dinner one evening.

“I was floored,” Rothwell, 44, recalls of the moment when White casually brought up the idea. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I got to do twice. I feel really lucky.”

After wrapping up season 2 in Sicily, White reached out again to confirm Rothwell’s return. “Now, Belinda’s back,” he told her. Rothwell was thrilled, exclaiming, “Yeah, let me get my passport ready. I don’t know where we’re going, but I’m there.”

Excited for viewers to learn more about her character, Rothwell shares that shooting season 3 was a different experience from season 1. “We shot the first one during COVID — pre-vaccination. We couldn’t even leave the resort. Cut to season 3, I think we moved four times to different resorts.”

Set to premiere on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. ET on Max, Rothwell describes the growth and expansion of the show in the new season as “really cool.”

Despite initially feeling some nerves about returning to the role, Rothwell found comfort from one of her costars. “Carrie Coon gave me the best descriptor. She’s like, ‘It’s like putting on a wet bathing suit.’ You know once you get in the water, it’s going to feel wonderful. But it’s also just a little… You’re just like, ‘Wait a minute, does the arm go here? Okay.’ And then you jump in.”

Rothwell’s anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable, as she looks forward to the world getting to know more about Belinda in “The White Lotus.”