Michelle Monaghan Discusses Secrets of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

LOS ANGELES, CA — Michelle Monaghan, star of HBO‘s acclaimed series “The White Lotus,” opened up about her experiences filming the show’s third season during a recent Zoom interview. Monaghan, who is known for her roles in various films and television shows, shared insights into her character and the challenges of shooting in Thailand.

“It’s a bit of a Cinderella moment,” Monaghan said, referring to her character, Jaclyn, an actress grappling with the complexities of friendships and fame. This season features Monaghan alongside a talented cast, including Parker Posey and Carrie Coon, as they navigate the intricacies of their relationships while on vacation.

During the conversation, Monaghan expressed admiration for Posey, describing her as “thoughtful” and “soulful.” “She’s like a little bit of a witch, you know? I always call her that,” Monaghan said, highlighting Posey’s nurturing presence on set.

Set primarily on Thailand’s northeastern coast, this season of “The White Lotus” explores themes of aging and the portrayal of women in Hollywood. Monaghan praised the show’s creator, Mike White, for his authentic insights into human behavior. “He sees everything and everyone. You know everything that he writes really comes from a place of authenticity,” she reflected.

As the series progresses, viewers can expect surprising plot twists. “I think as we progress through the season, people are going to be shocked at how he wrote this a few years ago. Talk about being a seer!” Monaghan teased.

The filming experience was not without its challenges, as Monaghan and her co-stars faced one of the hottest summers on record in Thailand. “Even Thai folks were like, ‘This is too hot,'” she recalled, describing the steamy conditions and the camaraderie among the cast.

Monaghan’s character is not only battling personal demons but is also subject to the scrutiny of her childhood friends. “There’s this constant comparison that women oftentimes have with each other, and with themselves,” she said, addressing the ongoing societal issue of toxic positivity among female friendships. The show aims to highlight these undercurrents, making it relatable to viewers.

On a personal note, Monaghan discussed her love for baking, calling it a meditative practice. “I really love to bake. I don’t even really have a sweet tooth; I just think there’s something meditative about the exactness of it,” she stated.

As the conversation drew to a close, Monaghan expressed her excitement to return to her family after shooting. She shared that her filming schedule in London for the action-comedy “The Family Plan 2” with Mark Wahlberg would soon lead her back home to Los Angeles, where she can reconnect with her husband and children.

The premiere of the highly-anticipated third season of “The White Lotus” is drawing near, leaving fans eager to see how the dramatic narratives unfold and what surprises will come from Monaghan’s character, Jaclyn.