Natasha Rothwell is the first character revealed to be returning for the upcoming season of The White Lotus, according to Variety.
The 42-year-old actress is reportedly reprising her role as — the fan favorite character — spa manager Belinda Lindsey in season three of the award-winning hit HBO series confirmed to be set in Thailand.
Rothwell did not appear in the second season, but fans watched her in season one alongside Jennifer Coolidge, 61 — who won many awards for her role as the effervescent Tanya McQuoid.
In the debut season, the wealthy resort guest strung along the spa manager with promises of investing in her dream of opening her own wellness retreat.
At the end of the show, Belinda was crushed when Tanya ultimately let her down, and fans have already begun theorizing that she will finally get her redemption.
On the same day, the Emmy nominee — known for her work on Issa Rae’s hit comedy Insecure — confirmed the news by sharing the Variety article and tweeting: ‘Belinda is back baby!!!’
In response to the announcement, fans have started speculating her character’s storyline in the upcoming season.
After viewers were left sharing the disappointment and frustration felt by Belinda when Coolidge’s character broke her promise, many are now hoping to see her finally open her own practice in the third season.
Since (spoiler ahead!) Coolidge’s character died in the season two finale, fans have yet to see what will happen to the wealthy heiress’ fortune.
One Twitter user wrote: ‘You know I’m praying that Tanya left her so much money in her will’.
Although the plot and any further details have remained tightly under wraps, the creator of the comedy drama series, Mike White, had previously teased one of his ideas for the new season.
During a post-episode interview, the 52-year-old screenwriter and director said: ‘The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex.
‘I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality,’ he continued. ‘It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus.’
With that being said, the exploited and dissatisfied resort worker with big dreams and an experienced background in wellness could perfectly align with that premise.
The general consensus of fans is that Belinda was robbed of a happy ending. In the upcoming season, many are hoping justice will finally and hopefully be served as she deserves. Perhaps, she will find Tanya’s scheming husband Greg at the new resort location and deliver revenge on a platter.
Production has not yet appeared to have started for the new season, and, as such, no release date has been revealed.
However, season three of The White Lotus is anticipated to be released in late 2023 or early 2024.
