Here's why Deepika Padukone won't be in 'White Lotus' S04
What's the story
For the past few weeks, there have been rumors that Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone will be a part of the fourth season of HBO's Emmy-winning series The White Lotus. However, Variety India has confirmed that she won't be joining the show. According to sources, while Padukone was approached for a role in the series, she declined to audition, a mandatory requirement for casting in The White Lotus.
Casting process
'Deepika was not keen on auditioning'
An industry insider told the outlet, "Auditions are a mandatory part of the casting process for The White Lotus." "The makers were very keen on auditioning actors before signing them on." "Deepika was not keen on auditioning, and that was the reason why The White Lotus opportunity had to be passed."
Earlier discussions
'White Lotus' team approached Padukone for Season 3 as well
Interestingly, this isn't the first time The White Lotus team has approached Padukone. They had also expressed interest in casting her for the third season, but she couldn't take it up due to her pregnancy. Padukone has been in the news for stepping away from other high-profile projects as well. She exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Nag Ashwin directorial Kalki 2898 AD 2.
Future endeavors
Meanwhile, here's what Padukone has lined up
Despite these setbacks, Padukone has two major projects lined up. She will next be seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Siddharth Anand's King, set for a Christmas 2026 release. After that, she will star with Allu Arjun in Atlee's mega action entertainer #AA22xA6. The fourth season of The White Lotus is being filmed at the iconic Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez, France, and is expected to premiere in 2027.