Men's Journal's Blog, page 149

‘The White Lotus’ Creator Calls Season 3 Finale ‘A Classic Greek Tragedy’

**Warning: Spoilers for The White Lotus season 3 finale ahead.**

The White Lotus finale has arrived—and left a pretty impressive body count in its wake.

Creator Mike White took a slightly different tack with the series’ third season, giving audiences a peek (or at least an earshot) of what was to come in the first few minutes. On Sunday night, viewers finally learned the identity of the shooter we learned about in episode 1 and which characters did not make it out of Thailand alive. In both cases, there was more than one individual involved.

Related: 'White Lotus' Season 4 is Coming Sooner Than You Think

After a wild trip to Bangkok, where we met the unhinged Frank (Sam Rockwell) and saw Rick (Walton Goggins) finally come face to face with Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), the owner of The White Lotus hotel chain and the man he believes killed his father, Chelsea’s (Aimee Lou Wood) beau returned to the hotel a changed man. Or at least he seemed to be… for a little while.

But when Hollinger suddenly showed back up to his Thailand resort and demanded that Rick leave, all hell broke loose. 

Rick’s newfound sense of clarity disappeared. As he felt the walls of his world closing in on him, he paid a visit to Amrita (Shalini Peiris), the spiritual counselor who has been trying to help him deal with his inner trauma all season, but she was otherwise engaged. While he waited for her to come find him after a session, he once again saw Hollinger—and could not contain his rage.

As Jim and his wife Sritala (Lek Patravadi) posed for photos with the BFF trio of Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Laurie (Carrie Coon), and Kate (Leslie Bibb), Rick shot Hollinger—only to learn that the hotel’s owner was his father. This triggers a shootout with Hollinger’s bodyguards, who end up killing Chelsea in the mayhem. As a distraught Rick attempts to carry Chelsea’s body to safety, he is shot by hotel security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) at Sritala’s insistence.

Though the body count is high, it’s the dramatic double death of Rick and Chelsea—who audiences were rooting for—that was the big story. And it was intended this way. On the show’s official podcast, White explained, “It’s a classic theme of Greek tragedy: someone killing the thing they love while trying to get some revenge.”

Had Rick just been able to listen to Chelsea and accept her love, the situation could have ended much differently.

“Chelsea has this kind of romantic fatalism about their relationship, and you want to buy into it,” White explained. “She says to him, ‘Stop fixating on the love you didn’t get. Think about the love you have! I’m right here!’ It feels like a nice return to the beginning where we find Amrita in this therapy session with Zion. And now we see it in a completely different context. If Amrita had sat with Rick, maybe none of this would have happened.”

Just because Rick and Chelsea are gone, however, doesn’t mean their love can’t continue. The way White sees it, their “love transcends this life. Even as they’re wheeled out to the plane together in their symmetrical coffins, their love transcends this in some bittersweet way.”

HBO Head Gives Honest Opinion on 'White Lotus' Season 3

On Sunday night, season 3 of HBO's hit show "The White Lotus" officially concluded with a drama-filled season finale, capping off another season of Mike White's social satire anthology. And it sounds like this season made quite an impression on one HBO head.

HBO Executive Vice President Francesca Orsi is the Head of Drama at the network, meaning she oversees "The White Lotus" and the rest of the dramas at HBO. And it sounds like she is quite pleased with the way season 3 turned out.

Following February's premiere of the latest season of the show, Orsi made it clear that she thinks season 3 was White's best season yet – and she doesn't know how he'll be able to top it in the future.

“I called [Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content] Casey [Bloys] after the finale, and I said, 'I don’t know how Mike could ever top what he’s achieved here,'” Orsi told Deadline in February. “It is an incredible season of television, a piece of cinema. He’s outdone himself exponentially, I’m really blown away by what he’s accomplished with this. Each season always has something to say but there’s a profound quality about this season that feels unlike anything else he’s explored. It’s a tall order for the future.”

Orsi was thoroughly impressed with how White approached the season and the depth of the storytelling, plot, and characters.

“The magnitude of how Mike challenges our sheer and primal existence, our walk on the planet is explored,” Orsi said. “There’s a deeper interrogation that you have with yourself in terms of your need for materialism, consumeristic culture and the essence of being. So get ready!”

HBO has already confirmed that "The White Lotus" will return for a fourth season. We'll have to see whether or not White can outdo himself in the next season.

HBO Head Reveals Likely 'White Lotus' Season 4 Location

So far, HBO's "The White Lotus" has been to the Pacific Islands, Europe, and Southeast Asia. And while no formal decision has been made or announced just yet, it sounds like the show's creators have a good idea of which continent where the next season will be filmed.

On Sunday night, season 3 of the hit show officially concluded with a drama-filled season finale. With season 4 already confirmed back in January, the show's creators are now tasked with finding a new location for the new season. And it sounds like they'll likely be returning to a familiar continent.

During an interview with Deadline back in February, HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi revealed that while the next location is not yet finalized, it is likely that the show will end up "somewhere in Europe."

“We’re going on some locations scouting in the next couple of weeks, so we’ll know soon,” Orsi told Deadline back in February. “I can’t really say where we’re going to land, but chances are somewhere in Europe.”

While that doesn't exactly narrow it down all that much when it comes to possible filming locations, given all of the popular vacation destinations in Europe, "The White Lotus" creator Mike White offered another hint as he revealed that the next season might not be at a beachfront resort like the previous three. 

“For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves of rocks vernacular but there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels,” he said at the end of season three, according to Deadline.

While White hinted that the next season won't be at the beach, that doesn't mean it's going to be in a cold-weather location either, as one of the show's producers recently made it clear that he doubts White will ever do a cold-weather season of the show.

Wherever the next season takes place,  however, it's sure to be every bit as drama filled as the three previous seasons. 

'White Lotus' Creator Announces Major Change for Season 4

With season 3 of "The White Lotus" officially coming to an end on Sunday night with an action-packed and thrilling season finale, fans are already thinking about next season – and so is creator Mike White, as it sounds like he is preparing for a major change.

"The White Lotus" was renewed for another season back in January before season 3 even aired. The show's creators have not revealed many details about when it will air and where it will be filmed, but White provided a bit of a hint before the season 3 finale.

The first three seasons of the show have been filmed in warm-weather, beachfront locations, with season 1 set in Hawaii, season 2 set in Italy, and season 3 set in Thailand. However, it sounds like White wants to change up the scenery a bit for season 4.

During a recent interview, White announced that the show will look to film someone that isn't a beachfront location.

“For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves of rocks vernacular but there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels,” White said at the end of season three, via Deadline.

Obviously, that is still rather broad, but HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi provided a bit more details on the upcoming season as she recently revealed that "chances are" the show will be filming somewhere in Europe.

“We’re going on some locations scouting in the next couple of weeks, so we’ll know soon,” Orsi told Deadline back in February. “I can’t really say where we’re going to land but chances are somewhere in Europe.”

As for when season 4 will be coming, there is currently no release date or timeline for the production, but there is a lot of reason to believe that season 4 will be coming sooner than season 3 arrived.

Wild 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Theory Drastically Impacts Zendaya With Bold Twist

Among the toughest approaches to popular comic books-turned-movies has to be balancing what works with fans currently while also keeping unique pieces of the comic book storylines. It’s fair to argue that no series has to balance that push and pull more than Spider-Man.

Not surprisingly, as Marvel and Tom Holland gear up for the 2026 film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the theories have already been flying. While many suggestions or guesses about the storyline may seem far-fetched, one of the most recent is incredibly interesting and there's at least an argument behind why it could make sense.

It would also have a drastic impact on "MJ" Watson, aka Zendaya, if Marvel opts to go in that direction.

Jacob Batalon, Zendaya and Tom Holland are interviewed by Jessica Shaw for SiriusXM's Town Hall with the cast of Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

As Ben Gibbons of Screen Rant explains, Jackpot, a superhero who Spider-Man encounters in the current timeline, resembles MJ in the comics. Gibbons highlights that the similarities between MJ and Sara Ehret are so major in the comics that Peter Parker mistakes them "as being the same person."

It's a fun and interesting twist and a tidbit that could align well with the upcoming films. However, there is a world where Marvel simply goes one step further and jumps ahead to the change in Jackpot's character that occurred in 2023.

Arguably, the most interesting part of this entire theory is that while the title of Jackpot has been passed around some in the comics, the latest change came when MJ took over the alias in 2023, as Screen Rant details.

On paper, the theory may seem bold, considering Peter and MJ's roles in previous films. Regardless, it certainly doesn't seem outlandish to envision a scenario where Zendaya steps into a larger role in Spider-Man by becoming Jackpot.

Related: New 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Theory Hints at Debut of Controversial Villain

'White Lotus' Season 4 is Coming Sooner Than You Think

With season 3 of HBO's hit show, "The White Lotus," coming to an end on Sunday night with a much-anticipated season finale, fans are undoubtedly preparing themselves for what could be a long wait before season 4, given how long the wait was between season 2 and season 3. But there's a good chance the wait won't be nearly as long this time.

Between the conclusion of season 2 and the beginning of season 3, "White Lotus" fans had to wait over two years, with season 2 concluding on Dec. 11 of 2022, and season 3 debuting on Feb. 16 of 2025. However, there is a reason why the latest season of the show took so long to produce, and that won't be a factor this time.

Like many projects on both television and the big screen, season 3 of "The White Lotus" was delayed by overlapping labor strikes from both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). The WGA Strike lasted from May 2, 2023, until Sept. 27, 2023. The SAG strike lasted from July 14, 2023, until Nov. 9, 2023.

Casey Bloys, who is the Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, said during a press conference back in November of 2023 that the show was initially slated to be released in 2024, but had been delayed to 2025 as a result of the strikes.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Mike White, winner of Outstanding Directing for a Limited Anthology Series or Movie, and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Anthology Series of Movie for "White Lotus" poses in the press room during the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

“‘White Lotus’ Season 3 probably would have been in play for 2024, it’s 2025,” Bloys said in 2023 via the LA Times.

Obviously, the show will not have to navigate with the strikes as they create the next season of the show, giving it a much faster timeline than season 3. But there's a good chance that the show could come faster than season 2, as well.

Season 2 of "The White Lotus" came a little over a year after the debut season with Season 1 concluding on Aug. 15, 2021 and Season 2 beginning on Oct. 30, 2022. However, Season 4 is actually a bit ahead of schedule compared to Season 2.

Both season 2 and season 3 of "The White Lotus" were greenlit toward the end of the previous season, meaning planning and production of the show did not begin until the previous season was nearly wrapped up. That is not the case this time.

Season 4 of "The White Lotus" was actually confirmed back in January, putting it nearly three months ahead of schedule compared to the previous two seasons.

Obviously, a lot can change between now and when the show is ultimately released, and the showmakers have not yet announced a target release date. Still, it's very likely that the wait will not be as long as it was for previous seasons.

Michelle Randolph Sends Message to Fans After 'Devastating' Finale of '1923'

WARNING: Spoilers ahead

The second and final season of 1923 came to an end this weekend with a devastating finale that left a number of beloved characters dead. 

Among the characters who saw their stories come to an end was Jack Dutton, husband of Michelle Randolph's character Elizabeth Dutton. Following the heartbreaking series finale, Randolph spoke with Extra regarding the death of her character's husband and the father of her unborn child.

"I was shocked. I think, like, the biggest shock for me was Jack… I had to reread it a few times, like, ‘That’s it? Does he come back to life?’ she said. “All of it, there’s no relief, it’s just devastating all around."

When speaking about what comes next for her character, Randolph said Stafford is just "figuring out how to become a mother and do that without your husband."

Michelle Randolph attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Paramount+ Series "1923" Season 2 at Harmony Gold on February 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

She predicted a big move for Strafford following Dutton's passing.

“I think Elizabeth is leaving the ranch. She’s, one, an entirely different person than how she first came to the ranch, and also I think that she really has come into her own. She’s a Dutton now. I mean, even just going through that last, in episode 7, the finale, the whole shootout, that changed her," she predicted. "She's a Dutton. She’s going to the East Coast, but she’s not far away.”

With her character's future up in the air, Randolph took to social media with a message for fans. "Overflowing with gratitude. Thank you for watching, for feeling with us, and for loving 1923 the way we do," she said in an Instagram post featuring Helen Mirren.

View the original article to see embedded media.

In reminiscing about her work with Mirren, Randolph said of the iconic actress, "She delivers so many beautiful lines to me and watching her find those moments in scenes and from take to take, I think one of the hardest things about wrapping is, like, I hope I get to work with Helen again."

"Also, she just really genuinely loves what she does and loves being on set and being in character and being around the crew," she added. "I just found that so inspiring and, like, it made me excited to be there with her."

The Yellowstone story will continue with 1944.

Related: 'Reacher' Star Alan Ritchson's Wife Sends Strong Message to Sonya Cassidy Before Finale

Damon Wayans Sr. Reveals Surprise Romance with Nephew’s Ex

Damon Wayans Sr. is giving fans a little TMI.

The 64-year-old comedian shared some personal news on the April 2 episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast, hosted by ex-NFL athlete Shannon Sharpe, that might shock a few people. Wayans revealed that he dated his nephew's ex-girlfriend over 20 years ago.

Keeping it light, Wayans asked Sharpe, "You ain’t never done the Jackson 5?”

He was referring to a similar situation that happened in the Jackson family when Jermaine Jackson married his younger brother Randy's ex-girlfriend, Alejandra Oaziaza. They were married from 1995 until 2003 and had two sons together, Jaafar, 28, and Jermajesty, 25.

Actor Damon Wayans, Sr. attends the premiere Of Fox Network's 'Lethal Weapon' at NeueHouse Hollywood on September 12, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

It all sounded messy, so Sharpe tried to clarify exactly what went down. Wayans explained that his nephew and the unnamed woman were not "in love". Wayans had already split from his wife, Lisa Thorner, by the time he dated his nephew's ex-girlfriend.

“I got divorced and I was by myself for two years,” he said of the 2001 relationship. “And then I saw her [his nephew’s ex] and I was just like, ‘Oh my God. I’m in love.’ And then I found out my nephew had dated [her].”

The good news is that his nephew was cool with the situation because Wayans went to him first, but he admitted, "Family gatherings is awkward.”

He didn't offer an update on his dating life now, but it probably isn't as spicy as the nephew-girlfriend situation. 

Wayans was married to Thorner from 1984 until 2000. They share four children, Damon Jr. 42, Michael, 40, Cara, 37, and Kyla, 34.

Related: Damon Wayans Jr. Admits Which Wayans Brother Movie He 'Skipped' Watching

Augusta National Makes Unfortunate Announcement Before the Masters

Just a few days ago Tiger Woods had golf fans hyped for about 20 minutes when he said he made a miraculous recovery from his torn Achilles and would be playing in the Masters.

"I can’t believe I am saying this, but a few weeks after rupturing my left Achilles, the sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber plus the explosive lifts my doctors and trainers have me ready to play the Masters next week! Can’t wait! See y’all on the course," he announced on social media.

Of course, with the announcement coming on April 1, fans quickly learned what was going on. "P.S. April Fools my Achilles is still a mess :)," he said in a follow-up post not long later.

That's not the only bad news for golf fans attending the Masters this week. On April 6, the Masters announced an unfortunate weather update that will upend the plans of anyone hoping to attend Monday's events.

"Due to expected inclement weather and safety concerns, patron gates will not open as scheduled for Monday's practice round. All patron parking lots will remain closed until further notice. No patrons should approach Augusta National Golf Club until more details are release," the Masters said in a statement.

Weather Alert | Monday Status Updates #themasters pic.twitter.com/dCIzpWD0vn

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 6, 2025

The Masters revealed an update would be coming at 8 a.m. ET on Monday, April 7.

According to the Weather Channel's forecast for Augusta, GA, the surrounding area is at risk of severe weather stretching from April 6 night through most of Monday, April 7 with 1-2 inches of rain expected.

The Masters tees off on Thursday, April 10.

Related: Paulina Gretzky Turns Heads With Vacation Photos Before the Masters

Update on Ryan Gosling's 'Star Wars' Movie Surfaces

To quote Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street: The show goes on. Or, at the very least, in reference to Ryan Gosling's expected Star Wars movie, the plan for it to happen remains alive and well.

Gosling was first tied to the film in 2022, and while it's untitled currently, the future project will be directed by Shawn Levy, who most recently released Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024.

Collider's Christina Radish revealed the latest update on the film, which came from its writer, Jonathan Tropper. While Tropper remained mostly tight-lipped on the topic, he did confirm that they're "working on it."

Ryan Gosling at the premiere of "The Fall Guy" held at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

"That gig is something I’ve dreamed about my whole life. We’re still working on it. For various reasons, I can’t say anything about it. But we’re working on it."

As Collider explained, while there may not be an official release date or much in terms of additional information right now, Levy's Star Wars movie is next in line after The Mandalorian & Grogu. That film will be released on May 22, 2026.

One tidbit that did get revealed about the future film came from Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. As Kennedy explained in an interview with Deadline, the movie will be a standalone that features "pretty much new characters" due to its timeline.

"Shawn’s is a standalone Star Wars story that’ll take place post 9, maybe five or six years out...And with this, it’s all pretty much new characters," Kennedy said. "We may bring some of the characters back from the sequel saga, but pretty much new characters..."

There's already quite a bit of intrigue around the film, and after The Mandalorian & Grogu is released, the questions and theories are bound to ramp up quickly.

Related: 'The Boys' Jensen Ackles Issues Warning About 'Vought Rising' Spin-off Series