Mumbai, (Thestates.news) | Deepika Padukone has refused to audition for a role in the fourth season of “The White Lotus”, despite mounting speculation that she was set to join HBO’s Emmy-winning anthology series. Sources say Deepika was indeed approached, but things fell through. The reason is that despite the offer being made, Deepika declined to audition for her part.
“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,” an industry source told Variety India.
This is not the first time the Emmy-winning show pursued the Indian star. The actor had previously been considered for an earlier season but declined at the time due to her pregnancy. When fresh speculation surfaced about renewed negotiations, many saw it as a potential milestone, especially since it would have marked her return to Hollywood nearly nine years after “xXx: Return of Xander Cage”.
“The White Lotus” is an American black comedy drama anthology series that follows a group of White Lotus hotel guests and employees over the span of a week. Each season introduces a new ensemble cast and a fresh location. The upcoming Season 4 is said to be set at the iconic Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez, France. The new season of Mike White’s HBO series features an ensemble led by Alexander Ludwig, AJ Michalka, Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Helena Bonham Carter, Marissa Long, Chris Messina and Ari Graynor, among others. The shooting is scheduled to begin in April 2026, targeting a premiere in 2027.
Meanwhile, Deepika has two films lined up ahead. She will next be seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Siddharth Anand’s “King,” which releases in theatres during the Christmas 2026 weekend. (s-uni)
