Natasha Rothwell Reveals How ‘White Lotus’ Really Ended

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[This story contains major spoilers from The White Lotus season three finale, “Amor Fati.”]

From the outset, Mike White, the mastermind behind “White Lotus,” already had a clear idea of how season three would conclude.

In a conversation on The White Lotus Official Podcast following the release of “Amor Fati,” its writer and director, White, shared that the finale’s conclusion was one of the first ideas he had in mind. This involved Belinda making an exit with money, much like her departure in the initial season.

As for the character arc of Natasha Rothwell‘s character, it appears she might be following Tanya’s or Greg’s path. With Tanya, the beloved character played by Jennifer Coolidge, now deceased, and Greg being Tanya’s ex-husband who masterminded the murder (portrayed by returning actor Jon Gries), it leaves room for speculation as to whether Belinda is taking on traits of either character.

During a different conversation, Rothwell was posed the same query on the HBO show’s official podcast, which became accessible following the finale on Sunday evening.

“Maybe she’s a little bit of both,” admits Rothwell.

Eventually, Greg paid Belinda $5 million to ensure that she and her son Zion (Nicholas Duvernay) would keep quiet about the questionable demise of his previous wife. Previously in White Lotus: Hawaii’s first season, staff member Belinda and affluent guest Tanya developed a friendship and discussed venturing into business together. However, Tanya met an unfortunate end during season two (she died on a boat in Italy, either defending herself from a premeditated assassination plot masterminded by Greg or falling victim to the conspiracy that followed).

In the White Lotus: Thailand, where the third season unfolded, I made off with the cash before executing a move that echoed Tanya’s actions. Specifically, I targeted Pornchai, my staff member and lover, played by Dom Hetrakul. After this unfortunate incident, Belinda and Pornchai’s joint venture was scrapped, leaving only the remnants of our partnership. The Thailand chapter concluded with me and Zion jetting off into the sunset, $5 million richer and triumphant winners of season three.

Rothwell remarks that the scene where Belinda leaves with the money might seem like a recurring event (deja vu) for the audience due to her past circumstances, but he believes if they scrutinize it carefully, they’ll notice she’s parting ways with kindness. He suggests that Belinda is emphasizing several times in the scene… certain aspects of her life have altered and she needs to comprehend these changes because her life has suddenly grown quite large.

Rothwell finds the last conversation between her and Pornchai “heartbreaking,” yet she doesn’t clearly connect Belinda with Tanya, who opted for a life with Greg instead of her plans with Belinda. Rothwell suggests that Belinda may be experiencing more grief than Tanya, stating, “Tanya is about to pursue a romantic interest, so she casually says goodbye. Belinda, however, seems a bit more distraught – not denying the departure, but instead needing time to regroup. There’s a chance she might reconnect with Pornchai later on.

Rothwell suggests that if Belinda had taken Pornchai with her, it would be as if she was acquiring another person dependent upon her at this moment of liberation from financial worries. Rothwell quotes her saying to Zion, “Can’t I just be rich for five minutes? Right now, no one is asking anything of me,” reflecting her early days as an actor when she could empathize with Belinda’s constant anxiety about money. Rothwell explains that Belinda yearns for a pause, a moment away from doing things for others and making plans, and instead simply reveling in the comfort of security. This is why Belinda doesn’t invite Pornchai on her upcoming journey, as she is unsure of who she is beyond trying to work. Rothwell believes that Belinda is taking care of herself during this phase.

The question posed by Belinda to her son, “Isn’t it possible for me to be rich for just a few moments?”, is a nod to the circular conclusion that White wrote for season three.

Belinda’s query to her son, “Can’t I be temporarily rich?”, echoes White’s roundabout ending for season three.

In a post-show podcast discussion about Belinda’s season one finale, White acknowledged receiving criticism. “Belinda, being the Black character, was portrayed as overworked and burdened; her ending, though realistic to some, left her stuck at work while others rode off into the sunset,” he said. “Some viewers found this accurate, but others considered it too depressing or disappointing.

He added, “There was a lot of conversation about that part of it.“

Following the sorrow I felt when he chose to take Tanya’s life – a move that signaled the exit of my cherished friend and Emmy winner, Coolidge – I found myself returning to the creative realm pondering, “What could possibly bring joy from this situation?

He commented on Belinda’s decision, saying: “It’s simple to uphold virtues and hold certain ideals when you don’t have financial resources, and your words aren’t backed by actual funds. It may sound great to open a spa for women, or whatever her idea was – but she requires someone to fund it. Once she has the money, it feels like, ‘Can I just be wealthy for a brief moment?’ I think that’s quite honest. ‘You know what, just let me savor this for a bit.’

Currently, when White contemplates Belinda’s future, he speculates that “she might embark on something significant. I believe people can – I’m not overly pessimistic. This notion served as a foundation, imagining her experiencing a Stella-finds-herself-again kind of transformation with someone, possibly envisioning starting a business together. Then, suddenly, fortune strikes and it’s like, ‘I’m off to new adventures. My apologies.’

I find myself drawn to her, and I understand why others do too. Yet, there’s a touch of realism that reminds me of an ’80s sitcom, like they might hang a sign for their spa and offer massages to the staff – it feels oddly relatable but also seems to be more than just a happy ending.

Rothwell personally worked with White to incorporate scenes that genuinely reflected Belinda’s character as a Black woman. She uses the scene where Belinda greets another Black couple at The White Lotus: Thailand as an instance of this authenticity. “I suggested the scene, and it stemmed from discussions about my experiences when I travel,” she explains. “Regardless of the location, if I find myself in a predominantly homogeneous setting, I feel compelled to approach fellow Black individuals, simply because I want them to feel recognized. More often than not, they appreciate being seen and acknowledged by me.” She further expresses her joy at collaborating with White, who appreciates her ideas, stating, “It’s an absolute pleasure to work alongside someone of his caliber who recognizes the worth in my suggestions.

Regarding where Belinda’s story might be heading next, Rothwell suggests that he envisions her embarking on a fresh chapter of her life, much like how Greg transformed into “Gary” in Thailand.

She believes she’s attempting to fit into the elite social circle,” she muses about the future. “I sense she’ll leave town soon, as she’s concerned Greg might chase her. That’s why I think she might want to disappear from the grid. Maybe she’ll start using her middle name instead.

The finale might provide an opportunity for both her and Gries to reappear in the fourth season of HBO Max’s Emmy-winning series, which has already been renewed. “Personally, I’d love to return, but I’m not sure if I will,” she admits.

Meanwhile, Gries didn’t completely dismiss the idea of a comeback. In his final interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “You just never know.” He also added, “It’s hard to predict anything Mike White will do. I didn’t think I’d be in season two, and I certainly didn’t expect to be here for season three. Everything he creates has an unexpected twist. I would absolutely love to return. But does Greg’s story seem like it’s concluded? I can’t say for sure.

Ultimately, Rothwell views Belinda as a means for the audience to connect with “The White Lotus”, but this was true until she became wealthy. She believes this is why viewers are so captivated by Belinda; her responses are genuine and relatable, such as saying “I’m going to die. Let’s call the police.” She’s struggling to survive and clinging to her purse like a nanny on a bus. Her human, authentic reactions make her character enjoyable to play because in Mike White’s world, they provide something we don’t often see through other characters.

Stream White Lotus’ second season on Max now! For comprehensive season three insights, head over to THR for interviews and features such as our unfiltered oral history with White and the cast, analysis of the finale, and an exclusive interview with Jon Gries.

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2025-04-07 18:55