As the Season 3 finale of The White Lotus nears, fans are alive with theories and speculations. Who will make it out alive? Who won’t? Will there be any justice, or will mayhem take over? Drawing from hints in the trailer, interviews with the cast, and a generous amount of conjecture, here are our leading predictions for how the season could conclude.
1. Jim Hollinger Makes a Surprising Comeback
The trailer reveals that Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn) is back at the hotel for the finale. If he had malevolent plans for Rick (Walton Goggins), he likely wouldn’t appear in person. So why is he really returning? One hypothesis posits that he’s there to unleash a major revelation — perhaps disclosing that he’s actually Rick’s father.
2. The Russians Orchestrate the Shooting
Could Laurie (Carrie Coon) have pilfered the jewelry she noticed in Biković’s (Julian Kostov) apartment during Episode 7? Or perhaps Greg (Jon Gries) enlisted the Russians to take out Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) should she reject his hush money? Regardless, it appears that Biković and Vlad (Yuri Kolokolnikov) — who we learned were behind the Episode 2 heist — will make a comeback in the finale. Given their criminal backgrounds, they stand as strong suspects in the shooting hinted at in the season’s premiere.
3. Gaitok Rises to the Challenge
Though Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) may not be the most skilled security guard, his intentions are noble. With his recent shooting range training and a scene in the trailer showing him sprinting with determination, it looks like he might finally face the challenge and stop the assailants. Could this be his long-awaited moment of heroism?
4. Rick Perishes While Saving Chelsea
Rick’s narrative embodies the traits of a tragic noir hero. After all the tension with Jim Hollinger, it would be darkly ironic if he were to die in an unconnected incident — perhaps during the shooting. Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), who has been anticipating a “third negative event” following the robbery and snake bite, could find herself caught in the line of fire, prompting Rick to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect her.
5. Timothy Ratliff’s Demise Fixes Everything
Timothy Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) has faced legal woes throughout the season. What if he were to die in the finale — either by his own hand or in the shooting — only for it to later be revealed that his legal issues were exaggerated or easily resolvable? It would be a cruel twist of fate, but one that aligns with the show’s darkly ironic motif.
6. Saxon and Chelsea Form a Bond
Chelsea seems attracted to emotionally intricate partners, and there was a significant chemistry between her and Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) in Episode 7. If Rick doesn’t survive, Chelsea may seek comfort in a new relationship — and Saxon, carrying his own burdens, could be the right person.
7. Lochlan Opts for Isolation
Post the disastrous full moon party, Lochlan (Sam Nivola) seems keen to separate himself from his family. He informs his sister Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) of his intention to stay at the monastery, although she appears hesitant. In the finale, Piper might go back to her luxurious lifestyle, while Lochlan decides to remain in Thailand, searching for peace and trying to conquer his inner turmoil.
8. Greg (or Gary) Escapes Unharmed
Actor Jon Gries recently suggested that his character Greg — or Gary, depending on the source — may appear in future seasons. This hints that he will evade accountability for his involvement in Tanya’s (Jennifer Coolidge) demise in Season 2. Could he manage to silence Belinda and her son Zion (Nicholas Duvernay)? Possibly. However, it is more likely that they will accept his bribe and walk away, allowing Greg to continue his disruptive ways.
The White Lotus Season 3 finale is set to be an exhilarating experience. With numerous storylines intertwining, anything can happen — and will likely unfold.
The White Lotus is currently available for streaming on Max, with new episodes debuting Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.