Helena Bonham Carter has exited Season 4 of The White Lotus just days after filming began, with producers now rewriting her role and planning to recast it.
Production on the new season recently got underway in France when the decision was made, Deadline reports.
“With filming just underway… it had become apparent that the character which Mike White created for Helena Bonham Carter did not align once on set,” HBO said in a statement.
“The role has subsequently been rethought, is being rewritten and will be recast in the coming weeks. HBO, the producers and Mike White are saddened that they won’t get to work with her, but remain ardent fans and very much hope to work with the legendary actress on another project soon.”
The departure marks a rare creative shakeup for the hit HBO series, which is known for its carefully selected casts. Carter had been a high-profile addition to the upcoming season, which is set along the French Riviera.
Filming will continue as scheduled, with adjustments being made to focus on other cast members while the role is reworked and a replacement is found.
Season 4 will feature a large ensemble cast, including Kumail Nanjiani, Steve Coogan, Vincent Cassel, Ari Graynor, Alexander Ludwig, Chris Messina, Heather Graham, and Rosie Perez.
The new season is expected to take place around the Cannes Film Festival, with filming locations including Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and Paris.
No replacement for Carter had been announced as of Friday, April 24.
