Fans claim White Lotus is Italian duo Lucia and Mia emerge as season 2 winners after finale - and star Beatrice Grano agrees. "It wasn't a competition, but they won the competition," said Granno, who plays Mia.
After Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) tragically dies and the other characters return home, Lucia (Simone Tabasco) successfully swindles 50,000 euros from Albie (Adam DiMarco) , and Mia successfully defrauded 50,000 euros, and the two friends began a journey of victory. She gets her singing job done by seducing the resort’s lonely manager, Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore). "They managed to get what they wanted, and they're really happy," Granno tells Bustle. "In a way, they broke everything and solved every problem that existed."
The 29-year-old actor explained that the two may have started out as causing trouble for hotel guests, but ultimately, the conflicts forced many of the characters to confront their unresolved feelings. "They repaired the relationship between Ethan and Harper. Mia awakened the sensuality of Valentina's character," Granno said. "They arrive at the hotel and disrupt the equilibrium, but then they restore it. So I feel like they're like two little fairies, like two little witches, who were put there just to solve a problem."
Mia's voice also captivated White Lotus guests and staff, but bringing her singing performance to life was initially a challenge for Granno. Musical consultant Este Haim worked with show creator Mike White to encourage Grannò to use a bigger voice. “I prepared more jazzy lounge-style music with a softer sound,” she said of Mia’s first performance. White wanted it to sound more "Broadway." "Este Haim did a great job with that because she pushed me to really sing my voice out loud. She kept telling me, 'You have a voice. Get it out there. You need to fill it out. Fill the room because people need to notice you.”
Below, Grano shares her thoughts on the season 2 finale, Mia's Marilyn Monroe moment, and all those fan theories.
What was your reaction to the ending and that big twist?
I found the ending to be very beautiful because Jennifer Coolidge's death was so interesting. I found myself laughing and crying at the same time. I love the fact that she managed to fight back. But then I thought about it, it was incredible that she was able to save herself, and she fell from the boat and died. I think that's very poetic in a way.
Did you ever worry about Mia, especially now that Giuseppe was back?
That's another moment where you think he's going to be the murderer. The way Mia plays is interesting. She had no clue and was like, yeah, I did it. sorry. It's a meritocracy. I'm here. I am better than you. When he tells her, "You almost killed me. Now you've taken my place," she just says "yeah," which is interesting to see.
If we look at Mia in the first episode and Mia in the last episode, it's a huge transformation for the character. What was that journey like?
I loved it because Mia was very blocked at first; she didn't know her body or her talents. But as she continues, she becomes affected by the White Lotus Curse. She becomes a woman who wants everything she wants, and she will do whatever it takes to achieve it. She was very affected by Lucia's energy - she was so free, whereas Mia was anything but free. But then something magical happened and our minds changed. Lucia starts to become more romantic and she draws some energy from Mia to get what she wants. I use Lucia's energy to do what I want.
I love seeing Mia grow and become crazier with the help of her costumes. She completely changed her style and the way she looked at things.
What is your favorite outfit this season?
This is the white with feathers I saw in episode 6. I think it's a perfect fit for me. Also, when I watched the episode again, I saw myself singing "Happy Birthday." I was thinking, this looks like a Marilyn Monroe reference. But I don't think we have such a plan. I tried on a lot of outfits for that scene, and then we settled on that one because I really liked it. Many fans said it reminded them of Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday" - the femme fatale seducing Valentina.
You mentioned how Lucia and Mia draw different energies from each other. Do you think something similar happened between Mia and Valentina?
It's like the butterfly effect. Lucia unblocked me, then I unblocked Valentina, and then we influenced each other. This is a circle. It's this energy in Italy too. When you go to Italy, especially Sicily, it's a place full of smells and flavors, and you're thrown into this place where you feel everything.
Have you been following all the fan theories?
I have. It's crazy how everyone thinks Mia and Lucia are going to fall victim and die. I also read that Lucia's character would kill me. I'm like, what? Why? I read a lot of stuff. I did see someone write something about Jennifer Coolidge and kind of got there, but not quite. But it was fun to see everyone rooting for Mia and Lucia to stay alive. Simone and I kept sending messages and everyone thought we were going to die. But it’s great that we survived.
Could you see Mia returning to White Lotus at another resort in a future season ?
I really hope so. Maybe she was visiting the White Lotus? Or maybe she will appear as this very famous singer? I am glad to. And, I like to leave room for the next project and see what happens.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
