The esteemed actor from the hit series "Shadow and Bone" has been tapped to reprise his role in the eagerly anticipated third season of the HBO drama. Julian Kostov, a Bulgarian talent who left a lasting impression on fans with his performance, is joining the ranks of "The White Lotus," replacing Miloš Biković in the show's ensemble cast.
Kostov, who delighted audiences in "Shadow and Bone," will make his return in the third season of "The White Lotus," scheduled to commence filming in Thailand this month. His addition to the cast comes after HBO made the difficult decision to part ways with Biković, following a public outcry from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs over Biković's apparent support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In a social media post dated January 24, the ministry voiced its concern, asking, "HBO, is it acceptable for you to collaborate with someone who endorses genocide and violates international law?" alongside a clip featuring Biković's statements regarding Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea. The Serbia-born actor, who has been working in Russia for the past decade, received an honor from Russian leader Vladimir Putin in 2018 and became a Russian citizen in 2021.
"I am honored to have been chosen to be a part of 'White Lotus,' a highly regarded TV series with esteemed colleagues whom I deeply admire," Biković stated after his departure. "However, due to reasons beyond the realm of art, my participation is no longer feasible, and I refuse to acquiesce to any narrative that compromises my integrity. I am grateful to everyone who stood by me and wish my colleagues immense success in creating the next season."
Kostov joins a star-studded ensemble that includes Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Francesca Corney, Nicholas Duvernay, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Walton Goggins, Dom Hetrakul, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Morgana O'Reilly, Lek Patravadi, Shalini Peiris, Parker Posey, season one regular Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood.
The series, created, written, and directed by Mike White, is executive produced by David Bernad and Mark Kamine. Kostov, a Bulgarian native, previously made a memorable appearance in the first season of Netflix's "Shadow and Bone." His resume also boasts credits in "A Discovery of Witches," "Berlin Station," and "Treadstone." Kostov is represented by Industry Entertainment and Insight Management and Production.
