White Lotus fans are always filled with a tinge of emptiness whenever the latest season comes to an end.
Fortunately, the post-season depression we’re all going through right now following the third installment of the series is mended by the never-ending behind-the-scenes cast drama that’s currently taking the internet by storm.
It seems as though every day there’s a new juicy tidbit to unpack regarding the behavior of the cast, to the point where the actors on White Lotus desperately need their own season of White Lotus. Sips pina colada, nosily.
Whether it’s cast members blocking each other on Instagram, blow-out fights between crew members, or esteemed actors claiming there was just as much drama behind the scenes as when the cameras were rolling, there’s enough to unpack here for an entire season 4, y’all. So grab your tropical smoothies (sans the poisonous fruit) and blast Cristobal Tapia De Veer’s “Pineapple Suite,” because we’re about to get into it.
Jason Isaacs Spills on White Lotus Season 3 BTS Drama
Jason Isaacs refuses to hold back when it comes to the behind-the-scenes tea of White Lotus Season 3. While the former Harry Potter actor admits to many beautiful friendships solidifying throughout filming, he also gets real about the messier aspects throughout shooting the luxe HBO drama.
As the true Slytherin that he is, Isaacs exchanges British politeness for the stone-cold truth. And as we know, the truth isn’t always pretty. He said in an interview with Vulture, “They say in the show, ‘What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand.’ But there’s an off-screen White Lotus as well, with fewer deaths but just as much drama.”
Furthermore, Isaacs compared the behind-the-scenes drama to Lord of the Flies. “It was like a cross between summer camp and Lord of the Flies but in a gilded cage,” he said. “It wasn’t a holiday. Some people got very close, there were friendships that were made and friendships that were lost.”
As for which friendships were lost, Isaacs is keeping his lips sealed shut. But from what we know, it seems like there was a good deal of tension going on with the people behind the camera as well. Particularly, with series creator Mike White and composer Cristobal Tapia De Veer…
White Lotus Creator Mike White and Composer Cristobal Tapia De Veer Messily Part Ways
The musical score that weaves its way throughout White Lotus is as essential to the series as Victoria Radcliffe’s relationship with Lorazopam. Cristobal Tapia De Veer’s eccentric beats have become a massive staple on the show, perhaps even more so than any of the characters combined.
There’s no denying the fact that the White Lotus score breathes life into the series, which is one of the many reasons why Tapia De Veer has found so much acclaim with his artistic choices throughout all three seasons of Mike White’s masterpiece. But the thing is, the award-winning composer isn’t one to put his head down and blindly follow orders.
On the contrary, according to Tapia De Veer, he puts out his best work when he feels like he’s doing something that can get him into trouble. “When I feel that I’m in danger, it feels like I’m gonna probably come up with something better, a more original idea – as long as I’m surviving a situation – than if I’m too comfortable,” he told Spotify, when confessing to his creative process.
While the composer’s knack for breaking the mold is admirable as an artist, it’s not always ideal as an employee- particularly under Mike White’s tight-leashed vision. According to the two creative forces behind the series, they constantly fought over creative differences.
“We already had our last fight forever,” the composer revealed to The New York Times, referring to his off-screen tension with the series creator. “This is like a rock band I’ve been in before where the guitar player doesn’t understand the singer at all.”
As a result of their creative differences, Cristobal Tapia De Veer quit the show, and won’t be returning for season 4. “It was a bitch move,” White told Howard Stern of Tapia De Veer’s unexpected resignation. “I don’t think he respected me. He wants people to know that he’s edgy and dark and I’m, I don’t know, like I watch reality TV.”
Walton Goggins Blocks Aimee Lou Wood on Instagram, Sparking Feud Rumors
In a total “Rick and Chealsea” move, Walton Goggins blocked his on-screen girlfriend Aimee Lou Wood on Instagram. Eagle-eyed fans who noticed this notorious blocking scandal began speculating on the reasons behind the drama. Was it an affair gone wrong? Was it something he/she said? Although there’s no evidence as to why the Righteous Gemstones actor blocked his White Lotus co-star, fans can only hope it wasn’t as bad as their on-screen characters’ drama.
Aimee Lou Wood Calls Out Fans For ‘Getting Angry’ at HBO on Her Behalf
Not all the White Lotus drama involves the cast and crew! In some cases, fans are getting involved in the whole mess, which Aimee Lou Wood has been quick to shut down. When the Sex Education actress, who plays Chelsea on White Lotus Season 3 told GQ about her casting process, she admitted to insecurities about feeling too “ugly” for the series. “Someone told me how much Mike (White) had fought for me. They said ‘it had to be you, no matter what HBO said,’” she told the magazine. “It was honestly from the nicest place, but my little head goes: ‘HBO didn’t want me. And I know why HBO didn’t want me, it’s because I’m ugly. Mike had to say ‘Please let me have the ugly girl!’ That was the thing that was in my head.”
This comment led to a ton of speculation amongst fans, who became furious with the producers of HBO for igniting Wood’s insecurities. But the actress is calling out White Lotus fans who are getting angry on her behalf, without knowing the full story.
Wood took to Instagram to defend HBO. “Nobody at HBO called me ugly!! Jeez, as if!” she said in an Instagram story (per The Sun.) “I clearly say that was my own paranoid thought…Nobody at HBO would say that.” She later said, “Please read carefully before getting angry for me.” To top it off, Wood said, “Just wanted to clear that up because HBO have been nothing but supportive.”
Jason Isaacs’ Beef with Duke University
And in some cases, the White Lotus Season 3 drama has got astute academia involved in the whole mess. (When does it ever end?) During a controversial scene in the third season, where Jason Isaacs’ character Tim Ratcliff is contemplating suicide, he’s clad in a Duke University sweatshirt.
Duke wasn’t happy with the university being associated with such a violent scene. Following the episode’s airing, representatives at the college took to The New York Times to issue a statement. They said, “The White Lotus not only uses our brand without permission, but in our view uses it on imagery that is troubling, does not reflect our values or who we are and simply goes too far.”
But in classic Slytherin fashion, Isaacs is responding to this statement by promising to wear Duke merch whenever there’s a camera around. “I am intending to wear them whenever there’s a camera around, so sorry, Duke,” he told Rob Lowe on his Literally! Podcast. There goes my honorary degree.”
With all this BTS tea, White Lotus fans can’t wait to uncover what’s in store for Season 4 of the series, set to air late 2026-2027.