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Tag: Sam Nivola

  • Cooper Koch and His Brothers Poke Fun at Brotherly Love from the ‘The White Lotus’

    Cooper Koch and His Brothers Poke Fun at Brotherly Love from the ‘The White Lotus’

    As The White Lotus wraps up its much-discussed brother-on-brother storyline, Cooper Koch is keeping the flames of sibling drama alive — and this time, he’s bringing his real-life brothers into the fold.

    The HBO series season finale may have provided some closure to the intense, homoerotic tension between the Ratliff brothers, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). A pivotal moment between the two — where Lochlan lends a hand to Saxon while he’s with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) — sparked waves of conversation about the portrayal of intimacy between siblings on television. Fans were left both shocked and intrigued, asking the question: Why is there so much emphasis on this theme?

    But if you thought the scandalous moment was behind us, think again. Cooper Koch, who starred as one of the Menendez brothers in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, decided to have a little fun with the controversial moment.

    Though Cooper is not active on social media, his younger brother Walker Koch took to Instagram ahead of The White Lotus finale airing on Sunday, posting a playful photo of Cooper and his twin brother Payton. The image shows Payton leaning in for a kiss with Cooper, standing underneath art shaped like Thailand. Walker even tagged The White Lotus in the post, making it clear that this was a cheeky nod to the show’s controversial plot.

    Photo: Instagram (@walkerkoch)
    Photo: Instagram (@walkerkoch)

    The Instagram Story, which has since disappeared, was clearly a lighthearted joke. The brothers, who share a close bond, were giving the show a playful “kiss off” in their own way.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Payton Koch (@paytonjkoch)

    The Koch twins’ bond isn’t just a casual one; they share a deep connection, both personally and professionally. While Cooper has risen to fame with his acting career — particularly after his breakthrough role in Monsters — Payton has been making a name for himself in the world of film production. Payton’s work includes editing on acclaimed projects like Only Murders in the Building, which earned him an Emmy nomination, and working with Ryan Murphy on shows like American Horror Story and The Politician. Cooper was even his guest at the Emmys, and with both brothers now in the spotlight, it’s only a matter of time before they return the favor.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Payton Koch (@paytonjkoch)

    While Cooper’s career has earned him recognition, his twin’s path is just as impressive, and their strong family ties are evident. They both grew up in Los Angeles, a stone’s throw from Hollywood, and their shared history is part of their undeniable connection. They’ve even posed together in steamy photo shoots, most recently for Behind The Blinds, a glossy editorial magazine that highlighted the pair’s captivating dynamic.

    In their latest playful moment, it’s clear that the Koch family isn’t afraid to have a little fun with the media’s fascination with sibling dynamics. While the Ratliff brothers may have stirred up heated debates, the Koch twins are just enjoying life, their careers, and, of course, making headlines with their playful sense of humor.

  • Mike White Responds to Criticism Over ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Pacing: ‘Don’t Be a Bossy Bottom’

    Mike White Responds to Criticism Over ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Pacing: ‘Don’t Be a Bossy Bottom’

    Mike White, creator, writer, and director of The White Lotus, has responded to critics of the show’s season 3 pacing, addressing backlash from fans who complained about the season’s slower tempo. Although The White Lotus continues to be a fan favorite and a critical success, some viewers have voiced their frustration over what they deem “horrible pacing” and “too slow” storytelling in the third season.

    White Defends His Vision

    On the official podcast for The White Lotus, White acknowledged the criticism, explaining that the pacing and tone of the series could “get under their skin.” He responded directly to fans who felt the season lacked plot, saying, “There was complaining about how there’s no plot. That part I find weird. It never did… part of me is just like, bro, this is the vibe. I’m world-building.”

    White’s unapologetic stance comes with a bold analogy to how he feels about his viewers. “If you don’t want to go to bed with me, then get out of my bed,” he said. “I’m edging you! Enjoy the edging. If you don’t want to be edged, then get out of my bed. Don’t be a bossy bottom. Get the fuck out of my bed. Don’t come home with me. Don’t get naked in my bed. Get the fuck out of my bed. Obviously, something is going to happen.”

    Season 3 Finale Wraps Up Major Plotlines

    The season 3 finale, which aired on April 6, wrapped up several key storylines, including Rick’s revenge mission, the Ratliff family’s financial crisis, and the “white lady trio’s” decades-long friendship. The season also provided a resolution to the controversial incest storyline involving Saxon and Lochlan (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola), two brothers with a tumultuous and shocking bond.

    The finale, which ran for 87 minutes, was met with mixed reactions but marked an emotional end to many of the season’s plot threads. However, the finale did not answer all questions, leaving room for speculation and more storytelling in the future.

    Laurie (Carrie Coon), Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), and Kate (Leslie Bibb) in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: HBO
    Laurie (Carrie Coon), Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), and Kate (Leslie Bibb) in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: HBO

    The Future of The White Lotus

    White has already confirmed that The White Lotus will return for a fourth season, though he has teased some significant changes for the next installment. After three seasons set in locations like Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand, White is looking to shift away from the oceanic settings that defined the show’s aesthetic.

    “For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves of rocks vernacular,” White shared. “But there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels.”

    While exact details about the cast and location of season 4 remain under wraps, HBO’s drama chief, Francesca Orsi, recently shared that location scouting is underway. “We’re going on some location scouting in the next couple of weeks,” Orsi said. “I can’t really say where we’re going to land, but chances are somewhere in Europe.”

    All three seasons of The White Lotus are available for streaming on Max.

  • Lochlan Ratliff’s Turbulent Journey and Sexuality Struggles Culminate in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Finale

    Lochlan Ratliff’s Turbulent Journey and Sexuality Struggles Culminate in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Finale

    SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for the Season 3 finale of HBO’s The White Lotus.

    In the chaotic, twist-filled finale of The White Lotus Season 3, Sam Nivola’s portrayal of Lochlan Ratliff left viewers stunned, especially after his character narrowly avoided death and had a critical heart-to-heart with his brother, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger). The Ratliff family’s tumultuous dynamic, including their deeply complex and controversial relationship, reached a boiling point in the final episode, providing some clarity on Lochlan’s motivations and sexuality, as well as the aftermath of the infamous incestuous moment from Episode 6.

    Incest, Approval, and a Pleaser’s Complex

    When it came time to address the highly debated and shocking brother-on-brother sex scene from earlier in the season, Lochlan finally sat down with Saxon to explain his actions. Lochlan’s justification was unexpected, and it shed light on his psychological complexity. He revealed that his motivations had little to do with sexual attraction and everything to do with people-pleasing. In his eyes, Saxon’s focus on sex and his constant pursuit of approval left him feeling responsible for making his brother feel “included.” Lochlan, desperate to please, crossed a line that turned into a viral moment for fans but ultimately provided a weird explanation for the tension that had been building up throughout the season.

    “I’m a pleaser and want to give people what they want,” Lochlan confessed, attempting to clarify that he wasn’t sexually interested in his brother but simply trying to make Saxon happy. “Since all his brother cares about is ‘getting off,’ Lochlan explained, he felt Saxon was “left out” during their drug-induced encounter. The scene was shocking to many viewers, but Lochlan’s explanation seemed to quell some of the incest speculation surrounding the Ratliff brothers.

    Lochlan’s Near Death Experience and Its Aftermath

    In a season packed with suspense and jaw-dropping moments, Lochlan’s near-death experience in the finale was a surprising turn of events. The character had already been through so much but when Lochlan appeared to die after ingesting poison, it seemed as though his fate was sealed. However, his eventual resurrection offered a startling twist. Nivola, in an interview with Deadline, revealed that Lochlan’s survival might have been due to his vomiting, which likely expelled enough of the poison to keep him alive. Additionally, he noted that the poison may not have been strong enough to kill Lochlan in the first place, since his father was unaware of the exact dosage.

    Sam Nivola, Jason Isaacs. Photo: HBO
    Sam Nivola, Jason Isaacs. Photo: HBO

    “I think he got it all out,” Nivola said of Lochlan’s fate. “Also, I think maybe it wouldn’t have killed him anyway.” His family’s financial ruin and Timothy’s moment of desperation came to a head in the finale, but Lochlan’s survival added a layer of unexpected suspense and red herrings to the drama, particularly when compared to the fates of other characters.

    The Unresolved Nature of Lochlan’s Sexuality

    Throughout The White Lotus Season 3, Lochlan’s sexuality remained a central, unresolved question. In his final conversation with Saxon, it became clear that Lochlan was not exploring any romantic or sexual desires for his brother, but rather struggling with a deeper, existential need for family approval and emotional connection. Nivola confirmed that Lochlan’s actions were not about his sexuality but rather about his complicated relationship with his brother.

    “I don’t think he’s sexually attracted to his brother,” Nivola said. “It’s not about sex or love. It’s more about just people and his relationship to people.” Lochlan’s awkward desire to connect with his family members, particularly Saxon, superseded any discussions about his sexuality, and the storyline ultimately left fans questioning whether Lochlan was simply acting out of misguided familial devotion rather than personal sexual exploration.

    Swapped Swim Trunks: A Subtle But Iconic Detail

    One of the standout, albeit humorous moments in the finale was the brief scene where Lochlan and Saxon swapped swim trunks after their intense encounter on the yacht. What many fans thought might be a spontaneous, fun addition to the episode was actually a deliberate decision made by show creator Mike White. “Mike thought it would be really funny,” Nivola explained. The brief exchange of clothes, with Lochlan sporting Saxon’s ill-fitting trunks and vice versa, became one of the most memorable visual gags of the season, further solidifying the brothers’ bizarre dynamic.

    What’s Next for Lochlan and the Ratliffs?

    Despite the chaos and dramatic events of the season, Lochlan’s future remains uncertain. After his near-death experience, he claimed to have seen God, but it is to be determined if the young Ratliff has actually made any strides toward leaving his people-pleasing in the past.

    The Ratliff Family. Photo: HBO
    The Ratliff Family. Photo: HBO

    “Lochlan just wants the approval and love and attention and respect of his siblings,” Nivola said. “He just wants Piper to like him.” However, whether Lochlan will find any sense of peace or direction from these relationships, or from his spiritual journey, is something that may not be answered anytime soon.

    As for his character’s growth, Nivola pointed out that Lochlan’s experience was unlikely to result in significant change. “I think he’ll be alright,” he said. “He’s already so lost, he can’t really get much more lost than he already is.”

    In the end, Lochlan’s journey on The White Lotus may not have given him all the answers he was seeking, but it left audiences with a lot to ponder about family dynamics, sexuality, and the struggles of finding one’s identity. While his fate remains uncertain, Lochlan Ratliff’s journey through the chaos of his family is far from over, leaving the door wide open for future exploration.

  • Sam Nivola Discusses Lochlan’s Sexuality Following ‘White Lotus’ Episode 6’s Saucy Scenes

    Sam Nivola Discusses Lochlan’s Sexuality Following ‘White Lotus’ Episode 6’s Saucy Scenes

    Actor Sam Nivola has offered his perspective on the complex sexuality of his character, Lochlan Ratliff, in HBO‘s The White Lotus following a series of sexually charged scenes that have sparked online debate.

    In the show’s third season, Lochlan’s interactions with his brother, Saxon, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, have drawn particular attention. A drunken kiss in an earlier episode escalated to a scene in episode six where Lochlan engages in sexual activity with another character, Chloe, portrayed by Charlotte Le Bon, while simultaneously involving his brother in the act.

    A drunken kiss in an earlier episode escalated to a scene in episode six where Lochlan engages in sexual activity with another character, Chloe, portrayed by Charlotte Le Bon, while simultaneously involving his brother in the act.
    Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO

    These scenes have led viewers to question Lochlan’s sexual orientation, especially after an earlier moment where he appeared to gaze at his brother’s naked body. While Saxon is depicted as conventionally heterosexual, Lochlan’s behavior suggests a more fluid or confused understanding of his own sexuality.

    Speaking to Variety, Nivola addressed the speculation, stating that series creator Mike White “doesn’t look at the world through a gendered lens.” Nivola suggested that White’s portrayal of characters transcends traditional gender and sexual categories, focusing instead on the shared human flaws and desires.

    “The point he is always making is that people are all the same — lovable, yet rotten at their core,” Nivola said. He interpreted the intense sibling dynamic as more reflective of their shared lifestyle than a specific exploration of gender or sexuality.

    Nivola characterized Lochlan as driven by a desire for “love and attention,” which he believes could stem from either men or women. He suggested that Lochlan is still exploring his attractions and that a potential discovery of same-sex attraction would be complicated by his character’s “rich, conservative Southern” family background.

    Regarding the explicit scene with his brother, Nivola acknowledged his initial anxiety but praised White’s “calming” presence on set. He clarified that Lochlan’s actions are not driven by sexual attraction towards Saxon but rather by a sense of insecurity and a desire to understand and connect with his brother.

    “It’s more curiosity, and trying to figure out which kind of person he is going to become,” Nivola explained. He described Lochlan as a “people pleaser” who seeks approval and connection through any means possible.

    It’s more curiosity, and trying to figure out which kind of person he is going to become.
    Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO

    Nivola emphasized that Lochlan’s observation of Saxon is not sexual but rather an attempt to “study” him and understand how to gain his affection.

    “The White Lotus” season three continues on HBO, with new episodes airing Sundays.

  • Patrick Schwarzenegger’s ‘White Lotus’ Co-Stars Thought He Was Going to ‘Throw Up’ During That Awkward Kissing Scene

    Patrick Schwarzenegger’s ‘White Lotus’ Co-Stars Thought He Was Going to ‘Throw Up’ During That Awkward Kissing Scene

    Patrick Schwarzenegger’s uncomfortable moment in The White Lotus has certainly left an impression on viewers. The actor, who plays Saxon Ratliff in the hit HBO series, had a notably awkward on-screen kiss with his on-screen brother Lochlan, portrayed by Sam Nivola. This tense scene in the March 16 episode sparked curiosity among fans, and now, co-star Charlotte Le Bon has opened up about how the scene was filmed, revealing that Schwarzenegger himself was as uneasy as the audience seemed to be while watching.

    In an interview with Vulture, Le Bon, who plays Greg Hunt’s new girlfriend, Chloe, explained that the kiss was not easy for Schwarzenegger. “Well obviously they’re not brothers by blood, so that made it easier,” she said, noting that the actors’ real-life relationship didn’t add to the discomfort. However, Le Bon admitted that Schwarzenegger was still hesitant about filming the intimate moment. “For Patrick, it was really difficult,” she said. “For Sam, he was kind of like, ‘It’s whatever, let’s just do it well one time and it will be over.’”

    She went on to share that the emotional reaction seen on-screen was genuine. “Patrick’s reaction in the episode is his genuine reaction,” Le Bon revealed. “We all thought he was going to throw up. And Sam was like, ‘It’s fine, it’s just a kiss, calm down!’”

    From left: Charlotte Le Bon, Sam Nivola, and Aimee Lou Wood in 'The White Lotus'. Fabio Lovino/HBO
    From left: Charlotte Le Bon, Sam Nivola, and Aimee Lou Wood in ‘The White Lotus’. Fabio Lovino/HBO

    The scene in question, which involves Saxon and Lochlan sharing a kiss on Chloe’s yacht, is one of the more shocking and unsettling moments of the series. Chloe, who is looking for chaos and excitement during her stay at the White Lotus resort in Thailand, encourages the kiss after taking a mystery pill with her new friends. As the night progresses, Chloe’s reckless behavior culminates in the kiss, which fans are still trying to unpack.

    Le Bon described her character Chloe as someone who fills the emptiness inside her with partying, chaos, and reckless behavior. “I think Chloe is deeply, deeply bored,” she said. “There’s a void inside of her. She fills that void with partying, sex, and chaos. This kiss between the two brothers for her is just pure entertainment, which is obviously really evil when you think about it.”

    Chloe’s casual indifference to the situation highlights her detachment from any consequences, something Le Bon believes defines her character. “She’s not attached to life — I don’t know how to say it,” Le Bon explained. “She’s just there. She’s just incarnated in this body to live the experience of life and she doesn’t really care about the rest.”

    Patrick Schwarzenegger in 'The White Lotus'. MAX
    Patrick Schwarzenegger in ‘The White Lotus’. MAX

    The scene also shows Chloe locking lips with another character, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), further emphasizing her disregard for social norms and relationships. For Chloe, everything is about living in the moment, no matter how damaging it might be to others around her.

    While Chloe may seem to live a carefree, impulsive life, Le Bon suggested that her character likely never thinks about the consequences of her actions. “She’s the kind of person who’s never thought about that, or else she was just always able to manage her way through it,” Le Bon said. “She’s probably smart like that. It is really chaotic and dark.”

    The tension between the characters of Saxon and Lochlan Ratliff has been building since the first episode of the season. Fans were quick to notice the odd dynamics between the two brothers, particularly after Lochlan seemed to fixate on Saxon when he was fully naked. This moment raised eyebrows, and Schwarzenegger hinted at the unusual nature of their relationship in an earlier interview with The Radio Times. “I think that the relationship with his brother — although it’s very odd and weird, which is what [creator] Mike [White] wanted — it’s still very loving at the same time,” Schwarzenegger said. “I mean, it’s just that Saxon has this false perception and idea of what he thinks makes a man and who he thinks he is, and he’s trying to groom his younger brother to become that.”

    The intriguing and at times uncomfortable relationship between the two brothers is a key element of the show, adding layers to the plot’s complexity. The controversial kiss is sure to be a topic of discussion among viewers as The White Lotus continues to unravel its unpredictable storylines.

    New episodes of The White Lotus air every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max.

  • Potential Gay Scenes and Incest? What’s Going On With ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?

    Potential Gay Scenes and Incest? What’s Going On With ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?

    The White Lotus is back with a shocking season three that has many wondering how much of a gay storyline viewers will be getting this time around.

    Looking at the cast for this new installation for the franchise on HBO, cast members Carrie Coon and Aimee Lou Wood grace the screens alongside others like Natasha Rothwell as Belinda back for another stay at the infamous resort chain.

    As far as other members of the cast, many are focused in on none other than Saxon played by Patrick Schwarzenegger and Lochlan played by Sam Nivola.

    The two brothers, one of the many dysfunctional groups staying at the hotel, are rich, with the older one with a bit of an arrogant attitude.

    Trying to impress his younger brother Lochlan by showing him how to flirt to even teaching him how to embrace his manhood, viewers get a glimpse on how far this character is willing to go to assert his dominance.

    While initially going to share a room with his sister, Saxon declares that they should instead share a room together as the boys of the family.

    Later in the episode while the two are getting ready for bed in their room, Saxon can be seen shirtless proclaiming to his brother on how to get what he wants in life. From there after a brief pause, Saxon grabs a tablet and ponders on how he will be jerking off in the room next to his younger brother.

    After the awkward and long, dramatic pause while the two look at each other, fans sensed the sexual tension between the two brothers.

    Fans are in shock over the sexual tension in the scene and people are now assuming that there will be an incest storyline between Saxon and Lochlan. One person tweeted: “Please tell me there’s not an incest storyline.” Another wrote: “what the hell is happening with these brothers on the white lotus.”

    However, others praised the TV show for exploring uncomfortable themes. A fan tweeted: “White Lotus season 3 starting with gay incest, bitter middle aged white women and British people oh I’m LIVING.”

    Patrick Schwarzenegger, who plays Saxon, has teased that things get even more “uncomfortable” and Sam Nivola, who plays Lochlan, has confirmed that he has a nude scene.

    Speaking at The White Lotus press conference, Patrick said: “There are some uncomfortable conversations between us in the bed that are a little weird to show in front of your family. Episodes 5 and 6, there will be some times that I take some bathroom breaks from the family, or maybe I won’t watch that episode.”

    Meanwhile, Sam spoke about his first nude scene and on screen kiss. He said: “Of course, that comes along with a lot of fear and anxiety [but] there’s a few people that I would trust more with footage of my buttocks [than creator Mike White]. He made us feel so comfortable.”

    It’s not clear how far the series will be pushing not only the gay agenda this season, but we will see how family dynamics play out.