Nicole Kidman is back in retreat leader mode, and this time she’s taking her signature brand of spiritual chaos to the Austrian Alps. The first trailer for Nine Perfect Strangers season two has dropped ahead of its May 22 premiere on Prime Video—and it’s packed with familiar faces, fresh queer talent, and plenty of cryptic intensity.
A Return to Healing… or Chaos?
Kidman reprises her role as Masha, the mysterious, zen-meets-zany wellness guru who leads a group of nine strangers through a transformative retreat. According to Prime Video’s official synopsis, the guests are “connected in ways they could never imagine” and are pushed to their limits by Masha over the course of one mind-bending week.
Photo: Prime VideoPhoto: Prime VideoPhoto: Prime Video
“Will they make it? Will she?” the trailer asks, as glimpses of emotional breakthroughs, dramatic showdowns, and possibly supernatural twists flash across the screen. One thing’s clear: healing at this retreat is not for the faint of heart.
Queer Talent Takes Center Stage
This season brings a welcome wave of LGBTQIA+ representation with a dynamic cast that includes:
They’re joined by LGBTQ+ favorites like Henry Golding, who starred in the gay drama Monsoon; Annie Murphy of Schitt’s Creek fame (and “A Little Bit Alexis” glory); and queer icon Christine Baranski, bringing her signature wit and razor-sharp delivery.
In a brief but memorable moment from the trailer, Bartlett, Richardson-Sellers, and King Princess appear to share a vulnerable exchange that hints at the deep emotional layers this season promises.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Created by David E. Kelley and based on the bestselling novel by Liane Moriarty, the first season of Nine Perfect Strangers premiered in 2021 and became Hulu’s most-watched original series at the time. With its dreamy visuals, psychological twists, and now a more globally diverse and LGBTQIA+ cast, season two looks to expand the series’ impact and reach.
Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 premieres May 22 on Prime Video. Watch the official trailer now and prepare to question everything you thought you knew about wellness.
Jon Gries, best known for his role as the scheming Greg Hunt (aka “Gary”) in HBO’s The White Lotus, is turning heads in a way fans didn’t see coming. At 67, the veteran actor has stripped down — literally — for a vibrant and cheeky new fashion campaign by Jacquemus, and let’s just say… he’s giving “daddy” in a way that even Tanya McQuoid might appreciate.
The French label, known for its surrealist flair and viral runway moments, tapped Gries for a campaign that feels like a crossover between high fashion and a quirky daydream. In the photos, Gries is seen shirtless, banana-print boxers peeking out from under his low-rise jeans, topped with a Jacquemus jacket and a bold sunhat. He’s serving laid-back louche meets European vacation dad — and it works.
In another image, he’s seen golfing in loungewear, nibbling on an actual banana, or lounging while fully suited. It’s an unexpected, joyful twist on masculinity, and Gries leans into the moment with a confidence and charm that reminds us: aging is not the enemy — especially not in fashion.
While Greg Hunt may not have officially come out on The White Lotus, queer fans of the show have long speculated about his sexuality — and his motivations. In season two, his relationship with the flamboyant Quentin (played by Tom Hollander) raised more than a few eyebrows. By season three, Greg is reportedly dating a young model named Chloe (played by Charlotte Le Bon) while engaging in voyeuristic fantasies involving other men.
Is Greg queer? The show doesn’t give us a straight answer (no pun intended), but Jon Gries has acknowledged that Greg is complex and morally gray. “He has no interest in having friendships,” Gries said in a previous interview. “Everything was on a contract basis with him. He wants control.”
Queer-coded villain? Repressed bisexual? Emotionally unavailable straight man? Whatever Greg is, he’s messy — and we love that for him.
And while Gries isn’t explicitly discussing sexuality in this campaign, the visual language is deeply queer. Banana motifs? A little skin? Gender play with clothing and presentation? Check, check, and check. In fact, the shoot feels like a wink to queer fans who’ve had their eye on Greg (or at least his motives) since season one.
Jacquemus Knows the Gays Are Watching
Jacquemus, founded by Simon Porte Jacquemus in 2009, has long drawn inspiration from queer culture and art. The label blends high fashion with humor, minimalism with excess, and classic French silhouettes with Mediterranean warmth. Think: camp meets couture. Past campaigns have included same-sex couples, sensuality across the gender spectrum, and a healthy dose of absurdity — so casting Jon Gries? Inspired.
According to Jacquemus’ official brand description, the label “references a French way of life and universal gestures of beauty: from fine art photography to the decorative arts, cinema, painting, and sculpture.” The Gries campaign adds a dose of generational appeal and an “older man chic” energy that’s often missing from mainstream fashion campaigns.
It’s refreshing to see a brand so openly embrace an unconventional muse, especially one who defies the usual standards of youth, abs, and influencer clout. Gries may not be the first person who comes to mind when you think of high fashion — but maybe that’s the point.
Greg Is the Only Constant in ‘The White Lotus’ Universe
Gries remains the only actor to appear in all three seasons of The White Lotus, and his character’s evolution (or, arguably, unraveling) has become one of the show’s juiciest subplots. His first-season arc saw him fall into a whirlwind romance with Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge, in her Emmy-winning role). Season two pulled back the curtain to reveal something far more sinister — and possibly queer — beneath the surface.
Season three, which premieres later this year, promises even more twists. Rumor has it Greg is dating a model and exploring a cuckolding kink that involves watching her with other men. Honestly? That’s growth — in a very White Lotus kind of way.
Queer Aging, Reframed
Gries’ campaign arrives at a time when conversations around aging — particularly in queer and fashion spaces — are becoming more visible. There’s often a toxic emphasis on youth in both industries, but campaigns like this one help shift the narrative. You don’t have to be 25 with a six-pack to be sexy, stylish, or subversive.
In fact, Gries’ presence in the campaign challenges outdated standards of desirability. He’s not the punchline — he’s the look. And that, especially for queer audiences who are used to seeing older men erased or mocked, feels radical.
Whether or not Greg Hunt is gay, and whether or not Jon Gries is on your fashion radar, one thing is clear: the man knows how to serve a look. And in the world of Jacquemus, that’s more than enough.
In the words of Tanya McQuoid: “You’re not just a pretty face… but you’re definitely not boring.”
Walton Goggins is breaking the internet—and not just with his killer performance in The White Lotus. The 53-year-old actor has everyone talking after posing in a revealing new photoshoot for Cultured magazine’s Cult100 list, which celebrates figures “shaping our culture in real time.”
Known for playing intense, layered characters—from Boyd Crowder in Justified to his recent turn as Rick Hatchett in the third season of The White Lotus—Goggins is now showing off a different kind of range: Speedo-clad, cigarette-wielding, cowboy-boot-wearing energy.
Photo: CULTURED’s CULT100 Issue
Cultured, Clothed (Barely), and Completely Iconic
In one of the standout shots from the Cultured cover shoot, Goggins lounges seductively inside a Ferris wheel pod on the Santa Monica Pier, wearing nothing but a canary-yellow pair of Speedos and a mustard-colored jacket. Another image ups the ante: he’s ditched the jacket, kept the trunks, and slipped into a pair of rugged cowboy boots, because why not?
One of the most talked-about photos shows the actor in a bathroom stall—pants down, boots on, cigarette dangling effortlessly from his lips—serving a look that feels somewhere between high fashion and chaotic good.
Fans were quick to respond with memes, thirst tweets, and deeply relatable commentary.
While the photoshoot may have left little to the imagination, Goggins’ acting chops are just as buzzworthy. His character in The White Lotus Season 3, Rick Hatchett, was out for revenge following his father’s death—but let’s just say things didn’t exactly end well for him. No spoilers, but if you’ve seen the finale, you know.
Whether he’s going full cowboy in Django Unchained, hunting aliens in Predators, or unraveling emotionally complex men on HBO, Goggins consistently proves he’s more than just a character actor—he’s a cultural chameleon.
And if this shoot is any indication, he’s also a late-in-life sex symbol. The man can rock a Speedo and cowboy boots simultaneously. That’s talent.
If all this talk has you craving more of Goggins—clothed or otherwise—Season 3 of The White Lotus is currently streaming on Max.
Until then, we’ll be scrolling through that Cultured shoot and reconsidering our summer swimwear plans.
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)
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.
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.
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.
The trailer for Ponyboi, River Gallo’s highly anticipated thriller, has been released, giving viewers a glimpse of what promises to be one of the most compelling LGBTQIA+ stories of the year. Written by and starring Gallo, the film is based on their 2019 short film of the same name and delves into the complex life of an intersex sex worker on the run from a botched drug deal.
A Gripping Story of Identity and Survival
Ponyboi follows the title character, a laundromat clerk and young intersex sex worker, who is forced to confront their past after a failed drug deal sends them fleeing. As the protagonist navigates a perilous journey through New Jersey’s underground world, the film explores themes of self-identity, survival, and the search for freedom.
Dylan O’Brien, known for his role in Teen Wolf, co-stars as Vinny, a drug dealer caught in an affair with Ponyboi, unbeknownst to his pregnant girlfriend and Ponyboi’s best friend, Angel, played by Victoria Pedretti of The Haunting of Bly Manor fame.
All-Star Cast and Critical Acclaim
Murray Bartlett, who gained fame through his role in The White Lotus, appears in the film as an alluring cowboy who helps Ponyboi navigate their treacherous path. Indya Moore, star of Pose, also stars as Charlie, rounding out a diverse and talented cast that adds depth to this dramatic thriller.
Ahead of Ponyboi’s world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Gallo expressed their gratitude and excitement for the project. In a heartfelt statement, Gallo said, “From the pandemic to strikes to personal loss and transition—like a true Jersey girl, Ponyboi prevailed. I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible cast and crew who became my Ponyboi family and made this movie a reality.”
Gallo also praised the film’s director, Esteban Arango, for his bold and fearless vision. “We made this movie for the intersex baddies, dolls, misfits, and outsiders,” Gallo added. “And for it to finally be out in the world is nothing less than revolutionary.”
Critical Success at Sundance
Following its premiere at Sundance, Ponyboi received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling, Gallo’s standout performance, and O’Brien’s surprising shift into a darker, more dramatic role. The film has been hailed as a groundbreaking portrayal of the intersex experience, offering a fresh perspective on LGBTQIA+ narratives.
Ponyboi is set to hit cinemas on June 27, 2024, through Fox Entertainment Studios and Gathr. Fans can now watch the official trailer to get a first look at the film’s captivating visuals and intense storyline.
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
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.
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
“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
“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.
Season 3 of The White Lotus has introduced a new heartthrob in the form of Valentin, played by Arnas Fedaravicius. The Lithuanian actor, who portrays a Russian health mentor working at the resort, quickly became the talk of the show—both among the characters and the fans watching at home. With his charm, good looks, and undeniable appeal, Valentin has become the latest addition to the show’s ever-growing roster of eye-catching staff members.
A Breakout Role in The White Lotus
At just 33 years old, Fedaravicius is no stranger to television, having previously appeared in shows like The Last Kingdom, The Wheel of Time, and Shetland. But it’s his role as Valentin in The White Lotus that has propelled him to new heights of fame. Fans have been especially drawn to his character, who has a magnetic presence and quickly catches the attention of three of the season’s main characters—Laurie (Carrie Coon), Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), and Kate (Leslie Bibb).
The actor’s portrayal of Valentin, with his alluring charisma and sculpted physique, didn’t just win over the characters in the series; it also earned him a huge following on social media. In fact, Fedaravicius revealed that his DMs have been flooded with messages from fans, with a particular surge of attention from the gay community.
When asked about the fan reactions to his role, Fedaravicius couldn’t help but laugh. In an interview with Club Cine, he said, “I’ve been receiving so much gay love. My DMs are full.” The actor acknowledged that while the attention was unexpected, it was also a welcome part of the experience.
Fedaravicius shared a particularly funny anecdote about the online chatter surrounding his role. “I saw someone on Instagram do a smash or pass with five of us [actors]: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, and myself,” he recalled. The humorous post is just one example of how fans have embraced Valentin as the new fan-favorite heartthrob of the season.
Embracing the “Heartthrob” Label
While many actors might shy away from being labeled a “heartthrob,” Fedaravicius takes it all in stride. He revealed that the costume for his opening scene, which quickly became a standout moment, was actually added at the last minute. “I immediately saw what they were going for,” he explained in an interview with Flaunt. The actor admits that he’s not unfamiliar with receiving attention for his looks, though he finds it amusing. “I’ve experienced that kind of attention in my life before, not in a negative way, but it’s amusing. It’s part of the character, and you just roll with it.”
While Fedaravicius takes the attention in good humor, he also admitted that some of the messages he’s received since the show’s airing have crossed the line. “Some are funny, some are flattering, and some are… a bit much!” he said with a laugh. Despite this, he maintains a light-hearted perspective. “As long as it stays respectful, I don’t mind embracing that aspect of Valentin’s character.”
From The Last Kingdom to The White Lotus and Beyond
Before The White Lotus, Fedaravicius was already a familiar face to TV audiences, playing Sihtric on the popular British drama The Last Kingdom. He reprised his role in the film The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, further cementing his reputation in the world of period dramas. The actor has also appeared in The Wheel of Time as Masema Dagar and in Shetland as Lukas Nowak.
Looking to the future, Fedaravicius is set to star in the upcoming 2026 film Mutiny, where he will share the screen with Hollywood stars Jason Statham and Annabelle Wallis. With his growing popularity and expanding career, it’s clear that Fedaravicius is one to watch in the coming years.
Fans of The White Lotus can catch the finale and the entirety of season 3 now on Max.
As the highly anticipated season 3 finale of The White Lotus approaches, fans aren’t the only ones eagerly awaiting the dramatic conclusion to the hit HBO series. Cast members, including Parker Posey, who portrays Victoria Ratliff, are also on edge, eager to uncover the fate of their characters. Posey admitted during a recent interview that although she might have known how the season would end at one point, the details have slipped her mind.
“I forgot who died,” Posey shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “It was so stressful when I read it. The dark stuff, I blazed through.” While Posey’s character may not be the one meeting an untimely end, she, like the audience, is left in suspense, eagerly awaiting the final moments of the season.
The season 3 finale, which will air on April 6, promises to be another gripping conclusion that will likely keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Fans of The White Lotus know all too well that each season concludes with a shocking death, and creator Mike White has hinted that this finale will be no different.
Posey’s co-star, Patrick Schwarzenegger, who plays her onscreen son Saxon, revealed that he, too, is in the dark about how the season will conclude. “I’m just excited to watch the finale with the rest of the world because I actually have no idea what happens,” Schwarzenegger told The Hollywood Reporter. His excitement to experience the finale alongside viewers underscores the level of secrecy that surrounds the show’s plot twists.
Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Jason Isaacs, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola in The White Lotus. FABIO LOVINO/HBO
As is typical with The White Lotus, the season 3 finale has been tightly guarded, with spoilers kept to an absolute minimum. Jon Gries, who made a surprising return to the show after possibly being involved in the shocking death of Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya in season 2, teased that viewers will be left shocked. “Whatever you think you know, you’re going to get it wrong,” Gries teased, building anticipation for the highly secretive ending.
Mike White Promises an “Epic” Finale
Creator Mike White has been known for his meticulous attention to detail, particularly when it comes to the finale of each season. White expressed his excitement about the upcoming finale, which will run for an hour and a half. “As a filmmaker, it’s probably the piece of work that I’m like, ‘I can’t believe I did that,’” White said, hinting that the episode will be a major achievement in his career.
White also addressed the inevitable reactions to the finale, acknowledging that viewers will have differing opinions. “People are going to hate Mike White,” said Charlotte Le Bon, who plays Chloe in the new season. She jokingly added that the finale will likely leave fans in emotional turmoil.
White, however, hopes the finale will leave viewers feeling a bittersweet sense of closure. “My hope is that it’ll feel like a cathartic sad or a satisfying sad and not a ‘What the f—?’ sad,” White said. “But people are going to have a million different opinions. You just hope you stick the landing.” Given the history of shocking twists on the show, fans are bracing for an ending that will likely leave them talking long after the credits roll.
Keeping the Finale Under Wraps
To ensure that the series finale remains a mystery until it airs, The White Lotus team has taken extreme measures to prevent leaks. Executive producer David Bernad explained that the show goes to great lengths to keep the secret of the finale under wraps. “We have fake endings to the scripts,” Bernad said. “So we wrote up — we have six different endings — and we kind of distributed fake endings to people just in case someone leaked anything, and then we could say there’s different fake endings.”
This attention to secrecy extends to the set as well. Bernad explained that when filming the final scenes, the set is “locked down,” and non-production personnel are never allowed access to crucial scenes. This level of security helps to preserve the mystery of the finale and keeps spoilers from reaching the public before the episode airs.
Maria Shriver’s Curiosity About the Finale
The anticipation surrounding the White Lotus season 3 finale is so intense that even those close to the cast are feeling the suspense. Schwarzenegger’s mother, Maria Shriver, took to Instagram on April 3 to address the question she has been asked repeatedly: What will happen to her son Saxon?
“I may be on a book tour promoting my new book, I Am Maria, but everywhere I go everyone keeps asking me about @patrickschwarzenegger, about @thewhitelotus, about what’s going to happen to Saxon, if he’s going to die,” Shriver wrote on Instagram, alongside an edited image of her book cover, which read “I Am Patrick’s Mother” instead of “I Am Maria.”
Shriver humorously noted that, despite being the mother of one of the show’s central characters, she knows just as little as the rest of the world about Saxon’s fate. “I may be Patrick’s mother, but I know NOTHING! No one believes me, but it’s true,” she wrote, inviting fans to speculate on what might happen in the finale before encouraging them to check out her own book.
The humorous post illustrates the level of curiosity that surrounds the fate of The White Lotus characters, even among those closest to the cast.
The White Lotus Finale Is Almost Here
As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated White Lotus season 3 finale, both the cast and the fans are on edge, eagerly awaiting the revelations that will come with it. With promises of shocking twists, emotional farewells, and possibly another shocking death, the finale is set to be one for the ages.
The season 3 finale of The White Lotus will air on Sunday, April 6, at 9 p.m. ET on Max. Fans can expect the unexpected as the series continues its tradition of exploring the darker side of luxury, human relationships, and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of the idyllic locations where the show is set.
As viewers prepare for the final moments of the season, the cast and crew are just as eager to see how the story concludes, with many of them admitting they are just as much in the dark as the audience. One thing is for certain: when The White Lotus wraps up on April 6, it’s sure to leave fans talking long after the credits roll.
Carrie Coon, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in The Leftovers and The Gilded Age, has shared new details about her character, Laurie, in The White Lotus Season 3. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Coon revealed that Laurie’s character was originally written to have a nonbinary or transgender child, a storyline that was eventually scrapped by creator Mike White. The decision to alter the plot came in the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election, a period marked by increasing anti-transgender sentiment in the United States.
Laurie, who is part of a toxic trio of female friends known as the “Blonde Blob” in the latest season, is grappling with numerous personal struggles. From a looming divorce to a frustrating career and a strained relationship with her daughter, Laurie’s character is undeniably complex. However, the originally conceived storyline, which delved into Laurie’s challenges surrounding her nonbinary or possibly transgender child, was intended to add an additional layer to her character’s narrative.
According to Coon, the character’s original arc involved Laurie’s daughter identifying as nonbinary, possibly transgender, and using they/them pronouns. “There was a bit more context to her home life,” Coon explained, revealing that viewers would have seen Laurie attempting to understand her child’s gender identity. The actress noted that Laurie would struggle to use the appropriate pronouns, which would have provided insight into her internal conflict and emotional journey. Coon found the original storyline intriguing, believing it would have added emotional depth to Laurie’s character, particularly in a scene that revolved around Laurie’s personal animosity toward another character, Kate.
In the original storyline, the question of whether Kate, another character in the show, voted for Trump would have been much more personally charged for Laurie, given her child’s identity in a world that is often hostile to transgender and nonbinary people. According to Coon, this would have made the interaction between Laurie and Kate more provocative and emotionally loaded. “It did make the question of whether Kate voted for Trump so much more provocative and personally offensive to Laurie, considering who her child is in the world,” Coon shared.
However, the decision to cut this plotline came after Trump’s re-election, a time when the political climate in the United States became more hostile toward transgender and nonbinary individuals. Coon explained that the storyline was conceived before Trump’s second term in office, during a time when the administration’s policies were beginning to shape public discourse around gender identity. “The season was written before the election,” Coon said. “And considering the way the Trump administration has weaponized the cultural war against transgender people even more since then, when the time came to cut the episode down, Mike [White] felt that the scene was so small and the topic so big that it wasn’t the right way to engage in that conversation.”
White’s decision to remove the scene from the final cut of The White Lotus was driven by a desire to approach the subject matter with greater care and sensitivity. The portrayal of transgender and nonbinary experiences requires thoughtful, nuanced storytelling—something that, according to Coon, the original scene was not able to fully encapsulate. White, recognizing the importance of handling such a significant topic with respect and depth, felt that it was not the right moment for the scene to be part of the narrative. As a result, the episode was trimmed down, and the storyline surrounding Laurie’s nonbinary or transgender child was removed.
Coon’s reflection on this shift highlights the broader cultural context in which the decision was made. The political landscape during Trump’s presidency saw an intensification of anti-transgender rhetoric, with policies that targeted the rights and recognition of transgender individuals. Among the most contentious issues were the rollback of protections for transgender people in healthcare, education, and employment. The Trump administration’s rhetoric often portrayed transgender rights as a threat to societal norms, fostering an environment of fear and division.
For example, the removal of information about transgender and intersex individuals from government websites and the issuance of controversial statements such as the White House’s “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth” document signaled a deliberate effort to erase or marginalize the transgender community. Additionally, instances such as actress Hunter Schafer’s experience of receiving a passport that misgendered her further exemplified the real-world impact of these policies on transgender individuals.
Given this political and social climate, Coon’s insight into the decision to cut the scene is particularly poignant. The decision reflects the need for sensitivity when addressing issues related to gender identity, especially when the conversation is shaped by such a divisive political context. As Coon put it, the topic of Laurie’s child was simply too big to tackle in a brief scene, and White ultimately felt that the show’s narrative would have been better served by a more nuanced approach.
The White Lotus has become a cultural touchstone for its exploration of privilege, power dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships. While the show is primarily known for its dark comedy and biting social commentary, it also provides a platform for discussing important societal issues, including gender identity and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Although the original storyline involving Laurie’s child was removed, Coon’s comments shed light on how the show, as well as other media, must navigate the difficult terrain of representation and the responsibility that comes with telling stories about vulnerable communities.
In a broader sense, the conversation surrounding Laurie’s character arc underscores the ongoing challenges that transgender and nonbinary individuals face in media representation. As the cultural conversation around gender identity continues to evolve, it is crucial for creators to approach these stories with care and respect. The decision to remove the original storyline in The White Lotus serves as a reminder that while representation is important, the way these stories are told—and the broader cultural context in which they are presented—must always be considered.
Carrie Coon’s insights into the character of Laurie offer a glimpse into the complexities of portraying transgender and nonbinary experiences in contemporary media. As society continues to grapple with issues of gender identity and representation, the role of television and film in shaping public perception will remain as important as ever.
