The creative process behind HBO's acclaimed series, The White Lotus, has captivated audiences, with its unique characters and compelling storylines. The show's creator, Mike White, affectionately dubbed the trio of lead actresses “the big blonde blob,” a term that highlights the need for the casting team to find three women who not only resembled each other but also fit within a similar age range. While casting director Tucker received numerous audition tapes from younger actresses, White envisioned women in their forties to embody the characters authentically.
Among the first to be cast was Leslie Bibb, who sought assistance from her longtime partner, Sam Rockwell, and friend Chris Messina to create her audition tape. This tape notably featured the now-iconic Trump scene. As the cast formed around Bibb, the role of Jaclyn, the character who organizes the getaway for her friends, proved to be the most challenging to finalize. Tucker remarked, “It’s a really hard thing to kind of figure out how much of an actor is the actor acting,” ultimately leading to the casting of Michelle Monaghan.
Months into filming, Monaghan and her co-stars, including Carrie Coon, found themselves pondering the nature of Jaclyn's character. “The night of the Trump scene, we were walking to set in the middle of the night and I turned to Mike and said, ‘What show is she on, by the way? Everyone’s curious,’” Monaghan recalled. White's response, “I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. She’s fabulous!” encapsulated the essence of the character.
The casting of Rick Hatchett, a pivotal role in the series, did not unfold smoothly. Initially, Woody Harrelson was set to play the character, but when that fell through, the team pivoted to Walton Goggins. The producers were so confident in Goggins’ ability to portray the character, based on his previous performances, that they offered him the role without requiring an audition. Goggins shared his emotional reaction upon receiving the offer, stating, “I walked outside, called my wife and sobbed.” After reading all eight episodes, he was excited by the character's complex background, which mirrored elements of his own life.
The character of Chelsea, Rick’s self-described “soulmate,” was initially envisioned for women in their mid-thirties, but the casting team eventually sought a younger actress. Initially, the role was meant for an American, prompting actress Wood to submit her audition tape in both her native accent and an American accent. However, after reviewing Wood’s performance in Sex Education, Tucker and White decided her native version was superior.
For the Ratliff children, casting proved to be a lengthy process, as the younger actors weren't as widely recognized and needed to convincingly portray a family. Schwarzenegger's audition, inspired by a brief character description of Saxon, the eldest son, stood out. The producers emphasized that he had to “overcome his last name,” which he did by following his brother-in-law Chris Pratt's advice to make his audition memorable. Meanwhile, Sam Nivola noted the exceptional quality of the writing, which made the audition process enjoyable.
One of the standout casting stories involved Lalisa Manobal, known as Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink. Eager to expand her horizons, she auditioned for The White Lotus while in Thailand, leading to a formal audition with White and the producers. Despite initial skepticism about her celebrity status, White was ultimately impressed by her talent and local impact. Manobal expressed her desire to continue acting, stating, “If I have a chance to do more acting, I would love to.”
In contrast, Tayme Thapthimthong, initially unfamiliar with the series, found himself intrigued after watching the first season. His casting process was serendipitous, as he was approached by a casting director who remembered him from a previous project. Thapthimthong reflected on the timing of the opportunity, noting it was perfect as he was eager to return to acting.
Jon Gries, who has become a familiar face on The White Lotus, was surprised to be invited back for the second season after initially being cast in a different role in season one. His return was prompted by a simple text from White, asking if he was available, leading to Gries’ excitement about rejoining the production.
Natasha Rothwell, who portrayed Belinda, had a collaborative relationship with White, which allowed her to contribute her perspective as a Black woman in the industry. Their partnership led to authentic portrayals of characters and richer storytelling throughout the series.
As the casting for The White Lotus demonstrates, the journey to create compelling characters is often complex and filled with unexpected twists. The blend of established stars and emerging talent has contributed to the show’s success, captivating viewers worldwide with its intricate narratives and engaging performances.
