Patrick Schwarzenegger on His 'Surreal' White Lotus Role, Saxon's Shocking Arc, and Family Reactions

In-Depth Analysis

## From Bravado to Breakdown: Saxon's Journey

Patrick Schwarzenegger steps into the spotlight in 'The White Lotus' Season 3 as Saxon Ratliff, the eldest son of the affluent but dysfunctional Ratliff family. Initially, Saxon embodies the 'old-money, pastel-colored polo' wearing archetype – crass, overtly sexual, and often disrespectful, particularly towards his sister Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook). Schwarzenegger notes director Mike White's specific instructions to amplify this persona, even critiquing his walk to appear 'richer'. Inspirations for the character included Bradley Cooper's role in 'Wedding Crashers' and Christian Bale's Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho', aiming for a blend of comedic relief, unlikeability, and underlying suspicion.

However, Saxon's journey takes a dark turn. As Schwarzenegger revealed, pivotal episodes involving drug-fueled parties and a disturbing development in the incestuous subtext with his brother Lochlan (Sam Nivola) force a character shift. 'He’s disgusted; everything he stood for has completely flipped,' Schwarzenegger explains, noting how this changes Saxon's physicality and interactions, potentially making the audience 'almost feel bad for him.'

## A 'Surreal' Family Affair and On-Set Bonds

The casting was a uniquely personal victory for Schwarzenegger. He shared that he, his fiancée Abby Champion, and his mother Maria Shriver binge-watched the first two seasons during COVID, making Sunday night viewings a family ritual. 'My mom was more excited than I was,' he admitted. His father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has also been supportive, finding humor in Saxon's more absurd moments.

Filming in Thailand for seven months fostered close relationships among the cast. Schwarzenegger described his on-screen siblings, Sam Nivola and Sarah Catherine Hook, as feeling like real younger siblings, and highlighted the unique experience of living and working closely with the entire ensemble, including on-screen parents Parker Posey and Jason Isaacs.

## Season Finale Approaches

As Season 3 nears its conclusion on April 6th, Schwarzenegger teases 'mayhem' and a 'buzzer-beater type of situation'. With a death teased early in the season and numerous plot twists involving the ensemble cast at the Thai resort, viewers are eagerly anticipating the final resolution.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• **Character Complexity:** Appreciate the layers involved in portraying challenging characters like Saxon, who evolve significantly based on plot events.
• **Behind-the-Scenes Insights:** Understand how actors physically and mentally prepare for roles, responding to direction and collaborating with castmates.
• **Tune-In Reminder:** Don't miss the culmination of the season's mysteries and character arcs in the upcoming finale.

Discussion

What are your theories about the 'White Lotus' Season 3 finale and who might not make it out of Thailand? Let us know your thoughts!

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