Patrick Schwarzenegger: A Breakout Star in ‘White Lotus’ Season 3
Introduction
Patrick Schwarzenegger, the son of Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, has captured the attention of audiences in his breakout role as Saxon Ratliff in HBO’s acclaimed series ‘White Lotus’ Season 3. His performance in the tropical setting of Thailand has earned him critical praise and solidified his status as a rising star.
Character Profile: Saxon Ratliff
Saxon Ratliff is the eldest son of a wealthy North Carolina family vacationing at the White Lotus resort. As the apple of his mother Victoria’s (Parker Posey) eye, he embodies misguided masculinity with his party-loving demeanor and lack of a filter. However, beneath his brash exterior lies a genuine love for his family.
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s Career Path
Patrick Schwarzenegger has steadily climbed the acting ladder, starting with small roles in films like ‘Benchwarmers’ and ‘Grown Ups 2’. He gained significant notice as Todd Peterson in HBO’s ‘The Staircase’ and as a Navy SEAL in ‘The Terminal List’. His portrayal of look-alike quarterback Tim Tebow in FX’s ‘American Sports Story’ further showcased his range.
Landing the Role in ‘White Lotus’
Schwarzenegger’s audition for ‘White Lotus’ creator Mike White perfectly captured the essence of Saxon. White praised his interpretation, saying it was exactly what he had envisioned for the character. Upon landing the role, Schwarzenegger experienced overwhelming joy and celebrated with his family, posting an emotional video on Instagram.
Preparation for the Role
Despite the physical challenges involved in playing Saxon, Schwarzenegger was unable to bulk up due to his filming schedule for ‘Billy Knight’. Instead, he dedicated himself to intense workout sessions in Thailand, significantly enhancing his physique from the first to the third episode.
Similarities and Differences to Saxon
While Schwarzenegger shares a close paternal relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, he emphasizes that he has little in common with Saxon’s character. He relates to Saxon’s struggle for his father’s approval but finds the character’s other traits incomprehensible.
Family Reaction to the Role
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Patrick’s mother, are avid fans of ‘White Lotus’. Patrick kept the details of the role secret from them to preserve their enjoyment as viewers. Despite their appreciation for his performance, they were playfully shocked by the nude scenes, a trait Schwarzenegger attributes to his family heritage.
Conclusion
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Saxon Ratliff in ‘White Lotus’ Season 3 has cemented his status as a rising star. His ability to bring a complex character to life with both humor and pathos has left an unforgettable mark on the audience. As the season progresses, viewers can expect more compelling performances and an unraveling of secrets that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
