Walton Goggins Slithers into "The White Lotus" Season 3 as a Haunted Snake Liberator
HBO’s "The White Lotus" continues its exploration of privilege, dysfunction, and cultural clashes in its third season, set against the backdrop of exotic Thailand. The series has quickly established a serpentine theme, weaving intrigue and danger into the tropical paradise. However, Sunday’s episode elevates the snake motif to a new level, introducing viewers to the enigmatic Rick Hatchett, played with captivating depth by Walton Goggins.
Rick, a man shrouded in mystery, emerges as a pivotal figure, driven by a hidden agenda and harboring a deep connection with the misunderstood creatures. In a striking display of empathy and rebellion, Rick orchestrates the liberation of snakes from a touristy cobra show, an act that serves as a powerful character reveal. This act of defiance has unexpected consequences when one of the freed reptiles bites Chelsea, Rick’s younger lover, portrayed by Aimee Lou Wood.
Goggins, known for his versatility and commitment to his roles, relished the opportunity to delve into the complexities of Rick Hatchett. Despite his genuine fear of snakes, he embraced the challenge, recognizing the significance of the snake imagery in understanding Rick’s troubled psyche.
"Snakes are Rick’s spirit animal; that’s where he sees himself," Goggins explained. "These reptiles are not for hugging, for most people. They are dangerous, feared, and misunderstood. But he wants to liberate these creatures from the pain because he sees himself in them. That resonated deeply for me as Rick Hatchett."
The episode sheds light on Rick’s motivations, revealing that he is in Thailand on a secret mission to avenge his father’s murder. The exact nature of Rick’s involvement in violence remains ambiguous, but he confesses to past transgressions during a wellness therapy session at the resort, stating, "I’ve done a lot of bad things. Trust me."
Fueled by local marijuana, Rick experiences a transformative moment while watching tourists gawk at the snakes, which he views as victims of exploitation. This experience ignites a desire to free them from their captivity, mirroring his own yearning for liberation from the pain he carries within.
"He makes a soulful connection in that moment," Goggins said. "He wants to uncage them, just like he wants to uncage the pain he’s been carrying."
The two days of filming the snake-filled scenes proved to be a formidable challenge for Goggins, who openly admits his intense fear of the creatures. Holding a python was particularly nerve-wracking, but he channeled his apprehension into his performance, creating a palpable sense of tension and unease.
"There is not a word in the English language that fully describes my personal fear of these animals," Goggins confessed. "But this was genuinely horrific, without hyperbole. I’m not trying to show you an idea of fear. It was traumatic, but in the best way. You have to go out on that limb and risk the branch breaking to reach enlightenment. That’s what those two days were like."
The snake bite incident has profound consequences for Chelsea, who has a history with snakes in the show. Earlier in the season, she saw a gold-snake choker in a shop, which was stolen after armed robbers smashed the glass. After the snake bites Chelsea, she is rushed to the hospital, with Rick frantically chasing after her in a tuk-tuk.
"I’ve never done a tuk-tuk chase scene, much less chasing the love of my life after she’s been bitten by a cobra," Goggins said.
The frantic pursuit reveals Rick’s genuine affection for Chelsea, offering a glimpse of the man beneath the hardened exterior. Their relationship stands in stark contrast to the other pairings in "The White Lotus," where power dynamics and superficiality often dominate.
"It’s a match made in heaven. There is a soul connection that happens if you’re lucky in one’s life and if (Chelsea) is willing to stay in there," Goggins said. "She understands him, and is probably the first person who ever encountered Rick who isn’t afraid of him. She sees him for the wounded child that he may be."
Goggins believes that the connection between Rick and Chelsea is unique within the context of the show, suggesting it might be a genuine love story.
"I think audiences will see that this is maybe the first love story in ‘The White Lotus,’" Goggins said.
Goggins’ portrayal of Rick Hatchett has further elevated his star power, adding to his recent successes. In addition to "The White Lotus," he is simultaneously reprising his role as Uncle Billy Baby in the final season of "The Righteous Gemstones" on HBO and showcasing his range as The Ghoul in Amazon’s hit series "Fallout," which is currently in production for its second season.
"I just spent, like, 14 hours in Ghoul makeup yesterday," Goggins said, highlighting his dedication to his craft.
Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role in the Netflix teen comedy "Sex Education," is also garnering attention for her portrayal of Chelsea. Goggins praised Wood’s talent and her ability to bring both lightness and gravitas to the role.
"The world is just discovering this talent," Goggins said. "There is a lightness to her with this gravitas."
Goggins was unaware that Wood had humorously anointed him with "heartthrob" status based on his performance as the noseless Ghoul in "Fallout," suggesting that audiences have responded positively to his portrayal of the character.
"What I will say is that people have responded to the Ghoul in ways that I didn’t anticipate. I’m grateful to be on the receiving end of so many lovely conversations. The only thing that I find attractive in other people is the life that they’ve lived and the stories that they tell. I suppose the Ghoul, who’s been around for 200 years, has both in spades."
With compelling performances, intricate storylines, and stunning visuals, "The White Lotus" continues to captivate audiences and spark conversations. Walton Goggins’ portrayal of Rick Hatchett adds another layer of complexity to the series, exploring themes of redemption, connection, and the search for inner peace amidst the chaos of privilege and deception. The snake liberation becomes a powerful symbol of Rick’s own journey, as he tries to escape the painful past.
