"Don't want the responsibility of this": Walton Goggins praises Mike White's script for The White Lotus Season 3

Walton Goggins talks about how special it feels to read a script written by Mike White, the creator of The White Lotus. He says that anyone who gets to read one of Mike’s scripts feels the same way; it’s unlike anything else.

Goggins mentions that being part of such a popular and secretive show like The White Lotus Season 3 is exciting. Even though his name is on the project, he feels a lot of pressure to do it justice. He jokes,

"I don’t want the responsibility of this,"

Walton Goggins shared his thoughts on the White Lotus script in an interview, saying,

"He has never read anything like this before."

Series creator Mike White has always used The White Lotus to explore the emptiness of wealthy vacationers. In the first season, set in Hawaii, the focus was on the guests’ cultural ignorance. The second season in Italy highlighted their lack of connection to history.

Now, in Thailand, a country rich with temples, shrines, and spiritual traditions, the theme shifts to a lack of inner peace. Only Piper, one of the resort’s visitors, arrives thinking Buddhism might hold the answers to her problems.

But does White’s depiction of Thailand feel shallow? Or is it just the characters who are oblivious to the culture around them? The show leans toward the latter, though with this being the longest White Lotus season yet, many might wish for more nuance in the portrayal of Thai traditions and the local people.

Goggin's interactions with other characters add mystery to the story, and he promises that his character will have a major arc in The White Lotus Season 3.

---

About Goggin's character

Goggins explains that his character is a complicated person. He’s someone who has been trying to escape his past for a long time. This character is filled with anger, bitterness, and disappointment about how his life has turned out. He feels like life hasn’t been fair to him.

Goggins added,

"I think anybody who gets the opportunity to read a Mike White script feels that way, especially when the rest of the world has no idea what's going on in season three of The White Lotus."

He further described his character, saying,

"He's a person who's been running from his past for a really long time. He's angry, bitter, and disappointed."

When he arrives at the White Lotus, something happens that makes him stop and think about his life. He realizes that while this is the life he has, it could have been very different. He’s not necessarily looking for answers but for closure, a way to make peace with his past.

Goggins also says that his character is mysterious. While the other characters’ motivations (why they do what they do) are revealed quickly, his character’s reasons are hidden and revealed slowly over time.

Goggins hints that his character’s journey is not just about the story in the show; it’s something that can teach us all something about life. He says,

"There is a big lesson for all of us,"

meaning the character’s struggles and realizations might reflect things we all go through in real life.

Goggins is excited but also feels the pressure of being part of a huge show like The White Lotus. His character is a deeply emotional and mysterious person who’s trying to come to terms with his past. The story unfolds slowly, but it’s worth it because it has a powerful message for the audience.

---

Take on Thailand season

The latest season of The White Lotus takes viewers to Thailand, offering a mix of romance, satire, and deep character exploration. This time, the show presents a delicate love story between resort employees Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) and Mook (Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal from BLACKPINK) while also introducing the regal Sritala (Lek Patravadi), co-owner of the resort.

However, the Thai characters don’t play as big a role as they could have, which is a missed opportunity. Manobal, in particular, has incredible charisma, but her character isn’t given enough depth or screen time.

Even when a later episode hints at Mook showcasing her dance skills as part of the resort’s entertainment, the scene is surprisingly short, barely highlighting one of the world’s most famous performers.

Other notable performances include Patrick Schwarzenegger, who embodies a modern-day American Psycho-type figure, charming yet deeply disturbed. Meanwhile, Jason Isaacs delivers an emotionally complex performance, though his fluctuating Southern accent might be distracting for some viewers.

The Thailand season of The White Lotus maintains the show’s signature mix of humor, satire, and social commentary. However, while the setting offers a chance to explore deeper cultural themes, the Thai characters remain mostly in the background.

This season is about wealthy travelers lost in their desires, whether seeking pleasure, escaping reality, or searching for something deeper.

With an incredible cast and an engaging storyline, The White Lotus continues to entertain, even if some elements could have been explored deeply.

Stay tuned with Soap Central for more updates!