The White Lotus: 10 facts only real fans know

The beautiful world of The White Lotus is both astonishing and captivating. More than just a visual treat, it’s a sharp social commentary on wealth, privilege, and human behavior. With stunning visuals, compelling performances, and a gripping storyline, the show has kept audiences hooked since its premiere.

But beyond the picturesque resorts and dramatic plotlines, there are hidden stories and lesser-known facts that even dedicated fans may have missed. From the show’s unexpected origins during the pandemic to interesting casting choices and cameos, this list explores it all.

So, let’s dive into the world of The White Lotus and discover the hidden gems that make the show even more brilliant.

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1) Jennifer Coolidge’s character was written just for her

Jennifer Coolidge is a talented and versatile actress. She has proven her talent through her performance in The White Lotus. Her performance makes you feel like the character was just made for her. Did you know that the character of Tanya McQuoid was written with her in mind?

The writer of The White Lotus has said that he had Coolidge in his mind while he wrote the character of Tanya McQuoid. It wasn’t just a lucky casting. The connection between Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White goes way back.

Coolidge’s comedic timing and her ability to infuse eccentric characters with vulnerability have been appreciated by the viewers. Her character in The White Lotus is proof of how understanding an actor’s capabilities can elevate a character into something special.

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2) Outfits of The White Lotus

The White Lotus is one of the most sought-after shows of recent times. However, The hotel and the performance of the talented actors aren't the only things about the show. The outfits of the show are equally intriguing and one of the most significant aspects of any show.

It helps to hint at their personalities, wealth, and inner turmoil as well. The creative force behind The White Lotus incorporated unique vintage Italian outfits to bring forth the luxurious feel of the show. The use of these vintage outfits seamlessly blends with the picturesque backdrops. It enhances the visual storytelling of the show.

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3) Cameos

Cameos are also a crucial part of the show. To see familiar faces taking part in our favorite series brings joy. In The White Lotus there were two cameos that some of the viewers might have missed. These cameos were from the show Survivor.

Though the fans of the Survivor show were able to quickly recognize these two members, others might have missed. Angelina Keeley and Kara Key briefly appeared in The White Lotus. These two are famous for their participation in the show Survivor.

Their cameo in the series shows how the world of entertainment often combines together to bring out interesting moments. This connection between a reality show and a prestige drama has been appreciated by the viewers.

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4) Shooting location

The one thing that instantly catches the eye of the viewers watching The White Lotus is the pristine location. Apart from having a storyline that has kept the viewers hooked, the makers of the show chose the right locations to tie up the whole aesthetic of the show.

The sharp social satire has a stunning background which has been shot at the real-world Four Seasons Hotel. Season 1 was shot in Wailea, Kihei, Hawaii. It transported the viewers into the world of luxury.

With lush gardens, pools, and elegant suits, it perfectly captured the setting for the backdrop for the dark secrets that would unfold. For season 2, the shooting location was Taormina. It was also able to capture the extravagant environment for the characters to play out their entanglements.

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5) Impact of COVID-19

The shooting of the first season of The White Lotus started during the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world. As a result, the actors and the staff who were involved in the whole process had to quarantine themselves. The show adhered to the strict rules that the pandemic required and brought forth a masterpiece.

The first season of The White Lotus was shot fully at the hotel. Despite being shot at a single location the show captured the essence of the series in a perfect manner. The choice of a single location was not just a creative choice but a necessity. It made sure of the safety of the cast and the crew.

It is hard to believe that despite the limitations put on because of the COVID-19 protocols the show succeeded with its intricate storyline and storytelling. It is a testament to the creative solutions and adaptability of filmmaking.

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6) Hawaii and Mike White

The first season of The White Lotus was shot fully in Hawaii. However, many might not know the connection between Hawaii and the creator of The White Lotus. Mike White has lived in Hawaii and was astonished by the beauty of the place.

The show’s inception could be directly linked to his connection with Hawaii. Mike White during his time on the island had formed a deep appreciation for Hawaii.

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7) Fans of The White Lotus

The White Lotus has amassed a huge fanbase right after its release. There is no doubt that the series is also going to have some of the most well-known personalities as fans as well. Among these fans, Issa Rae is one of them.

The brilliant mind behind the creation of Insecure, Issa Rae is a talented actor and writer. She has shared her opinions about the show through the social media platform Twitter. She has also shown her support for Natasha Rothwell. Natasha Rothwell plays the role of Belinda Lindsey in The White Lotus. Natasha has also played the role of Kelli Prenny in Insecure.

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8) Only one season

Initially, The White Lotus was supposed to be a miniseries with only one season. It is hard to believe that this intriguing series would not have had the second or the third season, which gives us such a rich storyline, just like the first. Mike White wrote the story that would explore the dark secrets and dynamics between the wealthy guests and the hotel staff.

The show was supposed to end with the first season only. However, with the massive success from both critical and commercial end, HBO decided to renew the show. The sharp writing and the insightful social commentary have kept the viewers intrigued throughout.

Each season has been shot in new locations with distinct storylines. A new set of characters is also brought forth every season. It has become an anthology format. This has proven to be successful and is a welcome evolution from the original one-season miniseries plan.

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9) Whales

The shooting location for the first season of The White Lotus was the Four Seasons Hotel in Hawaii. During the shooting of the first season, when Jennifer Coolidge’s character, Tanya, spreads the ashes, they are often distracted by nature. The whales of the pristine water around them often distracted the cast members while filming.

Though it was indeed a delightful distraction according to Natasha Rothwell. It is not uncommon for nature to interrupt while filming for scenes outside. These moments add to the overall unique and memorable aspect of the shooting experience. This undoubtedly makes these shared experiences worth reminiscing among the cast members.

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10) Meghann Fahy

In The White Lotus Meghann Fahey plays the role of Daphne. She has done a commendable job in playing her character. Daphne has stood out among the other characters with her carefree and blissfully ignorant nature. However, she has layers of complexity beneath her.

However, many fans might not know that Meghann Fahy had actually auditioned for the role of Rachel. This is a less-known fact about her journey to becoming one of the most fan-favorite characters of The White Lotus. Rachel has been played by Alexandra Daddario in The White Lotus.

Though each of these characters navigates through their own set of complexities, Meghann Fahy has been perfect for the role of Daphne, according to the viewers.

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