Latest news with #TheWhiteLotus'
Boston Globe
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Dear Mike White, look no further. This is where you should film the next season of ‘White Lotus.'
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The living room area of a tent at the Mahali Mzuri safari camp. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff Advertisement The Sir Richard Branson Mahali Mzuri Virgin Mega Safari Camp features a swimming pool, a bar, and a dining room, where a chef prepares multi-course, restaurant-quality meals for an eclectic mix of guests. Between the unbridled opulence of it all and the mix of guests, I immediately knew that this stylishly-appointed camp is where season four of HBO's 'The White Lotus' should be filmed. Listen carefully, Mike White. I broke my pledge of not working on vacation to tell you that your show needs a safari season, and Sir Richard Branson's quaint camp is the obvious setting. You don't even need to give me creative credit, but I certainly wouldn't refuse it. Advertisement The dining area at the Mahali Mzuri safari camp in Kenya. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff The The mix of guests at Mahali Mzuri during my stay could easily translate to the small screen. I was traveling with a group of seven gay men from Boston (a.k.a. the drama). There was a honeymooning second-marriage couple from South Carolina (cue the Parker Posey accent), a large family from Hawaii celebrating a non-descript and unspoken milestone (suspicious), a solo traveler enjoying her birthday (sad), and a pair of young couples from Southeast Asia who had a wardrobe better suited for Coachella than Kenya. The script writes itself. Heck, I'm happy to help, for a small fee, of course. The pool area at Mahali Mzuri safari camp overlooks a valley where guests can watch animals such as giraffes, elephants, hippos, and baboons stroll through. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff I'll give you an anecdote for free, and you can decide if it works for 'White Lotus Kenya.' My friends and I visited a traditional Maasai village near the camp to see how the locals live, except this village had more handicrafts for sale than residents. Now, picture a group of gay men sitting inside a traditional mud hut listening to a local describe how the huts are constructed. Before he could finish, an elderly woman from the tribe had a question for us: 'Where are your wives?' Advertisement Did I mention that homosexuality is illegal in Kenya? This is comedy gold, Mike White. It's not just the culture that works for 'White Lotus.' There's also room for danger. A month before our arrival, a lion killed a 14-year-old girl at a camp in Kenya, and while we were on a safari, a lion killed a man in Namibia when he stepped out of his tent in the night to use the toilet. On our twice-daily safari rides through the conservancies, we frequently saw lions gnawing on freshly killed prey. Think of the possibilities of killing off a character by mauling. A pair of giraffes keeps watch for predators at the Maasai Mazari National Reserve in Kenya. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff The beautiful locations are part of the 'White Lotus' television-as-travel brochure appeal, and the 580-square-mile Maasai Mara National Reserve, where Sir Richard Branson's Mahali Mzuri Virgin Mega Safari Camp is located, is breathtaking. Each evening, the sunset was like a painting, and the sheer amount of wildlife was impressive. Throughout the trip, our group stayed at three different camps. They were all notable in their own way, but even the wildlife around Mahali Mzuri seemed more extravagant. Were they on Branson's payroll? Are you picking up what I'm putting down here, Mike? I think we've got a hit on our hands. Two of the 12 tents at the luxury Mahali Mzuri safari camp. The tents are stretched over steel supports. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff You can even draw upon our wacky experiences of occasional power outages, an actual spear being used as a 'Do not disturb' sign, and a policy that allows guests to step behind the bar and mix their own drinks if there's no bartender in sight. Those three elements alone can serve as a story arc. Advertisement It may sound surprising that I knew so little about Mahali Mzuri before I arrived, but since my job involves planning travel, I was happy to leave the planning to others for my vacation. I just showed up with a duffle bag of what I thought were appropriate safari clothes and prepared to rough it. Little did I know I'd wind up in such glamorous surroundings. That's my pitch, Mike. I know you're looking at setting the new season Even if you don't use my idea — and you'd be crazy not to — I won't hold it against you. I'll always have the memories of the luxury, the lions, and the local woman asking a large group of gay men why we left our wives at home. Staff prepare the restaurant for diners at the Mahali Mzuri safari camp in Kenya. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff An outdoor table is set for an evening dinner party at the opulent Mahali Mzuri safari camp. Christopher Muther/Globe Staff Christopher Muther can be reached at
Hype Malaysia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
BLACKPINK Lisa's Salary From 'The White Lotus' Provokes Backlash; Fans Defend The Amount
Having a show that pays fairly to all of its actors, no matter their role, is not something that many people are used to. 'The White Lotus' is one of the few shows, where everyone gets the same pay, regardless if they're a supporting role, the main cast or just a cameo. The producers chose this unconventional route to focus on pushing each celebrity's talents in acting and to get more exposure, rather than on their salary. For season three of the show, K-pop star Lisa (리사), credited as her full name, Lalisa Manobal (ลลิสา มโนบาล) in the show, played a health mentor at the main resort of 'The White Lotus'. Her character, Thidapon 'Mook' Sornsin, appeared on-screen frequently to assist guests in exploring wellness and spiritual well-being during their stay. 'The White Lotus' is a dark comedy series set over a week at a luxury resort. Each season introduces a new location and cast, focusing on the interactions between wealthy guests and the staff who serve them. Beneath the surface, tensions rise, exposing social issues, class divides, and personal struggles. Every season begins with the discovery of a dead body, and the story gradually reveals what led to that moment. Months after her appearance, Lisa's salary for the show surfaced online, sparking mixed reactions. According to Twitter account Buzzing Pop, the BLACKPINK (블랙핑크) member earned $40,000 per episode, despite limited screen time. This revelation sparked backlash, as many netizens felt her pay didn't reflect her brief role. The controversy brought up wider discussions about fair pay and how shows balance star power with actual screen presence. However, many fans quickly came to Lisa;s defence. Supporters of both 'The White Lotus' and the K-pop star pointed out that her $40,000-per-episode pay followed the show's equal-pay policy. Every cast member, no matter their fame or screen time, earns the same rate, a structure designed to promote fairness across the board. Fans argued that Lisa simply followed the rules and didn't deserve the criticism. On the other hand, other argued that her role may have been small, but the star still made an impact with her appearance. What are your thoughts on this? Source: Koreaboo, Twitter What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Jenna Bush Hager's kids aren't fans of her hairstyle. ‘Why would you do that?'
Jenna Bush Hager's family had mixed reactions to her new hairstyle. The 43-year-old talk show host shocked viewers on June 16 when she had celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan give her a classic bob hairstyle live on 'Today with Jenna & Friends.' The new hairdo was inspired by guest host Leslie Bibb's 'The White Lotus' character, Kate Bohr. 'When I was here back in March, Jenna vowed to get on board with the bob, and today is the day,' Bibb told the audience at the start of the segment. As McMillan was chopping her hair, Bush Hager joked that her daughter begged her not to get the haircut and warned her that she was 'going to regret it.' But she did it, anyway — and her children got to see it later that day. 'I don't like it,' Bush Hager's 12-year-old daughter, Mila, said without hesitation. 'Why would you do that,' her other daughter, Poppy, 9, quipped before she ran away crying — though Bush Hager later clarified that it was 'fake crying.' But while her children didn't like the new haircut, her husband, Henry Chase Hager, more than approved. Bush Hager called his reaction sweet and said he earned even more points when he witnessed their children's reactions. 'She's nine…. She don't know fashion…' Henry Chase Hager said after one of their daughters told his wife that she didn't 'look good.' Fans were quick to share how much they loved Bush Hager's new haircut. 'You were made for this cut!!' one fan, who described herself as an 'almost lifetime Bob wearer,' wrote in the comment section of one of the 'Today' show's Instagram posts. Several fans even encouraged Bush Hager to go as much as one inch shorter next time. 'Love it. I think she could've done even shorter Bob,' one fan commented, while another wrote, 'I love it so much. I may actually get the same haircut - and my hair is really long. It's so pretty.' Despite all the compliments, Bush Hager said she feels 'a little embarrassed' by all the attention. Meanwhile, her guest host Leslie Bibb praised her for being brave enough to go through with the cut. 'It's vulnerable, which I think is a way more exciting thing to be,' Bibbs explained. 'To be vulnerable, which somehow is very scary, but it's one of the biggest lessons I took from 'The White Lotus.''
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jason Isaacs Says ‘White Lotus' Equal Pay Earned Each Actor $40,000 an Episode: ‘Do I Mind That I Wasn't Paid More Than' Younger Co-Stars? ‘I Never Work for Money'
Jason Isaacs confirmed in a new interview with Vulture that every cast member on 'The White Lotus' Season 3 made $40,000 an episode, bringing their total pay for the series to around $320,000 each. Isaacs noted that sum is actually 'a very low price' for such a hugely successful television series. 'I didn't know that was public knowledge. That's absolutely true,' Isaacs said. 'Generally actors don't talk about pay in public because it's ridiculously disproportionate to what we do — putting on makeup and funny voices — and just upsets the public. But compared to what people normally get paid for big television shows, that's a very low price. But the fact is, we would have paid to be in it. We probably would have given a body part.' More from Variety Sam Rockwell on Choosing His 'White Lotus' Leopard Underwear and Why 'Sinners' Made Him Believe Hollywood Will Survive 'The White Lotus' Creator Mike White and Team Break Down the Finale's Deadly Piña Colada Scenes - and Why Season 3 Made Him Feel Like a 'Head Case' Jason Isaacs Champions Tom Felton Playing Draco Malfoy Again, Gives His Blessing to New Lucius Malfoy Actor Johnny Flynn: 'I Can't Wait to See What He Comes Up With' 'The White Lotus' cast being paid equally meant that acting veterans such as Isaacs and Parker Posey made the same as relative newcomers to the industry like Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola. Isaacs politely scoffed when asked if he thought that was fair or not. 'Do I mind that I wasn't paid more than other people? I never work for money,' Isaacs said. 'I've done all right. People will think I have huge stockpiles of money but sadly, what I've done rather immaturely is expand my outgoings to match my incomings and pretty much spent everything I've earned over the years.' Isaacs also used 'The White Lotus' set to impart wisdom on his younger co-stars, mainly how they can't 'over-invest' in the final product because it's completely out of their control. That's for creator Mike White to worry about more than his actors. Isaacs learned that lesson the hard way after playing Captain Hook in 2003's notorious misfire 'Peter Pan.' 'It was a big expensive production with multiple studios. We filmed for 14 months. … The film tanked,' Isaacs said. 'I think it's a masterpiece, but people looked at the poster and went, 'Oh, fuck it. I've seen 'Hook' with Robin Williams, and I've seen the cartoon. Why do I need to see another one?' It was a catastrophe professionally for me, a huge fall from grace. I couldn't get a walk-on role. And I changed my agent and I almost changed my job, frankly, because I didn't think I'd work again. The lowest I've ever been was after 'Peter Pan.' I was really in despair but not as bad as I would have been had I believed any of the bullshit that had been whispered in my ear. I didn't over-invest in the results of it, which is something I tried to counsel the young actors on 'The White Lotus' not to do.' 'The White Lotus' Season 3 is streaming in its entirety on Max. Head over to Vulture's website to read more from Isaacs' latest interview. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jason Isaacs confirms 'The White Lotus' Season 3 actors' salaries
Jason Isaacs confirms 'The White Lotus' Season 3 actors' salaries Show Caption Hide Caption 'White Lotus' star dishes on Piper's virginity and deleted sex scenes 'The White Lotus' star Sarah Catherine Hook tells USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa why Piper's sex scene was cut from the season finale. Jason Isaacs has given insight into the "very low" paychecks he and his "The White Lotus" co-stars received for Season 3 of the HBO show. In a new interview with Vulture, published June 16, Isaacs confirmed he and fellow cast members were paid $40,000 per episode. Or, $320,000, for an 8-episode season. Isaacs played Timothy Ratliff, a wealthy North Carolina businessman secretly dealing with a scandal exploding back home while on vacation with his wife and three children. 'I didn't know that was public knowledge,' Isaacs, 62, told the media outlet. 'That's absolutely true. Generally actors don't talk about pay in public because it's ridiculously disproportionate to what we do — putting on makeup and funny voices — and just upsets the public.' Isaacs added that compared to what actors "normally get paid for big television shows, that's a very low price." "But the fact is, we would have paid to be in it. We probably would have given a body part," he noted. Isaacs says he doesn't work for the money When asked if he was bothered by actors with less experience than him, like costar Patrick Schwarzenegger, who played his son Saxon Ratliff, earning the same as him, Isaacs said he "never work(s) for money." 'Do I mind that I wasn't paid more than other people?" he remarked in the interview. "I never work for money." He continued: "I mean, I've done all right. People will think I have huge stockpiles of money but sadly, what I've done rather immaturely is expand my outgoings to match my incomings and pretty much spent everything I've earned over the years.' Everyone is treated the same, producers say Casting director Meredith Tucker and producer David Bernad, in an April interview with The Hollywood Reporter, revealed that cast members on "The White Lotus" were paid the same. 'Everyone is treated the same on 'The White Lotus',' Bernad told the publication. 'They get paid the same, and we do alphabetical billing, so you're getting people who want to do the project for the right reasons, not to quote 'The Bachelor'. It's a system we developed in the first season because there was no money to make the show.' Tucker added: 'It makes it so much easier. You tell people this is what it is. And some won't do it — and honestly, you can't hold it against people who need to make a living. Our series regulars are pretty much doing this for scale.' 'And it's not negotiable,' Bernad noted. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
