The cast of 'White Lotus' all score the same big paycheck
If you're an actor hoping to be a main cast member on the next season of HBO's hit The White Lotus, there are two things you can expect: your character might die, but you'll still be paid the same as the rest of your colleagues.
"Everyone is treated the same on 'The White Lotus,'" producer David Bernad told The Hollywood Reporter last week.
Veteran actors like Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Carrie Coon, and Michelle Monaghan were paid around $40,000 an episode ($320,000 for an eight-episode season), the same amount as the less experienced actors on set.
Still, some of the actors have money from other sources.
Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon and Parkey Posey BTS on the sets of The White Lotus
Although it was Lalisa Manoban's first major acting role, the superstar Thai rapper and singer, who's known as Lisa from Blackpink, is reportedly worth $25 million and has over 100 million Instagram followers.
LISA as 'Mook' in season 3 of The White Lotus
"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," Bernad said. "It's a system we developed in the first season because there was no money to make the show."
The outlet also noted that acclaimed actor Woody Harrelson asked the CEO of HBO's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, "to see if his salary could be negotiated" when he was up for a lead role in the series, but was told no. (He took the job anyway but reportedly left the project due to scheduling conflicts and was replaced by Walton Goggins.)
"It makes it so much easier," said casting director Meredith Tucker to The Hollywood Reporter.
"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."
According to THR, the first season was made for less than $4 million an episode, while season three is said to cost anywhere between $6 million to $7 million per episode.
Fresh off the season three finale, Mike White, the show's creator, said the network is putting the pressure on when it comes to the next season.
"There's already pressure from HBO [for season four]. When they have something they're bullish on, they want to get it out there. We were supposed to start scouting in April, and I was like, 'You guys, I haven't been home in three years.'"
And, despite the salary tidbit, Tucker said she's already receiving calls from agents regarding casting for the next season.
"Last week, an agent reached out, like, 'It's an emergency.' I call him, and he says, 'I know the answer is no, but someone said they already had an audition for season four. A client heard this from their friend.' He has not written one thing. What are these people talking about? Don't call me until after this one."
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