Patrick Schwarzenegger’s Clever Hack to Save Money on ‘The White Lotus’ Set
When Patrick Schwarzenegger landed a role in HBO’s hit series The White Lotus, he didn’t expect to be paying premium prices for food at the luxury resort where filming took place. The actor, who played Saxon Rattliff in Season 3, recently revealed his ingenious money-saving strategy during production in Thailand.
The Five-Star Dining Dilemma
Schwarzenegger discovered an unexpected downside to filming at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. “You would think you would get all the food for free when you’re working there, but it’s still a hotel,” he told W magazine. “When you order room service or go to the restaurant, you’re paying for the five-star hotel.”
The 31-year-old actor, son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, quickly realized breakfast was the only complimentary meal. This led to his clever workaround that maximized the free offerings while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.
The Breakfast Buffet Strategy
Schwarzenegger developed a meticulous routine:
- Early morning breakfast at 7 a.m.
- Gym session later in the morning
- Second breakfast run at 10:59 a.m. (just before service ended)
“I’d just devour it,” he admitted. “I was probably the least profitable customer for the Four Seasons. I don’t think they’ll ever have me back.”
Luxury Location, Modest Paycheck
While the filming location was spectacular, Schwarzenegger’s co-star Jason Isaacs recently revealed that all cast members earned $40,000 per episode – significantly less than typical rates for successful TV shows. “Compared to what people normally get paid for big television shows, that’s a very low price,” Isaacs told Vulture.
Despite the modest pay, Schwarzenegger maintained a positive outlook about the experience: “You’re just like, wait, I’m getting paid to go stay at the Four Seasons on an island in Thailand for six-and-a-half months? Sure, that sounds amazing.”
Final Thoughts
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s story highlights an often overlooked aspect of filming at luxury locations – the cast still faces real-world expenses. His creative solution shows that even in glamorous settings, practical concerns remain. While $40,000 per episode might seem substantial, when factoring in living costs at five-star resorts and the show’s success, it does raise questions about fair compensation in the industry. Ultimately, Schwarzenegger’s experience reminds us that behind the scenes of prestige television, actors navigate the same everyday challenges as anyone else – just with better views.
