The White Lotus Official Podcast - Episode 1: Origins

Release Date: January 16, 2025

Introduction

In the premier episode titled "Origins," Evan Ross Katz, the host of The White Lotus Official Podcast, sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus. Co-produced by Campside Media and HBO, the podcast promises weekly breakdowns of each episode, offering exclusive insights from the cast and crew. Evan enthusiastically introduces the podcast's mission to delve into the intricate lives of guests and staff at the luxurious White Lotus resorts in Hawaii and Sicily.

Genesis of The White Lotus

Evan delves into the early inspirations behind the series, tracing its roots back nearly two decades to an unexpected source: a pair of shoes.

[03:26] Evan Ross Katz: "I want to start off by talking about what led to the first season of The White Lotus getting made. The story goes back almost two decades and starts with something unexpected. A pair of shoes."

David Bernat, a Hollywood producer, recounts his pivotal moment in 2006 when he nearly lost an opportunity to work with creator Mike White due to his choice of footwear.

[04:01] Evan Ross Katz: "David was working at UTA when upon a recommendation from a friend, he went in for an interview to become Mike White's assistant. The footwear almost cost him the job."

Despite this rocky start, Mike and David quickly bonded over their shared interests in reality TV shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor, laying the foundation for their collaborative future.

Pitching the Concept

The original concept for The White Lotus emerged during a road trip across Andalusia, Spain. Mike White envisioned an anthology series following different couples on their honeymoons, exploring themes of colonialism and interpersonal dynamics within luxury resorts.

[05:03] Francesca Orsi: "We were walking on the beach and he said, 'I have an idea for a show... a honeymoon show, just following a honeymoon couple, kind of like scenes from a marriage through Southeast Asia.'"

However, pitching this unique anthology idea proved challenging, especially before anthology series gained popularity. Initial attempts around 2014-2015 fell through, delaying the project's realization.

Green Light from HBO

Fast forward to early 2020, amidst the global pandemic, HBO faced a programming crisis with limited fresh content. Francesca Orsi and Casey Bloys brainstormed potential solutions and reached out to Mike White, who was on a road trip across the United States at the time.

[10:50] Francesca Orsi: "It's really not every day that a writer, even an iconic one like Mike White, picks up their phone to find a TV executive begging you for a show idea."

Mike and David seized the opportunity, swiftly securing a location and embarking on an accelerated production schedule that would culminate in one of television's most talked-about series.

Casting the Ensemble

The casting process was both swift and meticulous. Meredith Tucker, the casting director with a longstanding relationship with Mike White, played a crucial role in assembling the diverse ensemble cast.

[16:22] Evan Ross Katz: "Meredith Tucker and Mike go way back, even further than David and his ugly shoes."

Jennifer Coolidge was among the first to be cast, cementing her as a pivotal character early on. Murray Bartlett landed the role of Armand, the hotel manager, after Mike White was impressed with his nuanced audition, ensuring the character would be more than just comic relief.

[18:18] Evan Ross Katz: "Meredith explained what he wanted. And I hadn't sent Murray's tape yet, but I had gotten it. And I said, 'Oh, I think you're gonna really like this one guy.' And he did. Yeah, he really loved Murray immediately."

Navigating Production Amidst COVID-19

The production of The White Lotus was heavily influenced by the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming took place exclusively at the Four Seasons Hotel in Maui, Hawaii, necessitating strict lockdown measures where cast and crew remained on-site, fostering unique interactions and challenges.

A notable anecdote involves Lucas Gage, who played Dylan, navigating a viral audition mishap that ultimately led to his casting.

[19:52] Lucas Gage: "If I had got that show that I tested for and didn't get, I wouldn't have been able to do White Lotus, and I would have probably had a completely different path."

Naming the Series: From The Lotus to The White Lotus

Initially titled The Lotus, the series underwent a renaming process due to trademark issues with an existing hotel named Lotus. The team eventually settled on The White Lotus, inspired by the flower native to Hawaii, solidifying the show's connection to its setting.

[32:17] Francesca Orsi: "People think it's the White Lotus because it's Mike White. That's just a coincidence. We were in Hawaii already filming, and it just felt like, oh, that's an obvious connection because of the flower."

Overcoming Production Hurdles

As production neared completion, a COVID-19 exposure led to an abrupt shutdown just days before wrapping. Miraculously, the team managed to reconvene within a week, leveraging the brief window to finalize crucial scenes, including Jennifer Coolidge's iconic "urn scene."

[33:34] Francesca Orsi: "We were about three days away from wrapping season one, and basically we had to shut down production and go home... we had to bring everyone back for a week in Hawaii."

Reflections on the Show’s Potential

Evan reflects on the show's depth, emphasizing its exploration of morally gray characters navigating complex social dynamics.

[35:04] Evan Ross Katz: "This was a show exploring the complexities of human existence in a way that I simply wasn't seeing on television at the time. And as such, I was hooked."

Jennifer Coolidge praises Mike White's ability to blend humor with profound storytelling, highlighting his skill in creating compelling, multifaceted characters.

[35:43] Jennifer Coolidge: "He understands how to execute a story. He knows what appeals to an audience. He knows how to be provocative and thoughtful and really deep, but knows how to entertain."

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

As the episode wraps up, Evan hints at future discussions centered on Mike White's personal history and how his experiences shaped The White Lotus.

[37:01] Evan Ross Katz: "Next time on the White Lotus Podcast, we'll be diving further into Mike White's biography to discuss how all of his experiences came together to inform his making of The White Lotus."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and stay tuned for more exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights in upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Evan Ross Katz [03:26]: "The story goes back almost two decades and starts with something unexpected. A pair of shoes."
• Francesca Orsi [05:03]: "It's a honeymoon show, just following a honeymoon couple, kind of like scenes from a marriage through Southeast Asia."
• Evan Ross Katz [10:50]: "It's really not every day that a writer... picks up their phone to find a TV executive begging you for a show idea."
• Lucas Gage [19:52]: "I think just trusting that something out there is like, what's yours is yours, and what isn't is not."
• Jennifer Coolidge [35:43]: "He knows how to be provocative and thoughtful and really deep, but knows how to entertain."
• Evan Ross Katz [37:01]: "Next time on the White Lotus Podcast, we'll be diving further into Mike White's biography..."

Production Credits

• Host: Evan Ross Katz
• Producer: Natalia Winkelman
• Associate Producer: Aaliyah Papes
• Fact-Checking: Gray Lanta
• Executive Producer: Josh Dean
• Editing and Sound Design: Ewin Lai Trimuin
• Special Thanks: Michael Gluckstadt, Alison Cohen Sorokach, and Kenya Reyes from HBO Podcast team

Final Thoughts

"The White Lotus Official Podcast" premiere episode offers a comprehensive look into the inception and production of the series, enriched with personal anecdotes and firsthand accounts from key players involved in bringing the show to life. Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to the series, this episode provides valuable context and sets the stage for deeper explorations in future installments.