Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic action star, demonstrated his unwavering support for his son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, at the premiere of season three of the critically acclaimed series The White Lotus. The event took place on February 10, 2023, and was brimming with familial pride as they shared the spotlight on the red carpet.
“I was so pumped to take a break from filming to celebrate @patrickschwarzenegger at the White Lotus Season 3 premiere,” Arnold captioned on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of the two at the event. He couldn’t resist adding humor about Patrick’s upcoming nude scene. “What a show! I could claim to be surprised to find out he has a nude scene, but what can I say - the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Don’t miss it this Sunday - trust me,” he wrote, embracing his son’s bold new role with characteristic Schwarzenegger wit.
Patrick’s entire family turned out to support him, which included his mother, Maria Shriver, and his brother-in-law Chris Pratt, who is married to his sister, Katherine Schwarzenegger. The emotional depth of the event was palpable, with siblings and fiancée Abby Champion also present.
Before securing the role of Saxon Ratliff, Patrick revealed how his mother had been instrumental, frequently encouraging him to audition for The White Lotus after falling for the show herself. “Every time we would watch the show, season 1 and season 2, my mom was always like, ‘Why haven’t you auditioned for this? Why didn’t you go out for this?’” he shared. Her persistent nudging proved to be the push he needed, and when the audition call finally came, Patrick kept the news to himself due to the anxiety of uncertainty surrounding potential callbacks.
“I could not enjoy the holidays. I had so much anxiety, I was freaking out over it,” Patrick recounted, humorously reflecting on how his unusual behavior during family ski trips likely raised eyebrows. After landing the role, the emotional reunion with his family was heartwarming. He recalled how his mother burst out crying, igniting a chain reaction of tears among his siblings and fiancée — it was truly “like a domino effect of mayhem and tears.”
Interestingly, Patrick portrays the character Saxon, the privileged son of Jason Isaacs' character, on a lavish vacation with his wife, Victoria Ratliff. The storyline delves deep, showcasing lavish lifestyles as well as their cringeworthy interactions, including one involving Patrick’s character and his brother, Lochlan, which later culminates with Saxon’s nude scene.
The premiere’s star-studded atmosphere also bore witness to Patrick’s sophisticated style, sporting a navy blue pinstriped suit, perfectly juxtaposing the glamorous atmosphere of The White Lotus. Celebrities including Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, and the show’s creator Mike White descended upon Bangkok’s ICONSIAM River Park, where the latest season was unveiled on February 14, 2023.
The buzz surrounding The White Lotus continues to grow, especially with the unique spin-off offerings and Patrick's career momentum. Patrick has garnered attention for his performances across various notable projects, including The Terminal List and Moxie. His role on The White Lotus stands as another significant step forward, reinforcing the family legacy established by his father.
Arnold, reflecting on the role, humorously embraced the nude scene, echoing the experiences he himself had faced on screen during his career. His reaction struck sentimental chords with fans, as it highlighted not just fatherly pride but also familial affection captured on social media, showcasing Arnold’s enthusiasm for Patrick's achievements. His sentiments were echoed by fans who appreciated the familial bond. Comments flooded Arnold’s post, with viewers praising the supportive dynamic, calling father and son “the dream team,” and commending Arnold for his consistent support of family endeavors.
Patrick's perspective on performing such scenes with family watching shifted toward the anxious end of the spectrum. He remarked, prior to the premiere, about the awkwardness of entertaining his family, hinting at the need for strategic bathroom breaks during family viewing sessions. “My whole family is coming to the premiere tonight, so we’ll see how it goes,” he said, reflecting both excitement and nervousness about their reactions.
The White Lotus promises viewers not only the compelling narrative they’ve come to expect but also significant family history playing out behind the scenes. Patrick's growing role within the industry and Arnold's heartfelt public backing signal not only personal achievement but familial strength.
The anticipation for The White Lotus Season 3 is palpable, with its premiere scheduled for February 16, 2023, on HBO Max. Patrick's character promises to explore themes of wealth, privilege, and depth, all enriched by the vibrant storytelling of creator Mike White and his talented ensemble cast.