Jason Isaacs, well-known for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, recently shared his experiences during the filming of the third series of the acclaimed comedy-drama, The White Lotus, during his appearance on The One Show. Isaacs humorously remarked about the unique challenges of shooting at the fictional White Lotus resort, quipping about the distinct "off-screen White Lotus" atmosphere, which, according to him, had "just fewer body bags."
Filming took place over several months in Thailand, where Isaacs and the crew were immersed not only in the tropical environment but also closely packed together. He amusingly pointed out the irony of what is typically considered luxurious filming conditions. "It wasn't a holiday is what I am saying," Isaacs stated, joking about the close quarters they endured. The actor described how the setting was not just one hotel but rather multiple locations, each showcasing the resort's beauty. "We have the beautiful beach from one and the beautiful pool from another and the beautiful spa from another," he explained.
Isaacs appeared on the BBC show on Friday, February 21, where he was interviewed by hosts Roman Kemp and Alex Jones. The conversations revealed the reality behind the glamorous façade often portrayed in television series. Isaacs said, "Seven months being on top of each other, in each other's pockets, breakfast, lunch, supper... Most people get on with each other most of the time, but you know, there were alliances formed and broken." He added, “There’s an off-screen White Lotus as much as there is an on-screen White Lotus, just with hopefully fewer body bags.”
His recounting didn't shy away from the realities of shooting under challenging conditions, especially as filming unfolded during the extreme heat of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (or 45 degrees Celsius). "It was 40 men and women, some of the crew, crammed into a villa with the air conditioning off. And we were covered in make-up with lights, and you are there all day. It’s quite gamey, by the end of the day," he revealed, demonstrating the stark difference between on-screen glamour and the messy hard work behind the scenes.
During this engaging segment, Isaacs also offered insights about his character, Timothy Ratliff, describing him as "a kind of titan of industry". He expressed humor over the character's misadventures, saying, "Basically, I have the worst holiday anyone has ever had in the history of holidays. Awful things happen." Isaacs conveyed his enthusiasm for the latest series, asserting it was "better, I think, than the first two series," emphasizing the depth and richness of the narrative.
"I think it is deep and richer," he articulated, hinting at the storyline's evolution and development over time. Fans of The White Lotus will be pleased to know they can catch the new episodes airing on Sky on Mondays, keeping viewers engaged with the latest scandals and stories from the extravagant world of the resort.
The One Show, which features star-studded guests and compelling discussions, airs on BBC One at 7 pm on weekdays, providing viewers with behind-the-scenes looks and interviews with notable celebrities. Isaacs’ segment was particularly refreshing, showcasing his sense of humor and down-to-earth demeanor, even as he navigated the pressures of being part of such a high-profile series.