How the CD for ‘The White Lotus’ Builds the Show’s All-Star Ensemble Season After Season

Casting “The White Lotus” is “very organic,” says Tucker. “I think primarily because Michael really does like people to read [for the parts].” When casting a specific set of characters—like this season’s Ratliff family or the trio of female friends—she asks herself: “Who matches or works well with whom? Because it comes from the reads; it’s an organic way of [seeing chemistry].”

She also asks herself if she can really buy an actor’s performance. “It’s a degree of whether the person fits the character,” she explains. “Casting is so subjective, and so there’s a degree of if the person has the right vibe. Do you buy Michelle Monaghan being a famous actress? Or do you buy Jason Isaacs being a hedge fund guy from North Carolina?”

The same questions came up when casting Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxton, the Ratliffs’ eldest son who also works for his father’s business. “There’s a degree of, is he the right age? Is he good looking enough? Does he have the right composure to him? And he definitely did. [His] read was fantastic…. He was the right person for the job.”

As for how a rising actor can make sure they hold their own opposite established stars—like Wood with Goggins—Tucker says being prepared and “making choices” can help performers stay “present in the scene.” 

“If you start getting too macro about it and are looking at it from 35,000 feet, as opposed to being in the scene, then that’s going to be [your downfall],” she warns. “You want to stay in the moment. You want to be present there.” 

Tucker says White’s directing also helps. “You would never know that [on Season 2] Adam DiMarco [was] acting opposite Oscar-winning F. Murray Abraham, or acting opposite Emmy-winning Michael Imperioli. You think about how well they work together as a family. And I think it’s a testament to the three actors, but also to Michael’s direction,” Tucker explains.

Each season has its own theme with a darkly humorous twist. Season 1 highlights money, Season 2 tackles sex, and Season 3 looks at spirituality. “[‘The White Lotus’ has] such a specific tone, so understanding the nature of the show,” Tucker says, is essential for actors. “I would say this for any person auditioning for anything: If there are episodes available, watch a few, just so you can understand what the tone of the show is. Or see what other shows the writer might have [done], or the showrunner or the director might have done before; try to familiarize yourself with that work.”

If you’re struggling with a project’s tone, she explains, “There’s nothing wrong with asking questions…. If you have contextual questions, which people frequently do just because they’re not getting scripts, make sure that you feel free to ask them. Because that’s the stuff that’s in your control.”

This season includes a surprising cameo from Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan as Timothy Ratliff’s (Isaacs) former business partner. While we never see Quan, his panicked voice on a phone call lets audiences know that Timothy’s company is in trouble. 

Tucker reveals the casting was White’s idea: “[White] knew what a big fan of the show [Quan] was. So this just came up, and we asked him and he said he’d love to do it,” says the CD.

“The White Lotus” features characters with a mix of accents—most notably the Ratliff family’s Southern drawl. For actors trying to master an accent for an audition, Tucker says it’s important to “really get it down.” 

“In Season 1, [White] had Sydney Sweeney and Brittany O’Grady listen to a podcast because he liked the sort of flatness of the host. So if you can get a reference point, [that can help], or working with a dialect coach,” explains Tucker.

The CD shares that an actor’s natural accent can sometimes help them land a role, even if the character calls for something else. Wood’s character, for example, was originally supposed to be American. “We had [a variety of] people auditioning—you know, Brits and Australians, but doing an American accent. And at one point [with Wood], we told her agents, ‘Have her do both American and her natural Mancunian accent.’ She did both, but her natural accent is so charming.” 

Of course, we had to bring up the show’s unique score; we asked Tucker what she thought of the new iteration. “I like it,” she told us. “I think it really does grow on you. [Composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer] is so brilliantly talented. I think what he has done [with the music on the show] has added so much. I think it’s one of my favorite aspects of the show.”

Ahead of Season 3’s premiere, HBO renewed “The White Lotus” for another installment. Season 4 likely won’t begin production until 2026, so while waiting for casting notices to come in, we suggest keeping your acting résumé fresh with these great gigs looking for talent now.

• HBO and other streaming gigs
• Background casting calls
• Nationwide casting calls

Or if you’re looking for more audition advice, this guide to getting cast on HBO is a great resource.