The Emmy-Winning Actor Was Set to Star, But a Personal Commitment Changed Everything
Oscar-nominated actor Woody Harrelson was almost part of the buzzworthy third season of HBO’s acclaimed series The White Lotus—but he ultimately walked away from the opportunity. Despite reports suggesting a salary dispute caused the exit, Harrelson and his team have now confirmed that the real reason was far more personal.
According to a statement shared exclusively with The Daily Beast, Harrelson’s decision had nothing to do with pay negotiations. “It’s not about money,” his representatives clarified. “He was set to do the show and very excited. Unfortunately, their production schedule shifted, and conflicted with a pre-planned family vacation, forcing him to make an extremely hard decision.”
Harrelson Was Eyed for Two Major Roles in The White Lotus Thailand Installment
Per a new oral history by The Hollywood Reporter, Harrelson had been considered for not one, but two central roles in the third season of the hit anthology series. Initially, he was in talks to play Rick Hatchett, a part ultimately portrayed by Walton Goggins. Later, Harrelson reportedly signed on to play Frank, Rick’s enigmatic companion, a character taken on by Sam Rockwell in the final casting.
Frank is at the heart of one of Season 3’s most talked-about moments—a raw, emotionally charged monologue that has already drawn critical acclaim. Though Harrelson exited before filming began, he praised Rockwell’s performance, stating, “Things must be meant to be though, because I couldn’t have done as fantastic a job as Sam, who is killing it.”
Sam Rockwell Almost Declined the Role—But Producers Insisted
Interestingly, Sam Rockwell wasn’t a lock for the role either. In an interview with THR, The White Lotus executive producer David Bernad revealed that Rockwell initially declined due to time constraints. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to pull this off,” Rockwell said, noting that he had only a few weeks to prepare after wrapping another project. Bernad, however, was persistent: “We just didn’t let him pass.”
The gamble appears to have paid off. Rockwell’s portrayal of Frank has quickly become a fan favorite, with critics calling his performance “unforgettable.”
Salary Speculation Debunked: Equal Pay for All Cast Members
Following THR’s report that Harrelson had met with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav in an attempt to renegotiate compensation, many assumed financial differences prompted his departure. However, Bernad told THR that all cast members receive equal pay, estimated to be around $40,000 per episode.
Given that Harrelson had already signed on under those terms, the vacation conflict appears to have been the sole reason for his exit. This also confirms that the star was genuinely eager to be part of The White Lotus, which shot its third season on location at a luxurious resort in Thailand.
Harrelson’s Exit Didn’t Disrupt the Show’s Momentum
Although Harrelson’s departure led to a casting change, it did little to slow the momentum of HBO’s prestigious dramedy. The White Lotus continues to be one of the most talked-about series on TV, with each season introducing a new location and cast while exploring themes of wealth, privilege, and moral decay.
Season 3’s setting in Thailand marks a departure from the Sicily-based second season, and creator Mike White has promised a darker, more introspective narrative. The addition of Rockwell, Goggins, and a new ensemble brings fresh energy and high stakes to the storyline.
Final Thoughts
While fans may be disappointed that Woody Harrelson won’t be joining The White Lotus this season, his explanation puts speculation to rest. Scheduling conflicts—particularly those tied to family—are sometimes unavoidable, even for A-listers. And with Rockwell now earning praise in the role Harrelson vacated, the third season appears to have landed on its feet.
For the latest updates on The White Lotus, including new episodes and cast developments, follow HBO’s official site or stream on Max.