The Emmy-winning composer behind the show’s iconic theme won’t return after disagreements over musical direction; calls his departure a “rock band breakup.”
April 3 — Los Angeles: The unmistakable “ooh-loo-loo-loo” chorus that haunted and hypnotized The White Lotus fans across the globe may not echo through the series again. Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, the Emmy-winning composer behind the HBO hit’s eerie theme song, confirmed in a New York Times interview that he will not return for Season 4.
Tapia de Veer revealed ongoing creative differences with show creator Mike White, particularly around the show’s evolving musical tone, which came to a head during Season 3, filmed in Thailand.
“Mike wanted background music — something you’d hear in Ibiza, in some clubby place with a chill, sexy vibe. There’s literally no edge to it,” said Tapia de Veer.
🎵 A Theme That Defined a Mood
De Veer’s composition for The White Lotus, which won a Creative Arts Emmy in 2022, was as iconic as the show’s exotic locations and social satire. The layered, unsettling sound — punctuated by tribal beats and haunting vocalizations — gave the series a uniquely dark psychological undertone.
However, in Season 3, White reportedly steered the music in a softer, more traditional direction. The updated version of the theme removed the “ooh-loo-loo-loo”, leaving many fans disappointed.
“I texted the producer and said it would be great to give them the longer version with the ooh-loo-loo-loos… but Mike cut that. He wasn’t happy,” Tapia de Veer shared.
🎸 A Creative Split, Rock Band Style
Tapia de Veer likened the experience to a band breakup:
“It was like being in a rock band where the guitar player doesn’t understand the singer at all,” he said.
“We already had our last fight forever, I think.”
In response to fan complaints, the composer uploaded his uncut version of the Season 3 theme — titled “Enlightenment” — to YouTube, bypassing studio approval.
He even humorously compared his dynamic with White to the eccentric characters in the French cult classic La Cage aux Folles:
“Albin is the diva, Renato tries to keep it all together. To me, the show felt very much like that.”
🎬 Meanwhile, Season 3 Marches On
Despite the behind-the-scenes discord, The White Lotus continues to generate buzz. The Season 3 finale, set to air soon, will run nearly 90 minutes, closing the chapter on the Thailand-set installment.
The new cast includes Parker Posey, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Natasha Rothwell, Carrie Coon, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Blackpink’s Lisa, among others.
HBO has yet to comment on Tapia de Veer’s departure.