From fan meltdowns to intense cast bonds and a controversial character arc, Patrick Schwarzenegger opens up about Season 3 of The White Lotus, playing Saxon, and what comes next
After a career-defining turn as Saxon in The White Lotus Season 3, Patrick Schwarzenegger isn’t just riding high on the show’s critical acclaim — he’s processing an experience that was, in his own words, “intense, emotional, and life-changing.”
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 31-year-old actor opened up about bonding with his castmates, the weight of public perception, the challenge of playing an unlikable character, and living in the very large shadow of his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“For eight months, it was just us — the cast and crew — together 24/7. It wasn’t like any other project I’ve done,” said Patrick. “When the finale aired, it really felt like something had ended in my life.”
Emotional Farewells and a Shocking Ending
Patrick revealed that watching the season finale — particularly the scenes involving Aimee Lou Wood’s Chelsea and Carrie Coon’s emotional monologue — left him in tears.
“It felt like the death of that chapter. I literally cried,” he said. “Aimee put her head on my shoulder, and I just sat there like that. It was a sad, beautiful moment.”
Despite playing a morally grey character who fans “loved to hate” at first, Patrick noted a shift in public perception as the series progressed.
“Now people come up and say they felt so bad for Saxon when Chelsea ran into Walton Goggins’ arms. Or they cheer when they see me,” he laughed, recalling a surreal restaurant moment where a crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Living with the Name & Navigating Fame
While Patrick may now be used to public attention, he admitted it was overwhelming at first — especially when strangers asked invasive questions or confused him with Saxon.
“My fiancée was like, ‘What’s going on?’ It was a lot. But now they’re starting to separate me from the character,” he said.
As for being the son of a global icon?
“Yeah, I related to Saxon in that way. That scene where he says, ‘I’m nothing without you’ to his dad — that really hit home.”
Controversy, Confidence & Career Goals
One of the show’s more controversial moments was the incest storyline — something Patrick says he had “zero trepidation” about filming.
“I just put my trust in Mike White. He knows what he’s doing,” Patrick said. “It stirred a lot of conversation, but I think it served the story.”
Looking ahead, Patrick is eyeing serious roles — including a challenging project with a director he deeply admires — and yes, eventually, action films.
“I’ve talked to my dad about it,” he smiled. “I never wanted to before, but now I feel like I’m ready. Who gets top billing? I’ll let my agent handle that.”