Patrick Schwarzenegger on Life After ‘The White Lotus,’ Action Movies and Working With His Dad: “I’ve Told Him I’d Love To Do That”

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It’s fair to say that Patrick Schwarzenegger has made significant efforts towards fostering brotherly love, perhaps even more than most actors globally, with the potential exception of Sam Nivola from The White Lotus.

31-year-old breakout star had an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where they discussed the final episode of season three, touched on the challenges of being famous (such as fans inquiring about his personal porn preferences), shared plans for future projects, and spoke about living with a last name that seems somewhat familiar.

Working on this series has significantly boosted your professional growth, yet the recent finale appeared to be particularly touching and emotionally intense for you. What sets this project apart from others you’ve worked on in the past?

During my work on “The Staircase” or “American Sports”, I would usually go, film, get close to the cast, but at the end of the day, I’d retreat to my own apartment or hotel. However, this wasn’t typical. It was incredibly intense. For eight long months, we were all confined in one location for 24 hours a day. After that, we spent extended periods promoting the series together, which led to forming deep and intimate connections with the cast. Then, the final episode aired, and it was all over. It felt a bit sad and unsettling.

As I watched the finale the other evening, a tragic event occurred that left me deeply affected – something I hadn’t anticipated. It seemed as if that particular phase in my life had come to an end. The emotions stirred within me were intense, encompassing feelings about Saxon and his fate, Chelsea’s demise, and more. Tears welled up and flowed freely, yes, I cried! In the midst of it all, I found solace leaning on Amiee Lou Wood, who was watching with me. It was a poignant moment for us, tinged with sadness but also a testament to our bond.

Did you mention that you chose not to review other script versions beforehand in order to preserve the element of surprise during the final episode? Was there any specific scene in the finale that left you surprised or caught off guard?

As a gamer immersed in the show, I must admit, the final scene featuring the trio of ladies left me utterly captivated, particularly Carrie [Coon]’s heartfelt monologue. To be honest, I wasn’t aware of where their storyline was heading beforehand. Mostly, they had already filmed their scenes by the time I joined the production. Our first encounter was in episode one, with me attempting a flirtatious dive into the pool. After that, I knew nothing else about them.

Throughout the series, I found myself pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns of their storyline – the various romantic entanglements, wild parties, and intense conflicts. Yet, it was their resilience and the way that poignant monologue brought everything together that truly resonated with me. It felt like a fitting finale for them, a beautifully crafted conclusion to their journey.

Initially, the character Saxon came off as rather arrogant or obnoxious. Maria Shriver, your mother, emphasized during an interview that Saxon doesn’t represent her son at all, stating “That character is not my child!” Did you have any concerns beforehand about portraying such a dislikable character?

Initially, I wasn’t overly impressed with the show. However, once the initial episodes aired, I was astonished by its immense popularity. As I went about my daily life – walking on the street or getting coffee – strangers would approach me saying things like, “Oh my god, I hate you! You’re so hateable.” Or “I love to hate you” and “You’re such a douche” and all sorts of unpleasant comments. One instance that stands out was when I was with my fiancé, and people were yelling at me, asking things like, “What kind of porn do you like?” These encounters made me feel uncomfortable, and at times, I even felt bad for my partner. Despite knowing that the show was still in its early stages – it was only eight weeks long and the character’s development was yet to unfold – people seemed eager to pass judgment.

Did they start to warm up to Saxon by the end?

Absolutely! They were expressing something like, “I was really sorry for Saxon when Amiee Lou [Wood] hugged Walton [Goggins]. And look at him, he’s reading a book.” [Laughs.] Yesterday, I had an incredibly bizarre encounter. I walked into a restaurant and a group of six women in their 40s and 50s began shouting, “Saxon, Saxon!” I looked around and one woman made a sad expression, then started applauding, and all the women followed suit. The entire room – with about 40 people present – joined in. It was such an emotional moment that I had to step away. I don’t handle that level of attention well.

However, since you’re Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, it’s likely he is frequently recognized. Given your upbringing, you might be accustomed to others treating him in such a manner. Yet, it could still feel unusual that the attention and recognition is now directed towards you.

To me, that particular aspect of his achievements has always seemed unusual. I imagine it’s just as peculiar for him today. Yesterday, we worked out at the gym, and surprisingly, strangers approached him discussing my TV program.

In the series, your character is living under the influence of a highly accomplished father. Could you identify with this situation on a personal level?

Indeed, there’s a certain aspect of Saxon’s character that resonates with me – the struggle of living under someone else’s shadow. In episode seven, when I interacted with Jason [Isaacs], I found myself saying something similar: “Dad, I’m nothing without you and work. I can’t handle being nothing. It’s only okay if everything is going well, so everything is going well right?” This scene touched a nerve within me, as if it was drawing on some hidden part of my own feelings. However, my father was an avid fan of the show and took great pride in my accomplishments.

From what I understand, you decided to warn your parents beforehand about the incest scene, which I presume led to an unusual reaction. [Chuckles] Clearly, this storyline was a significant aspect of the series. Were you anxious about filming it initially?

Absolutely, I had some jitters, not gonna lie. However, playing a character isn’t about being myself; it’s about embodying someone else authentically to the storyline. I put my trust in Mike [White] as the creator, writer, and showrunner, who guided me through any discomfort. It might have been controversial, but Mike navigated that skillfully. The result? A lot of discussion and buzz around the show, some good, some bad, but overall, it was a success.

Did viewers anticipate a major disclosure concerning that matter in the finale, but instead it was only briefly touched upon? I’m curious, what purpose do you believe this storyline ended up serving overall?

It’s clear that Saxon underwent a significant transformation in the series, as he started off as a one-dimensional character. His encounter with his brother led to a figurative death of sorts, shattering his ego and self-image. This idea of dying and being reborn is a recurring motif in the show. As for Mike, he often leaves the ending open-ended, much like real life, where not everything is always explained. He enjoys keeping the audience guessing and leaving some things ambiguous, even to us viewers.

So, what’s your take on the situation with that family? Do you believe Saxon can adapt to life without a job and limited resources? How might this story conclude for them?

Perhaps, instead of my original idea, we could reimagine the scenario for season four’s new hotel as a comedic twist. Imagine Saxon returning, not in his usual role, but as the resident spiritual guide! He would offer amusing insights on personal transformation to the guests.

Or else he could come back as a janitor.

Indeed, that’s spot on! He lands a position as a hotel janitor for the upcoming season. It’d certainly add some humor to the situation.

Yep, you’re right on the money there! He secures a job as a hotel janitor for the next season. That could make for quite an amusing twist.

What do you think you want to do next? I’m sure your agent is fielding a lot of calls after this.

Despite the hectic pace, I’m determined to remain patient as I search for the perfect fit. There’s a project I’ve been working on with an admired director who has inspired me throughout my career. His work is captivating, and our collaboration promises to be something extraordinary. Fingers crossed that we can bring this challenging endeavor to life later this year, as it could very well be the most testing experience of both my life and acting career.

Are you imagining yourself starring in an action-packed film in the future, or would you prefer to steer clear of such roles?

Absolutely, I’m keen on giving it a shot. To be honest, this is something I’ve envisioned for the future – doing projects similar to these. If the opportunity seems suitable, I’d be thrilled to join in. I’ve discussed it with my father and expressed my interest. Although I’ve never felt ready before, now I feel more equipped due to the experiences I’ve had and the knowledge I’ve gained. I believe I’m at a stage where I could confidently collaborate with him on such ventures.

Which one of you gets top billing?

[Laughs] I’ll let my agent handle that.

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2025-04-10 16:55