Being more famous than your co-stars doesn’t always equate to a bigger pay check. It’s been revealed that The White Lotus’ actors are paid the same amount per episode, and it’s non-negotiable regardless of their status outside of the show – but according to the show’s producer, David Bernad, it’s for a good reason.
When the final episode of the third season aired on April 6 with a total runtime of 90 minutes, the amount of money each actor received was initially kept under wraps. However, show creator Mike White and executive producer David Bernad opened up about their decision of the salaries and credits on the show.
The series has been making rounds on social media due to its star-studded cast, including the BLACKPINK singer, Lalisa Manobal. However, you’d be shocked to find out that all the actors on the show are getting the same paycheck.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, White said that every cast pays £31,060 per episode, or £249,297 for an eight-episode season. Producer David said: “Everyone is treated the same on The White Lotus.”
“They get paid the same, and we do alphabetical billing, so you’re getting people who want to do the project for the right reason, not to quote The Bachelor,” he explained. “It’s a system we developed in the first season because there was no money to make the show.”
Casting director Meredith Tucker added: “It makes it so much easier. You tell people this is what it is. And some won’t do it – and honestly, you can’t hold it against people who need to make a living. Our series regulars are pretty much doing this for scale.”
As well as getting equal pay, the credits at the end of the show are in alphabetical order instead of basing it on the character’s importance to the story or how famous they are.
The online reaction to finding out that all actors are getting the same pay check has been positive, as equal pay has been an ongoing issue within the film and TV industry over the past few decades, as women were often getting paid less compared to their male co-stars.
A X user wrote: “That’s fair I guess,” with another one adding: “This is how it should be.” A third one commented: “This is how you create a fair set – respect, balance, and share spotlight,” with another one asking: “Ur telling me LISA makes the same amount as Walton Goggins…”
However, others felt that it was “unfair” as some of the actors’ characters were more crucial to the plot of the show or that some had more experience or preparation compared to others. One user wrote: “Shouldn’t the pay be proportionate to their work? otherwise it’s unfair.”
Hollywood veteran Woody Harrelson, who was rumoured to join the cast of season three, had a set salary which was non-negotiable, despite his efforts to get a higher wage. The role eventually went to Walter Goggins.
In a statement shared with the Daily Beast, Harrelson’s team confirmed that the 63-year-old actor withdrew from the project as it clashed with family commitments, not because of pay, as The Mirror previously reported.
Looking ahead, the fourth season is already in development, though it’s not expected to come out until late 2026 or early 2027 and so far, its cast and new location remains unknown.
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