Arnold Schwarzenegger has delivered a characteristically humorous response to his son Patrick’s jaw-dropping scene in season three of The White Lotus.
The former Governor of California and Terminator icon chimed in after Patrick shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the HBO drama, where he portrays the character Saxon Ratliff.
In episode two of the current season, which began airing in February, Saxon is at the centre of a highly provocative incest storyline involving his on-screen brother, Lochlan (played by Sam Nivola). The episode features Saxon walking through a hotel room in Thailand while his nude brother watches pornography, eventually leading to a drunken kiss and later, a threesome with hotel guest Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon).
The controversial plot point sparked debate online, with some viewers claiming the show had pushed boundaries too far. However, executive producer David Bernad defended the creative direction in an interview with the New York Post, insisting the scene has narrative significance.
“It’s not just for shock,” Bernad explained. “There’s a very specific reason in terms of the story arc and the larger thematic idea Mike [White] is trying to express. As the season unfolds, that plotline resolves in a very meaningful way. I personally love the family storyline — particularly the dynamic between the brothers — and it culminates in a very satisfying manner.”
Patrick Schwarzenegger posted a cheeky behind-the-scenes snap on X (formerly Twitter) on 24 March, seemingly taken during the filming of episode seven. The photo shows the brothers mid-scene, hilariously swapping underwear.
Arnold didn’t miss a beat, replying with a GIF of himself performing a comical double-take from his 1996 festive film Jingle All the Way.
Fans were quick to embrace the moment, with social media lighting up in response. Many reacted with crying-laughing emojis, while others dubbed Arnold’s reply “priceless”.
