Patrick Schwarzenegger Discusses Life Beyond ‘The White Lotus,’ His Passion for Action Films, and Dreams of Collaborating with His Father

Liam James6 days agoLast Updated: 10 April 2025

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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”

Patrick Schwarzenegger has certainly made a significant impact in promoting the idea of brotherly love, arguably more than most actors in the industry today (with perhaps the exception of his cast mate from The White Lotus, Sam Nivola). Recently, the 31-year-old rising star shared insights into the emotional season three finale of HBO’s acclaimed series, created by Mike White. He also opened up about the challenges of fame, including fans’ curiosity about his personal life, his upcoming projects, and what it’s like to navigate life with a well-known surname.

Working on this show has undoubtedly elevated your career, but the finale appeared to be an especially poignant experience for you. What made this project stand out compared to your previous work?

When I worked on The Staircase or American Sports, I would film, connect with the cast, and then return to my own space, whether it was my apartment or a hotel. This experience was different. It was incredibly intense. For eight months, it was just the cast and crew, together 24/7. Following that, we spent months doing press together, forming deep, intimate bonds. When the last episode aired, it felt like the end of a chapter in my life, which was both sad and unsettling.

Watching the finale the other night, the shooting scene really moved me. I didn’t expect to feel that way. It felt like a significant closure for me. I was emotional about Saxon’s journey and Chelsea [Aimee Lou Wood]’s fate. I started crying. I literally cried! I looked over at Aimee Lou, who was watching with me, and we shared a touching moment, resting our heads on each other’s shoulders.

You mentioned not reading everyone else’s scripts to preserve the element of surprise. Was there a particular scene in the finale that caught you off guard?

I was deeply moved by the final scene with the three ladies, especially Carrie [Coon]’s monologue. I hadn’t known where their storyline was headed since they filmed most of their scenes before I came on board. I only had one scene with them in episode one, where I hit on them at the pool, but I was always intrigued by their journey, all the partying and conflicts. The way that beautiful monologue brought everything together was a perfect ending for them, in my opinion.

In the early episodes, Saxon came across as quite unlikable. Your mom, Maria Shriver, emphasized that Saxon is not Patrick, saying, “That character is not my son!” Did you have concerns about portraying such a character?

Initially, I wasn’t worried. However, after the first episodes aired, I was taken aback by the show’s immense popularity. I’d be out and people would approach me, saying things like, “Oh my god, I hate you. You’re so hateable.” I remember being with my fiancé, feeling overwhelmed by all the attention. People would even ask me what kind of porn I liked! I felt bad for my fiancé at times. I understood that it was early in the season and that characters evolve, but people enjoy making judgments.

Did viewers start to change their perception of Saxon by the end of the season?

Absolutely! By the finale, people were expressing sympathy for Saxon, saying things like, “I felt so bad for him when Aimee Lou ran into Walton [Goggins]’s arms. And look, he’s reading a book.” Just yesterday, I had a surreal experience. I walked into a restaurant, and a table of six women in their 40s and 50s started calling out, “Saxon, Saxon!” One lady made a sad face, then began clapping, and soon everyone in the restaurant joined in. I was so emotional; I had to step outside. I’m not good with that kind of attention.

As the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is constantly recognized, you must have been accustomed to seeing how fame affects him. Does it feel strange to now experience similar treatment?

It feels peculiar to me. I think it feels odd for him too. Just yesterday, we went to the gym together, and people approached him to talk about my show.

In the series, you portray a character overshadowed by a successful father. Can you relate to that aspect of Saxon’s life?

Absolutely. I can connect with that feeling of living in someone’s shadow. In episode seven, there’s a scene with Jason [Isaacs] where I express, “Dad, I’m nothing without you, and I can’t handle being nothing.” I felt that personally, and it resonated with me during that scene. My dad is a fan of the show and is proud of my work.

You mentioned that you felt it was important to inform your parents about the incest scene in the show. How did they react? Did you have any apprehension about filming it?

I had no trepidation about filming, although I did feel some nerves. Ultimately, I was portraying a character, and I had to stay true to the storyline. I placed my trust in Mike [White], who was very patient and helped me navigate any awkwardness. I knew it would spark conversations, but I believed in Mike’s vision, and it turned out great.

Some viewers anticipated a major reveal regarding that storyline, but the finale addressed it sparingly. What purpose do you think it served?

I think it was a critical turning point for Saxon. Initially, he was quite one-dimensional, but that experience with his brother profoundly impacted him. It shattered his ego and challenged his identity, which is a central theme of the show—death and rebirth. Mike often leaves things ambiguous. I once asked him what happens to the family after they get their phones back, and he said, “I don’t need to explain everything. In real life, not everything is known.” He enjoys engaging the audience and keeping certain aspects open-ended.

What do you think happens to Saxon and his family? Will he adapt to a life of poverty and unemployment? How would you conclude that storyline?

I’m not a writer, but perhaps it could take a comedic turn. It might be amusing if, in season four, Saxon returns as a spiritual advisor, offering wisdom to guests on how to change their lives.

Or he could end up as a janitor.

(Laughs) Exactly! He could get a job as the hotel janitor. That would be comedic, and then I could return for the next season.

What are your plans moving forward? I imagine your agent is busy with offers following this success.

It’s definitely been busy, but I plan to be patient. I want to find the right project. I’m currently working with an incredible director I’ve admired throughout my career. We’re crafting something challenging that will push my limits both personally and professionally, and I hope it materializes later this year.

Could you see yourself in an action movie in the future, or would you prefer to steer clear of that genre?

I definitely want to explore that possibility. It’s a goal of mine to take on such roles eventually. I’ve discussed it with my dad, and while I’ve never wanted to pursue that path before, I now feel I have enough experience and confidence to work alongside him.

Who would get top billing in that scenario?

(Laughs) I’ll leave that to my agent to figure out.

Stay tuned for more updates from HiCelebNews as The White Lotus season two is now streaming on Max.