Apparently, paradise doesn’t pay all that well.
Jason Isaacs, star of The White Lotus Season 3, revealed that the entire cast of the HBO hit series earned an unexpectedly modest paycheck by major television standards.
In a new interview with Vulture published Monday, Isaacs opened up about the surprisingly low salary, noting that it was significantly below what actors typically make on large-scale network or streaming productions.
“Generally actors don’t talk about pay in public because it’s ridiculously disproportionate to what we do, putting on makeup and funny voices, and just upsets the public,” Isaacs said. “But compared to what people normally get paid for big television shows, that’s a very low price.”
Still, the 62-year-old actor, best known for roles in Harry Potter and Peter Pan, made it clear the paycheck of $40,000 wasn’t the motivation for joining the acclaimed series.
“The fact is, we would have paid to be in it. We probably would have given a body part,” he joked.
When asked about sharing equal billing and pay with less-seasoned actors, including Patrick Schwarzenegger, Isaacs responded candidly: “I never work for money. I mean, I’ve done all right.”
He went on to admit that he hasn’t exactly been saving for retirement: “People will think I have huge stockpiles of money, but sadly, what I’ve done rather immaturely is expand my outgoings to match my incomings and pretty much spent everything I’ve earned over the years.”
Fans took to X to comment on the paycheck revelation, with one person writing: "Honestly? Respect. Art over paycheck sometimes."
Though, many others were less kind, with another user chiming in with: "but they get to stay in a 4 seasons hotel for 6 months for free."
Isaacs joined a star-studded ensemble for Season 3, which includes Aimee Lou Wood, Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Sam Nivola, Sarah Catherine Hook, and more.
The show’s producers have been open about their unique pay structure. In an April Hollywood Reporter feature, executive producer David Bernad and casting director Meredith Tucker explained that The White Lotus operates on a non-negotiable, flat-rate system where every series regular is paid the same, and billing is done alphabetically, regardless of fame or experience.
“Everyone is treated the same on The White Lotus,” Bernad said. “They get paid the same, and we do alphabetical billing, so you’re getting people who want to do the project for the right reasons, not to quote The Bachelor.”
The equal-pay approach dates back to Season 1, when the show had a limited budget and few expectations of becoming a breakout hit. “It makes it so much easier,” Tucker added. “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.”
Even big names weren’t exempt from the rule. According to reports, Woody Harrelson was interested in a role for Season 3, but despite lobbying all the way up to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, he wasn’t able to secure a higher rate. Variety later reported that Harrelson eventually dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
Despite the low paycheck, the prestige and creative buzz surrounding The White Lotus continue to attract top-tier talent willing to trade big salaries for the chance to be part of one of television’s most talked-about shows.