Father Arnold Schwarzenegger cracks up about seeing son Patrick nude on screen in The White Lotus Season 3

Austrian World Summit 2025 - Source: Getty
Austrian World Summit 2025 - Source: Getty

Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose life is familiar to viewers through his iconic film roles and larger-than-life personality, recently found himself in a strange predicament: watching his son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, get nude on screen in HBO's The White Lotus Season 3.

The scene, which Arnold made light of publicly, has generated buzz online and among the series' fans. Variety reports that Arnold was not shocked by his son's risqué scene, citing his legendary nude debut in The Terminator and joking, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

This is a lighthearted response to the generational continuity in their professional acting careers and the changing nature of screen performances. Patrick's character in The White Lotus Season 3 has been of interest not just because of his family lineage but also because of the intricacy of his character, Saxon Ratliff.

The dark humor and social dynamics show has gone ahead and broken barriers again with its new season being based in Thailand. As Patrick becomes more prominent in the limelight, both his acting and his interactions with his celebrity father have been a topic of discussion among audiences and critics.


Patrick Schwarzenegger's role in The White Lotus Season 3

Patrick Schwarzenegger plays Saxon Ratliff, the oldest of the Ratliff clan, who is visiting the White Lotus resort in Thailand. Saxon is shown to be a boastful, self-absorbed young man employed by his dad's business. His role is particularly provocative, as he is a fresh "comically repulsive figure" for the series lineup.

Patrick Schwarzenegger at "The Phoenician Scheme" Red Carpet - The 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty
Patrick Schwarzenegger at "The Phoenician Scheme" Red Carpet - The 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty

The Ratliff family, who are from North Carolina, gives a perspective from which the series investigates cultural conflict, class, and social status. Patrick's performance in Saxon was remarkable for how much it was willing to take the show's signature unease on board. Saxon's storyline is about defying family dynamics and boundaries, which become the focus as the season continues.


Arnold Schwarzenegger's reaction to the nude scene

Arnold Schwarzenegger went to the premiere of The White Lotus Season 3 and made jokes and proud remarks about his son's nude scene afterwards. As reported by MovieWeb, Arnold shared on Instagram regarding the experience, saying,

"I could say I'm surprised to discover that he has a nude scene, but what can I say—the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

This line cites Arnold's nude entrance in The Terminator, equating the acting decisions of father and son.

Arnold's response highlights the realities that actors' families have to endure, particularly when confronted with titillating content. He defended Patrick's decisions and acting, demonstrating a grasp of the demands of the job and the public nature of such a scene.


The impact and reception of Patrick's performance

Patrick Schwarzenegger's acting in The White Lotus Season 3 has garnered much attention from audiences and critics alike. The season itself has been much-hyped and well-received, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 93% on release, making it one of the highest-rated seasons of the show.

Patrick's portrayal of Saxon has generated debate as a result of his objectionable behavior and the depth of emotion that is uncovered as the narrative unravels.

Creator Mike White is a master of creating layered characters and narrative arcs that push audiences. Patrick has discussed developing his character, saying Saxon is a figure he's not particularly liked at the start but becomes more multi-dimensional throughout the season.

Adding a nude scene to a show is also in line with the show's brand of being realistic and introducing shock value, which further reflects Patrick's dedication to the part.


The White Lotus Season 3 is available on Max.

Edited by Ishita Banerjee