Jason Isaacs, a star of the upcoming third season of HBO’s hit show The White Lotus, has pulled back the curtain on what the ensemble cast earns. In a recent interview, he revealed that every actor, regardless of their fame, is paid just $40,000 per episode. This surprisingly modest figure for a major, Emmy-winning series has sparked conversation about pay equality and the motivations behind joining such a high-profile project.
A ‘Very Low Price’ for Paradise
Speaking with Vulture, Isaacs described the salary as “a very low price” when compared to typical paydays on large-scale television productions. He acknowledged that actors usually avoid discussing their earnings because the figures can seem out of touch with what most people make.
“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 explained.
Despite the lower-than-expected paycheck, the Harry Potter alum was clear that the opportunity was priceless. “We would have paid to be in it,” he stated emphatically, adding, “We probably would have given a body part.” This highlights the immense creative appeal and prestige associated with the series.
The Show’s Equal Pay Policy Explained
Isaacs’ comments align with what the show’s creators have previously stated. The flat pay structure is a deliberate choice designed to build a true ensemble cast where everyone is on equal footing. Producer David Bernad confirmed this philosophy in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
“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.”
Casting director Meredith Tucker added that this approach simplifies the negotiation process. The key principles of their model include:
- A flat, non-negotiable salary for all series regulars.
- Pay is set close to the union-mandated minimum, known as “scale.”
- The goal is to attract talent passionate about the creative work, not the paycheck.
Tucker admitted that this model isn’t for everyone. “Some won’t do it — and honestly, you can’t hold it against people who need to make a living,” she said.
Not About the Money for Isaacs
When asked if he was bothered by being paid the same as younger, less-experienced actors like Patrick Schwarzenegger, Isaacs was unconcerned. “I never work for money,” he said, noting that he has done well over his long career.
However, he offered a candid look into his own finances, admitting they might not be what people expect. “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.”
Even Big Stars Can’t Negotiate
The show’s strict pay policy appears to apply to everyone, no matter their status. Reports surfaced that Oscar-nominated actor Woody Harrelson was interested in a role but attempted to negotiate a higher salary for the part.
Sources claimed Harrelson’s team lobbied all the way up to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, but the show held firm on its equal-pay model. Ultimately, Harrelson did not join the cast, with scheduling conflicts cited as the official reason for his departure.
