Kiwi comedian Guy Montgomery recently revealed an unexpected and humorous tribute to actor Patrick Schwarzenegger—by getting a tattoo of the star on his backside. The unusual gesture has piqued the curiosity of fans, particularly in light of Schwarzenegger’s recent role in the HBO hit series The White Lotus, where he plays a pivotal character in one of television’s most talked-about storylines.
The tattoo serves as a cheeky symbol of Montgomery’s growing admiration for Schwarzenegger, who has garnered attention for his role as Saxon Ratliff in the controversial series. The show, known for its bold exploration of complex relationships and moral boundaries, continues to captivate audiences, and Montgomery’s tattoo adds an unexpected personal twist to the ongoing conversation.
The White Lotus’ latest episode, airing on March 24, 2025, brought the relationship between characters Lochlan and Saxon Ratliff into sharp focus. Played by Sam Nivola and Patrick Schwarzenegger, the pair’s evolving dynamic has become the subject of intense scrutiny. The storyline takes a provocative turn, exploring a troubling incestuous bond between the two brothers—a plotline that has sparked both intrigue and criticism from viewers.
Nivola, who plays Lochlan, recently discussed the difficulty of filming these intimate scenes, noting the unique challenge of working with a close friend like Schwarzenegger. In an interview with Variety, Nivola admitted that the scenes were “weird” and “awkward,” explaining that, despite their strong friendship, acting in such an intense and personal situation proved emotionally challenging. “It was very weird kissing Patrick because he’s a really good friend of mine. And, you know, I’m straight, he’s straight,” Nivola shared.
The storyline has been praised for the emotional depth it adds to the show, with episodes five and six exploring the brothers’ complicated relationship in greater detail. Nivola further explained that the emotional stakes were especially high because of the personal connection between him and Schwarzenegger. He added that filming scenes with co-star Charlotte Le Bon (who plays Chloe) was less daunting, saying, “It would have been easier if that was the first time we were meeting. Weirdly, it was easier to do things with Charlotte because there were no stakes.”
Creator Mike White, known for his boundary-pushing storytelling, has faced both praise and controversy for incorporating such a sensitive and polarizing storyline. The show has always aimed to confront societal taboos, and the depiction of complex, sometimes uncomfortable relationships is a hallmark of its success. White’s work continues to spark deep reflections on the nature of human connection.
The controversial scenes weren’t without challenges for the cast. Nivola shared how filming a sex scene on a boat added another layer of stress, revealing, “I get seasick, so that was f***** stressful.” Despite these physical discomforts, Nivola’s commitment to portraying such a challenging dynamic speaks to the authenticity the show is known for.
The episode featuring the controversial storyline drew an impressive 4.2 million viewers, signaling a growing appetite for narrative risks. The intense emotional engagement of the audience underscores the impact of The White Lotus’ storytelling, which raises significant questions about morality and the complexities of familial relationships.
Though the Ratliff brothers were initially introduced in a lighthearted manner, their relationship has taken a darker turn as the show has revealed increasingly troubling layers. From the start, viewers sensed the deep and magnetic bond between Lochlan and Saxon, culminating in an unexpected and controversial kiss that set social media alight. This moment exemplifies the bold narrative choices White has become known for, following in the footsteps of previous seasons that explored similarly complex familial relationships.
With two episodes remaining this season, anticipation continues to build regarding the future of the Ratliff brothers’ storyline. As discussions surrounding the show intensify, viewers remain invested in the drama unfolding onscreen, eager to see where the relationship will go next.
The use of intimacy coordinators on set has been crucial in ensuring actors felt comfortable during sensitive scenes. Nivola expressed his appreciation for their guidance, although he noted the sometimes awkward use of “anatomically correct vocabulary” during rehearsals.
Meanwhile, Montgomery’s tattoo is a testament to the ways fans interact with and respond to popular culture. It highlights the ways in which admiration for public figures can evolve into personal forms of expression, blurring the lines between fandom and identity. In an industry that continues to push boundaries, The White Lotus stands out for its ability to create a dialogue that extends beyond the screen, challenging both societal norms and audience expectations.
As the season draws to a close, fans like Montgomery continue to demonstrate how art and storytelling have the power to foster unexpected connections between individuals and characters. The White Lotus remains a bold and resonant force in television, sparking conversation and reflection with every twist in its complex narrative.
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