Jason Isaacs Admits He Underestimated Schwarzenegger Before White Lotus
Here’s a juicy morsel for your cynical palate: Jason Isaacs confessed he went into The White Lotus season two expecting patrimony over performance from Patrick Schwarzenegger. In an eye-rolling SiriusXM interview (via People), Isaacs quipped that hearing “he’s the son of a famous movie star” had him braced for a pampered prima donna, not a working-actor. Cue the smirk—Arnold Schwarzenegger’s boy defied every stereotype. Isaacs revealed he first pegged Patrick as “just another trust-fund kid,” only to watch him nail complex scenes with “precision, kindness, and genuine curiosity” on day one. Entertainment Weekly corroborates that the pair bonded over late-night script dissections and mutual disdain for superficial stardom.
According to Variety, Isaacs couldn’t stop gushing once Patrick proved himself a “total pro,” noting how rare it is to find “that level of dedication from anyone—let alone someone with an A-list surname.” The veteran actor admitted he’d mentally checked out—until Schwarzenegger casually delivered a scene-stealing monologue in one take. Suddenly, nepotism chatter fell flat. That’s when Isaacs called Patrick “one of the most grounded people” he’s worked with, a faint praise so begrudging it reads like first-class sarcasm. Yet, the compliment sticks.
Social media erupted as fans dissected the revelation: was Isaacs throwing shade at Hollywood dynasties or simply eating crow? The Scotsman recalls Isaacs’ cheeky grin while recounting how he offered Schwarzenegger a coffee on set, then promptly apologized for underestimating him. It’s a classic Hollywood morality play—boy wonders if he belongs, man proves him spectacularly wrong. CBC News points out that Isaacs’ mea culpa isn’t just humble-brag fodder; it’s also a teachable moment about judging talent before you’ve seen the work.
Of course, cynics will say it’s all part of the PR treadmill as White Lotus campaigns ramp up. But Isaacs stands by his roast-turned-respect tour: “He surprised me, and I’m here to admit it.” This is the same Isaacs who boasted about playing Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter, so credit where it’s due—Patrick Schwarzenegger earned it. Stay tuned to see if this newfound bromance bleeds into more on-screen magic or if it’s just another Hollywood fling. And that’s today’s dose of Hollywood humility. You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, The Scotsman, CBC News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
