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It has been revealed that the scene in The White Lotus featuring cameos from two Survivor alumni included more content than what ultimately aired on screen.
The popular HBO series, created by Mike White, a former contestant of Survivor: David vs. Goliath, has featured various cameo appearances from previous Survivor contestants. After Alec Merlino and Angelina Keeley appeared in earlier seasons, Natalie Cole and Carl Boudreaux recently joined for the third season. This collaboration sparked curiosity about how it all came together.
Boudreaux recounted the day last year when both he and Cole received a group text message from White. “Initially, I thought he was joking because that’s just typical Mike,” Boudreaux shared with Gold Derby. “Once I realized he was serious, I immediately agreed to be part of the show.”
Cole added context to their conversation, stating that midway through Season 2, she had congratulated White on his achievements, which led him to suggest that she consider participating in a potential Season 3. After some initial hesitance, primarily due to her concerns about the show’s themes, it was her son who encouraged her to accept White’s invitation.
In the premiere of Season 3, viewers see Natasha Rothwell‘s character, Belinda, having a moment with Cole and Boudreaux, who are being escorted to their table. Belinda later excitedly shares her observation with her son, noting the rarity of seeing two Black guests at the resort.
However, Boudreaux disclosed that their scene had originally included much more dialogue. “We actually had lines that we rehearsed and filmed,” he revealed. “Sadly, they did not air, and we’re not sure why. Regardless, it was thrilling to be a part of it.” Cole lamented, “We had about a dozen lines, and it’s disappointing that they were cut. Our interaction was meant to be quite snobby, as I portrayed my character as dismissive of Belinda’s enthusiasm about the resort.”
Boudreaux added depth to the scene, reflecting on the dynamics of their characters. “When Natasha got to interact with us, she realized we weren’t the welcoming guests she expected.” Their characters were not given specific names in the script and were simply referred to as “Natalie” and “Carl.”
Although Boudreaux found himself feeling apprehensive about filming, Cole was quite at ease, attributing her comfort to her experience as a commissioner for the city of Los Angeles. Their filming occurred predominantly at night to avoid the intense daytime heat of Thailand, which, although humid, was manageable due to their adjusted schedule.
Despite the challenges of filming, both actors enjoyed spending time with the rest of the The White Lotus cast during breaks. “After filming, we would often unwind at the bar and enjoy good conversations,” said Boudreaux. “The cast made us feel valued and welcomed, which was refreshing.”
Both Cole and Boudreaux expressed their eagerness to return to The White Lotus if the opportunity arose. Cole praised Mike White for his creative genius, noting, “Being around him is infectious; his laughter draws you in. Watching him direct was an inspiring experience.” The duo reflects fondly on their time on set and the camaraderie they developed with the cast members.
In a reflective moment, Cole recounted her infamous exit from Survivor, where she felt manipulated by other contestants. She noted that despite the tensions from her previous experience, White’s invitation to participate in his show symbolized a reconciliation of sorts, especially after a tumultuous run on the reality series.
Looking ahead, both Cole and Boudreaux are open to the possibility of returning to Survivor for its upcoming 50th season, teasing that they would both consider it if approached. “If they called, I’d definitely think about it,” Cole stated emphatically, while Boudreaux expressed his enthusiasm for the idea.
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