The White Lotus’ Star Charlotte Le Bon Dishes on Yacht Scenes and Playing ‘Attention Whore’ Chloe

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☓ WARNING: This narrative reveals key plot points from Episode 4 of Season 3 of “The White Lotus,” currently available on Max.

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Be advised: The following account discloses crucial details about Episode 4 in the third season of “The White Lotus” which can be viewed now on Max.

For Charlotte Le Bon, portraying Chloe in the third season of “The White Lotus” required her to delve into the character’s straightforward and assertive personality. Chloe, the sharp-tongued French Canadian who has been residing in Thailand with her significantly older partner Gary (or Greg, as he is also known by Jon Gries), doesn’t mince words.

Le Bon remarks, ‘She’s truly a character who’s a blast to portray, as I’m quite different from her in real life.’

In episode 4, Chloe invites some key White Lotus guests to board Gary’s yacht. This gathering fosters new interactions among characters from different storylines, such as Chloe, Chelsea (played by Aimee Lou Wood), and the siblings Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). Brief, intriguing meetings between characters like Chloe and Saxon’s mother, Victoria (portrayed by Parker Posey), offer insights into their personalities and behaviors. Additionally, it appears that Chloe is seeking a brief break from her boyfriend, and Gary, who fans will recall as Greg, the potentially dangerous husband of Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge) from earlier seasons, consents unwillingly to this separation.

Chloe’s time aboard the yacht marked the initial shots Le Bon captured, following a swift audition where she submitted a self-tape and boarded a plane within approximately ten days.

Chloe spent her first moments on the boat when Le Bon started filming. She got there quickly after a fast audition process which included sending a video and flying out within 10 days.

Le Bon held a conversation with “EbMaster” via Zoom in Paris, discussing their time aboard a yacht that felt like a sauna, the growing bond between them (the brothers), and his thoughts on the dynamic between Chloe and Gary’s relationship.

What was it like filming on the yacht and establishing a rapport with the rest of the cast?

Initially, my scenes took place on a yacht, causing me to be quite anxious at the start. However, this cast was exceptionally kind and caring, almost to the point of being soft-spoken. It’s not often you feel such camaraderie with others. I genuinely believe I’ve made some genuine friends during that production.

On that yacht, it was unbearably sweltering hot. It was the most intense heat I’ve experienced in my lifetime, no doubt about it – even the locals found it challenging. Leaving our hotel, we journeyed to the port for approximately 35 minutes, and then we hopped onto a speed boat. This was followed by a grueling 40-minute ride on turbulent waters, mimicking the motion of choppy waves. To combat seasickness, we took anti-nausea medication before boarding the vessel.

Since Ben Kutchins, an exceptionally skilled cinematographer, was particular about the background scenery, he continually maneuvered the boat to ensure certain islands were visible as backdrop. This constant turning made for quite a dizzying experience, especially given that it was swelteringly hot at 50 degrees Celsius. However, there was a small, welcome respite inside the boat, with an air conditioner available to help endure the intense heat.

Why does Chloe invite the entire Ratliff family to the yacht?

She’s quite boastful and self-assured, often seeking the limelight. In her interaction with Patrick Schwarzenegger, where she remarked, “I hear you’re a jerk,” it suggests she might possess similar characteristics. She seems to enjoy flaunting her possessions, wealth, and lavish lifestyle, even if it’s not entirely hers. To top it off, she dons extravagant outfits and carries herself as if these grandiose displays are everyday normality.

How was it filming the interaction between Chloe and Victoria? Victoria mocks her afterwards and says, “Miss Congeniality.”

In my experience as a film enthusiast, the first scene I filmed wasn’t initially scripted as “Miss Congeniality.” It was Michael White’s uncanny ability to improvise and draw inspiration from the dynamic interactions on set that made this happen. During our initial take, I was making an effort to be friendly with everyone, including Parker’s character. He suggested, “Could you just pretend not to notice her?” I did as instructed, and he approved. He then requested me to play a slightly rude version of the character towards her. Michael found these subtle shifts in dynamic incredibly entertaining.

There’s a bit of rivalry among the female characters, which is evident in their interactions throughout the season. To me, he seems incredibly intrigued by human behavior, often appearing as if he’s conducting a sociological study.

On the yacht, we see the group of four — Chloe, Chelsea, Saxon and Lochlan — forming. Why is Chloe drawn to hanging out with the brothers?

Since they’re young and appealing, there’s an allure for her. She perceives this as a chance to charm and amuse herself, given their youth and contrast to Gary. As she has mentioned earlier, she’s grown tired of Gary after a year together. Perhaps she believes that they might be less intelligent, allowing her to exert control and potentially take advantage of them, not in the same way as with Chelsea, but more so with the male companions. I strongly feel that there is a genuine friendship between Chloe and Chelsea.

What is Chloe getting out of this new friendship with Chelsea, who has a parallel relationship with her own older boyfriend?

From a film buff’s perspective, there’s an intriguing dynamic between them that seems to stem from their stark contrast. Chelsea, with her delicate sensibilities and tender nature, exudes a certain fragility that resonates deeply within me as she appears to be a young woman of great vulnerability. On the other hand, Chloe has this fortress-like exterior, which I believe masks a similar sensitivity hidden beneath, much like a vulnerable side that Chelsea seems to possess. It’s fascinating to consider that they might be drawn to each other for these very contrasting qualities: Chelsea, captivated by Chloe’s audacity, and Chloe, equally captivated by Chelsea’s delicacy.

There’s an interesting conversation between Chloe and Gary when she asks him if she can take the boat without him and just with the friends. Is Chloe in any way scared of what his reaction might be, or does she know that she’s got him wrapped around her finger?

I believe their relationship has an intricate balance. She seems cautious around him, tiptoeing a bit, yet there’s also a hint of fear that might be exhilarating for her. I sense she enjoys the thrill of fear and taking risks. Pushing boundaries is her thing, and she’s aware that what she’s proposing is quite daring and not at all discreet, but she still pursues it. That’s just how they operate. He’s older and finds it hard to keep up with her. If he were to try to confine her, she would likely go mad and escape. So, the only way to hold onto her might be to give her freedom, which is a beautiful testament of love.

She does say “I love you” to him.

It’s really sincere.

Do you think there’s actual affection there?

Yes, I think there’s definitely affection.

What do you think her motivation is in dating Gary, long term? Does she have an end goal for where she wants the relationship to go?

It seems to me she’s more focused on the present than the future. She appears to lack a clear strategy, which might explain why she sometimes seems uncertain or directionless. This could be due to her not having a well-defined set of goals or aspirations.

Do you think Chloe is aware that people might perceive her to be a sex worker, which Rick (Walton Goggins) suggests in the second episode?

It’s quite possible, but it seems she isn’t particularly invested in the topic at hand; rather, she enjoys being the center of conversation. I believe her indifference is more feigned than genuine. One aspect of her character that appeals to me is her straightforwardness. Later on, there are episodes where she confronts Saxon about his actions, and she doesn’t mince words, which I appreciate. She truly seems unbothered!

Chloe says to Chelsea in the season premiere that the bald white guys in Thailand are LBHs — “losers back home.” How does her awareness of the social dynamics among expats in Thailand help her navigate her life there?

Despite being an expat and often referencing LBHs, there’s a lingering air of superiority about her. It seems like she might believe herself to be somehow above the group, but in reality, she’s clearly one of them.

Chloe mentions in Episode 3 that Gary’s ex-wife committed suicide. Does she suspect something sinister behind his wife’s death? How much does she know about his past?

From my perspective as a movie buff, my buddy Mike and I seem to have differing views on this topic. In his eyes, she’s oblivious to the events that transpired. On the other hand, I was intrigued by the possibility of portraying a character who knew it all, and they were like a secret duo. Even if he didn’t share the truth with her, I suspect she wouldn’t buy his tale. She strikes me as an intelligent girl, so I believe she might not be convinced. However, she seems to enjoy spinning this chilling yarn because it creates intrigue and draws attention.

When Belinda comes up to them at dinner and asks Gary if they met in Hawaii, is Chloe skeptical about Gary’s response?

It seems to me she’s quite doubtful of both individuals. Here’s the point: In one of the scenes, he hardly ever mentions her or his ex-wife. So when this new woman starts discussing Tanya McQuoid, it strikes her as odd. Perhaps her skepticism stems partly from a hint of jealousy – after all, this other woman once shared his life. Moreover, she might be suspicious because he’s never spoken about Hawaii, and now this woman is bringing up the subject, or maybe she knows too much and fears this woman revealing sensitive information.

In the same episode, Gary notices Chloe and Saxon looking at each other at dinner. How does she feel about Gary’s judgment in that moment?

Typically, her usual response is that she’s not interested in other men, regardless of age gaps, and finds joy in her current situation. However, she expresses a lack of interest in young men specifically because they seem dull to her, lacking the intrigue or depth she desires. Yet, if someone observes this pattern, it might suggest the opposite. It could mean she’s being unsubtly dishonest about something or is caught in an act that she shouldn’t be doing.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

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2025-03-10 05:17