Carrie Coon Reveals Her “The White Lotus” Character’s Child Was Originally Nonbinary, But Mike White Cut the Scene After Trump’s Election
In “The White Lotus” Season 3, Carrie Coon stands out as Laurie, a character caught in a toxic trio, navigating complex social and political issues. This season blends personal stories with political themes, particularly around identity and social justice, making it more relevant to today’s world.
“The White Lotus” Season 3
Season 3 isn’t just about luxury and drama; it’s a platform for conversations on societal issues like gender identity and voting behaviors. With the political climate shifting post-Trump’s re-election, the show explores how politics influence personal stories, especially through Laurie’s character.
Carrie Coon On The Cut Scene
Originally, Laurie’s child was written as nonbinary, adding depth to Laurie’s struggles. Coon shared with Harpers Bazzar, “There was a bit more context to her home life,” she began. “You originally found out that her daughter was actually nonbinary, maybe trans and going by they/them. You see Laurie struggling to explain it to her friends, struggling to use they/them pronouns, struggling with the language, which was all interesting. It was only a short scene, but for me, it did make the question [in episode 3] of whether Kate voted for Trump so much more provocative and personally offensive to Laurie, considering who her child is in the world.”
However, this scene was cut due to concerns about backlash in the tense political atmosphere. Coon explained, “But the season was written before the election. And considering the way the Trump administration has weaponized the cultural war against transgender people even more since then, when the time came to cut the episode down, Mike felt that the scene was so small and the topic so big that it wasn’t the right way to engage in that conversation.” Coon noted that with the Trump administration’s hostility towards transgender rights, the topic felt too risky to address briefly.
“The White Lotus” Themes
The show challenges viewers to think about the implications of political choices, like whether Laurie’s friend voted for Trump, especially in the context of her relationship with her child. “The White Lotus” excels at portraying complex, multi-dimensional characters, allowing us to see them as real people with diverse experiences.
By tackling issues like gender identity, the show sparks important cultural conversations about representation and the impact of media. Coon’s insights emphasize the tension between creative freedom and societal pressures, as the removal of sensitive content risks silencing vital discussions.
Despite heavy themes, the show balances humor and satire, keeping the entertainment value high while addressing complex issues. Social media reactions to Laurie’s character show how the series influences public discourse, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own beliefs.
As the show progresses, “The White Lotus” will likely continue exploring the intersection of personal and political narratives, and its ability to engage with these topics ensures its relevance. Through characters like Laurie, the series invites reflection on diverse identities and the importance of empathy in understanding others. “The White Lotus” airs on Sundays on HBO.
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