Walton Goggins was actually bitten by a snake while filmingThe White Lotusseason 3. During last week’s episode of Mike White’s hit anthology series, Rick (Goggins) seemingly suffers from drug-induced hysteria and starts opening cages at a snake show in an attempt to free the reptilian creatures. In the chaos, one of the snakes bites his much younger girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood). Rick has been a particularly enigmatic addition to the Emmy-winning series' latest group of wealthy guests, withWhite Lotusseason 3, episode 3only raising more questions about his tortured past.
OnJimmy Kimmel Live,Goggins shared how he was bitten after filming the intense snake scene forThe White Lotus. For the latest episode, theRighteous Gemstonesactor had to put aside his real-life fear of the reptiles to interact closely with them on set. While attempting to handle one of the snakes, it unexpectedly bit him. Read what he had to say below:
I had the snake handler right off camera because when I picked up the snake for the very first time, I started crying. Like uncontrollably. And then, right when we’re getting ready to do that very first scene… they kind of walked you through the entire experience, they’re walking around the cages, and they’re like, ‘Don’t touch this cage because this snake will kill you. This cage here, there’s some snakes in here, but don’t touch the brown ones.’
All I’m thinking about is the very first cage where the snake will kill you, and the rest of it just goes out of my mind. Then, they yell ‘Action.’ And it’s like, ‘Don’t open the first one because they’ll kill you. Was it green or was it brown? Which one has a big, big bite?’
I started to pull the green one and as I was pulling the snake out he didn’t want to come, right? So,the snake turns around and he bit me.
I wish I could’ve been cool, like I fancy myself a pretty cool guy. Like, ‘Hey, yeah, I got a snakebite.’ This was my reaction: I swear to God, it was like,‘Oh my God, I’ve been bit by a snake! Oh my God!’
[The next day] I get a phone call from the producer saying, ‘Hey, you know what? We’ve been thinking about it and we’re thinking maybe you should go to the hospital.’ I said, ‘For what?You said the snake was nonvenomous, right? Am I dying a slow death?Is there something you know I don’t know? So I did go to the hospital, and I got a [tetanus] shot.
What Rick’s Real-Life Snake Bite In White Lotus Means
The Series Is Becoming Too Real
The White Lotusseason 3, episode 3 seesRick recklessly freeing venomous snakesat a cobra show, which the character insists was caused by the weed he smoked just before the whole ordeal. However, Goggins believes the moment carries deeper meaning. In the same interview, he explained,“He was releasing these snakes because he wants someone to release him from his pain.“Unfortunately, Goggins’ reflection on this thematic parallel was abruptly interrupted when he experienced a real-life snake bite on set.
Chelsea’s Bad Omens In The White Lotus Season 3 Have To Be A Red Herring, Right?
Chelsea is currently undergoing a series of unfortunate events in The White Lotus season 3, but they almost have to be a collection of red herrings.
Throughout the season, Rick has been one of the most unpredictable characters—a reluctant, self-absorbed man seemingly forced into an extravagant Thai vacation by his girlfriend. However, as his wellness sessions continue,it becomes increasingly clear that Rick feels trapped—whether by his unresolved trauma,his obsessive search for Jim, the hotel owner’s missing husband, or his complicated relationship with Chelsea. The act of freeing the snakes serves as a symbolic representation of Rick’s internal struggle as he desperately grasps for a moment of liberation.
Our Take On Goggins’ Snake Bite
A Darkly Ironic Twist To Rick’s Internal Fight
With the newest arrival of wealthy guests wreaking havoc on the Thai resort and each other’s lives, Goggins’ real-life snake bite perfectly matches the chaotic energy ofThe White Lotusseason 3.It’s hilariously ironic that Goggins himself was actually bittenfor a scene meant to symbolize Rick’s internal struggles, only adding to the bizarre and otherwordly nature of the show.The White Lotusthrives on unpredictability, and Goggins’ real-life ordeal is just another wild layer in a season full of unexpected twists and darkly comedic moments.
