[This article contains spoilers from the series finale of The White Lotus, titled “Amor Fati.” ]
Unraveling The White Lotus Finale
The White Lotus continues to be a captivating mix of intrigue and dark humor. As we approached the season three finale on Sunday, all attention was on Greg (Jon Gries) as viewers speculated about his potential involvement in the anticipated mayhem. Surprisingly, his major act was parting with a mere 1% of his wealth—offering Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) a staggering $5 million to ensure her and her son Zion’s (Nicholas Duvernay) silence regarding the dubious death of Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge).
A Twist of Fate for Greg
For fans anticipating retribution, the finale may have been a bitter pill to swallow. Not only did Greg manage to buy silence, but he also seemingly secured a favorable outcome for himself and his girlfriend Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon). Following an unsuccessful attempt by Chloe to persuade Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) into a rather peculiar three-way encounter, a more compatible partner appeared just as the credits rolled.
The Evolution of Greg’s Character
While Greg rarely dominates the dialogue, his character has been intricately woven through all three seasons—first courting Tanya in season one, orchestrating her demise in season two, and navigating through season three’s complexities. Leading up to the finale, Jon Gries engaged in an exclusive discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, shedding light on his character’s transformation and the dynamics between Greg and Chloe, who may be an unexpected but well-suited couple.
“It’s like life! There’s that balance — the dark and the light. I don’t know who’s darker in this one, though.”
Maintaining the Secrecy
Gries opens up about the challenges of keeping his return to the series a secret. He confessed to fabricating a narrative about filming a new European TV show in the Philippines, even providing comedic details to support his story. “I kept saying, ‘They’re from Spain!'” he shared with a laugh, creating an elaborate ruse that soon spiraled out of control, leading him to avoid friends who began to catch on.
Understanding Greg’s Journey
Throughout the series, Greg has emerged as a constant, evolving character, with his journey reflecting a blend of survival instincts and unexpected darkness. Gries revealed that initially, Mike White intended for Greg to be the character found dead in season one; however, this plan changed, marking a shift that has kept viewers guessing about each season’s deadly twist.
“The elephant in the room is always ‘Who’s going to die?'”
Creating Depth in Performance
As Greg’s narrative took a sinister turn in season two, Gries embraced the darker attributes of his character. He elaborated on his process of building Greg’s backstory during off-screen interactions with Mike, ultimately recognizing the psychopath tendencies in his character.
On-Set Dynamics
Despite his character’s moral compass, Gries has become a grounding presence for newer cast members on set. He relates to their apprehensions and provides a supportive environment, allowing everyone to acclimatize to the high expectations of a well-renowned series.
Dynamic Collaborations
Working alongside Natasha Rothwell in this season was a highlight for Gries, citing their onscreen chemistry and the unique awkwardness that defines their interactions. His appreciation for her talent shines through, as he reflects on how their contrasting acting styles create layered and engaging scenes together.
Looking to the Future
As the season wraps, speculation about Greg’s fate and potential return in a fourth season lingers. Gries remains open to the possibilities, acknowledging Mike White’s unpredictable storytelling style that has defined The White Lotus.
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Season two of The White Lotus is currently available for streaming on Max. For more insights, interviews, and comprehensive coverage of season three, visit THR’s dedicated page.