‘The White Lotus’ Death: The Emotional Final Word Left on the Cutting Room Floor
In a TV show known for its cryptic symbolism and layered storytelling, The White Lotus nearly ended its season 3 finale with one final word that didn’t make the cut—but might have deepened the mystery even more.
[Warning: The White Lotus Season 3 finale spoilers ahead]
Jim Hollinger’s death almost included a final message in Thai
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Scott Glen (the actor behind Jim Hollinger) revealed that in one take of his death scene, he uttered a single word before slipping away: “Buakaw.”
“In Thailand, the main symbol of Thai Buddhism is the lotus, and there are three. There’s the Blue Lotus, which is wisdom and intelligence. There’s the Red Lotus, which is love and compassion. But the rarest is the White Lotus, which is spiritual perfection,” Glenn said. The actor suggested it’s also why Hollinger named his hotel The White Lotus.
“Buakaw” means “White Lotus” in Thai and is also the name of a legendary Muay Thai fighter, Buakaw Banchamek, known as one of the greatest knockout artists in the sport. “He’s just coming to the end of his career,” the actor explained. “He gave himself this name 15 years ago, way before there was ever such a thing as a White Lotus TV show.”
Glenn’s journey through the season was filled with quiet introspection and cultural immersion, particularly in Thailand where the season was set. As part of his character preparation, the actor delved into Thai martial arts, including Muay Boran—the traditional, no-rules predecessor to Muay Thai. It was in that immersive process that he encountered the story and spirit of Buakaw.
“I started doing it to get a rhythm of the character,” the actor said, citing advice from Marlon Brando about how every country has its own rhythm.
Jim’s final words weren’t meant for Rick
Interestingly, the word wasn’t meant for Rick, his son and the character responsible for Jim’s final moments. “It was kind of to Sritala. But it was more just to myself: the realization that I’ve been shot, I’m dying,” he said. “In my mind, part of Jim coming to Thailand had to mean he accepted Thai Buddhism.”
Though the line was ultimately left on the cutting room floor, it offers a glimpse into the spiritual undertones and deeper narrative threads woven into The White Lotus Season 3. In a season where death is often portrayed not as an end, but a “happy return,” the word Buakaw might have been a poetic farewell.
Maybe it didn’t need to be said aloud. But fans of the show now have one more haunting layer to ponder.
