Theo James was thrilled when he found out he was nominated for his first Emmy for his role as Cameron in HBO’s The White Lotus. As he sat in a London park, he hadn’t yet had a chance to speak with his co-stars, many of whom were also nominated. The White Lotus received a total of 23 nominations during the announcement on July 12.
After the phone call with THR, James planned to reach out to his co-stars and then enjoy a drink to celebrate. He hadn’t decided which alcoholic beverage he would choose. Following his celebration, his next plan was to read the book Room on the Broom to his daughter. A drink and a children’s story seemed like the perfect way to unwind after the exciting news.
In The White Lotus, James portrays Cameron, a chaotic finance bro. He and Meghann Fahy’s character, Daphne, form a beautiful yet toxic couple. They have a corrupting influence on Will Sharpe and Aubrey Plaza’s characters, who are more miserable and measured. Playing Cameron required James to find a way to like this horrible person.
When asked about his reaction to the nomination, James expressed his excitement. He mentioned receiving a call from Mike White, the creator of The White Lotus, who was congratulating everyone. James acknowledged that the nomination was largely due to White’s exceptional writing and talent. He was genuinely happy for his fellow cast members and the recognition they received.
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During the interview, James referred to Mike White as “Mikey Boy.” This playful nickname showcased the camaraderie and connection between the cast and crew of The White Lotus.
Playing Cameron was a journey for James. He explained that he needed to find elements of Cameron within himself that he could enjoy and like. Even though the character was abhorrent, James had to connect with him on some level to convincingly portray him. As he watched the show, he was reminded of Cameron’s true nature, but he still found himself appreciating his charm and how he seemed to love the people around him. However, James also recognized the sociopathic tendencies in Cameron, as he delighted in disrupting the lives of those around him.
Finding the balance between liking such a deplorable character was a challenge. James approached it by seeing Cameron as both a child and an animal. He viewed him symbolically as a child who only thought about himself, full of energy, hope, and brightness. On the other hand, James saw Cameron as an animal succumbing to his most basic instincts. This interpretation aligned with Mike White’s thesis on the human nature of even the most privileged individuals.
One of the most challenging scenes for James was when Ethan, portrayed by Will Sharpe, confronts Cameron about his actions. Cameron didn’t respond with outright denial or rationalization, which is what one might expect. Instead, Cameron elusively gaslights Ethan, forcing James to find a way to react within that context.
The White Lotus has had a significant impact on James’ career and people’s perceptions of him. It allowed him to play comedy, a genre he hadn’t explored in years. While the show isn’t broad comedy, James found freedom in Mike White’s writing and the performances of his talented co-stars.
James also discussed the importance of the show’s themes and its relevance to society. He applauded White for creating an iconic and complex story that explores psychosexual dynamics, wealth disparities, and human nature. The show provides a satirical lens through which to examine the absurdity of extreme wealth and its impact on society.
When asked if he would return for another season if Mike White asked him, James enthusiastically affirmed that he would do anything, even clean the toilets. He clearly values the experience and collaboration on The White Lotus and would readily participate in future seasons.
Reflecting on his time in Italy during the production of The White Lotus, James fondly recalled the celebration of Sabrina Impacciatore’s birthday. The beachside event was both sublime and extravagant, blurring the line between the show and reality. It exemplified the spirit of The White Lotus, with many impromptu speeches and a parallelism between the characters and the actors.
This interview took place before the SAG-AFTRA strike, which began on July 14. It offers a glimpse into James’ experience and perspective before this industry-wide event.
This content was originally published in an August stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, readers can subscribe by clicking the provided link.
