Steve Coogan has explained why Helena Bonham Carter quit The White Lotus shortly after filming started revealing it was a “mutual decision” for the actress to walk away from the show.
Steve Coogan believes Helena Bonham Carter’s exit from The White Lotus was a “mutual decision”.
The Philomena star is part of the line-up for the star-studded season four of Mike White’s hit TV series, but the cast was dealt a major blow when Helena walked away from the shoot after the cameras started rolling – and Coogan has now explained why the actress bowed out.
Speaking to Deadline.com at the BAFTA TV Awards in London, Coogan said: “It just went in a different direction. It was like, sometimes you find that something isn’t working the way you want it to, in terms of, like, the character and the dynamic of the whole story …
“So that was just a mutual decision … The whole part was rewritten from scratch.”
Laura Dern has been drafted in to replace Helena, taking on a new part rather than the character that was created for Helena.
Coogan remains part of the cast and he’s insisted he’s have a great time filming.
He told the outlet: “I think I’ve slotted right in. I’m really enjoying it.”
According to Variety, Helena had been asked by show boss Mike to deliver a “boisterous” performance as a washed out star planning a Hollywood comeback, leading to “creative differences”.
An HBO spokesperson previously said in a statement announcing The Crown star’s departure: “With filming just underway on Season 4 of The White Lotus, it had become apparent that the character which Mike White created for Helena Bonham Carter did not align once on set.
“The role has subsequently been rethought, is being rewritten and will be recast in the coming weeks. HBO, the producers and Mike White are saddened that they won’t get to work with her, but remain ardent fans and very much hope to work with the legendary actress on another project soon.”
It was subsequently announced Laura Dern – with whom Mike has previously worked on TV series Enlightened and the movie Year of the Dog – had joined the cast.
Laura is taking on a role developed specifically for her – but fulfilling a similar position within the story.
The show follows guests and staff at fictional hotel chain called The White Lotus and every series has been set in a different country. The fourth series will take place at a luxury resort in the South of France during the Cannes Film Festival.
Steve Coogan lifts lid on Helena Bonham Carter’s White Lotus drama
