Sam Rockwell Joins “The White Lotus” Season 3 for a Surprising On-Screen Reunion
Sam Rockwell makes a surprise appearance in HBO’s “The White Lotus” Season 3, reuniting on-screen with longtime friend Walton Goggins in Thailand.
Rockwell, 56, plays Frank, a mysterious old friend of Rick Hatchett (Goggins) who becomes a key figure in Rick’s quest for vengeance. His entrance marks the second major surprise of the season, following Jon Gries’ return as Greg in Episode 1.
A Reunion Marked by Tension and Transformation
While much of Sunday’s episode is filled with the show’s signature debauchery, Frank and Rick’s meeting in a high-end Bangkok hotel offers a stark contrast. Frank, now 10 months sober, sips chamomile tea as he hands over a gun—presumably for Rick’s plan to confront Jim Hollinger, co-owner of the White Lotus resort.
Rick, convinced that Jim murdered his father before he was born (despite the absence of a body), has traveled to Thailand with his girlfriend Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) seeking justice. But Frank’s presence hints at a deeper, more personal backstory between the two men.
Rockwell’s “White Lotus” Connections Run Deep
Rockwell’s casting brings several interesting connections to the series. The “Iron Man 2” actor is the longtime partner of Leslie Bibb, who stars as Kate in another storyline this season. Goggins previously teased Rockwell’s secret appearance on Instagram during the May 2024 Thailand shoot, sharing a photo with Rockwell and Pedro Pascal (who has not yet appeared in “White Lotus”).
“Even paradise can get lonely,” Goggins wrote in the post. “Gatdamn I miss you all!…and these two. I miss and love you boys so much.”
Goggins and Rockwell, who co-starred in 2011’s “Cowboys & Aliens,” share an off-screen bond that added emotional weight to their scenes. Goggins described their collaboration as both exciting and nerve-wracking:
“Sam is one of my best friends, and he’s also one of my heroes. It was riddled with anxiety because we know each other so well, and I certainly didn’t want to let him down.”
Exploring Mystery, Excess, and Identity
The episode hints at a deep, complicated history between Rick and Frank. While Rick remains locked in his past trauma, Frank appears to be on a path of self-discovery, having left behind a life of excess in Thailand.
Goggins teases that more about their history will unfold: “Viewers still don’t know the full story between Rick and Frank, but it says a lot about excess and how one lives one’s life.”
The intrigue continues in next week’s episode as Rick convinces Frank to assist in his revenge plan—assuring him he won’t actually use the gun. For Goggins, getting to share the screen with Rockwell again was a highlight of the season.
“There’s not a better person I could have gone through it with than Sam,” Goggins says. “I’m just so grateful for that time together with my buddy.”