Woody Harrelson has revealed he turned down a role on The White Lotus after the staff salaries were revealed.

The actor, 63, was considered to play the role of both Sam Rockwell’s character Frank and Rick, who is played by Walton Goggins.

It was previously claimed that Woody wanted to negotiate the salary, despite all the actors being paid the same, and eventually dropped out of the project.

However, he has now set the record straight, revealing that it was never about the money. 

In a statement to The Daily Beast, he explained: ‘I was set to do The White Lotus and very excited. 

‘Unfortunately, their production schedule shifted, and conflicted with a pre-planned family vacation, forcing me to make an extremely hard decision.’ 

Woody Harrelson has discussed why he turned down a role on The White Lotus on Friday after staff salaries were revealed (pictured in January 2024)

Sources told THR earlier this week that the all-star cast was originally set to include Woody as he was considered to play the role of Rick, which is currently played by Walton (pictured)

‘Things must be meant to be though because I couldn’t have done as fantastic a job as Sam, who is killing it,’ he added.

His representatives added that when Woody was no longer available, producers were forced to recast Sam as Frank.

Earlier this week, one of the hit show’s producers disclosed how much each actor — including top starsLeslie Bibb, Walton and Patrick Schwarzenegger — was paid for the show.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, producer David Bernad also revealed how much each episode cost to produce for HBO.

He said: ‘Everyone is treated the same on The White Lotus.

‘They get paid the same, and we do alphabetical billing, so you’re getting people who want to do the project for the right reasons, not to quote The Bachelor.’

David also claimed that this system has been in place since the first season, which was led by Jennifer Coolidge and John Gries. 

Another casting choice for season three who was ultimately replaced was Francesa Corney, who was on set for several weeks and was originally casted for the role of Chloe. 

He was also considered to play the role of both Sam Rockwell’s character Frank (pictured) but has revealed he had to drop out when the production schedule shifted

Woody said: ‘Things must be meant to be though because I couldn’t have done as fantastic a job as Sam, who is killing it’ (pictured in February 2023)

The third season of the satirical comedy-drama anthology from creator Mike White premiered on HBO on February 16.

Set in a White Lotus resort in Thailand, the story follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week, per the synopsis.

The all-star cast includes Carrie Coon, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs among many more.

Fellow actors starring in season three also include Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Lek Patravadi, Aimee Lou Wood, Tayme Thapthimthong, Scott Glen and Jon Gries.

The finale is set for release on the streamer this week on April 6.