We’re nonetheless like six months away from the premiere of Survivor 50, however that hasn’t stopped followers from getting their hypothesis on. The second the solid was introduced, individuals began doing deep dives into the private relationships of the returning gamers, and after the tribe assignments leaked, the wild guesses about the way it’ll all play out actually kicked in. I’ve seen theories about each single castaway at one level or one other, however there’s maybe nobody that’s been speculated about greater than Mike White.
In most likely the largest shock casting of Survivor 50, host Jeff Probst introduced the creator of The White Lotus could be returning to play for the second time. Generally, followers have been tremendous stoked concerning the acclaimed author heading again to Fiji, given how properly he performed the primary time, however predictions about how precisely he’ll do have been everywhere in the board.
Some followers really feel he’s going to be a straightforward goal for an early boot, given he’s a rich movie star with a excessive profile profession. Others, nonetheless, assume he’s going to have a for much longer run, given how robust he’s confirmed previously at forming shut social relationships together with his tribemates. Actually, there are even theories going round that his historical past of giving Survivor castaways he’s near walk-on roles in The White Lotus will probably assist him stick round.
In the event you’re questioning how mainstream these theories have gotten, Probst was really requested concerning the cameos throughout a current interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He clearly wouldn’t touch upon whether or not they got here up throughout Survivor 50, which lately concluded filming, however he did say he was broadly supportive of the cameos usually, of which there have been a number of. Right here’s a portion of his quote…
I actually love the cameos and the way he makes use of individuals. And I believe that, too, speaks to Mike as an individual. He’s in a position to be one of many Hollywood elite, by way of present creators, however he’s additionally in a position to do the present with people who find themselves not from Hollywood, after which invite them into his world and say, ‘Why don’t you come expertise what it’s wish to be on the set of White Lotus for a day?’
There’s a minority of followers who assume the potential cameos could also be an unfair affect on his tribemates, however I have a tendency to take a look at it like this. Everybody involves Survivor with sure abilities and sure issues they’ll provide the tribe. Some persons are large threats. Some persons are in a position to slide beneath the radar. Some individuals can fish. Some persons are good conversationalists. The record goes on. It’s important to use no matter you possibly can that can assist you advance. Mike has an enormous goal on his again due to his movie star; so, if his historical past of giving out cameos to his pals helps mitigate that, that’s truthful play in my ebook.
After all, not everyone seems to be so excited about a cameo although. Lots of White’s former tribemates have jumped on the likelihood to seem on The White Lotus, however one notable omission has been Jeff Probst. The longtime face of Survivor hasn’t appeared, and if he’s to be believed, that’s not going to occur. He was requested about cameoing throughout the identical interview, and he poured chilly water throughout it.
No, Mike ought to by no means put me on White Lotus.
I believe he might work out a approach to work Probst in, however I do assume it could be much more sophisticated, given he’s much more recognizable than your common Survivor participant. Even non-fans would doubtless say, “isn’t that the Survivor man?” in a approach that hasn’t occurred with Angelina or any of the opposite random participant cameos.
Survivor 50 is scheduled to premiere on CBS in early 2026. The solid will embody 24 returning gamers together with White. Followers had been initially very vocal about a number of the casting decisions and the alleged format of the season, however that frustration has largely subsided and was straight pleasure. Personally, I can’t wait to see White and everybody else again on the market, and in a really perfect world, I can’t wait to see at the very least just a few of the individuals present up on White Lotus. Fingers crossed for Coach and Cirie.