Filmmaker Mike White was well known for projects like “Zombie Land” and “School of Rock” before he joined the cast of “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” in 2018, where he finished the competition as a runner-up. Following his “Survivor” journey, White went on to create the hit comedy-drama series “The White Lotus” for HBO in 2021. Since then, the show has celebrated astronomical streaming success, with White himself pocketing six Primetime Emmy Awards for his work as creator, director and writer.
The widespread success of “The White Lotus” made it even more surprising when CBS announced that White would be returning to compete on the forthcoming “Survivor 50” season, alongside 23 other past “Survivor” castaways, with many believing him to be “too famous” to compete again.
“Survivor” host Jeff Probst previously commented that White’s fame could play a factor in the upcoming season, which boasts series legends like Cirie Fields and Ozzy Lusth, suggesting that castaways will want to stay on White’s good side to potentially land a role on the Emmy-winning series.
CBS/Getty“Don’t think Mike White, who is clever enough to write and direct ‘The White Lotus,’ has not thought about that,” said Probst during the live cast reveal for the landmark season. “I’m sure it’s gone through his head too.”
“The White Lotus” has formerly featured cameos from “Survivor” alums, including White’s “David vs. Goliath” tribemates Alec Merlino, Angelina Keeley, Natalie Cole, Carl Bordreaux, Christian Hubicki and Kara Kay.
Now, even “Survivor” alum who have never competed with White are vying for a spot on the show, including legendary castaway Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano.
Boston Rob Says He’d Join ‘White Lotus’ in ‘A Heartbeat’
Despite also appearing on series like “The Traitors” and “Deal of No Deal Island,” Boston Rob will always be known as the first-ever “Survivor” castaway to play the game five times. As a result, Mariano currently holds the record for most-days-played on “Survivor” at 152.
Many thought Mariano’s legendary status would secure him a spot on the cast of “Survivor 50,” though the “Redemption Island” winner previously revealed that he had turned down the offer, telling fans, “I wanted my spot to go to someone else that deserved another chance.”
CBS/GettyIn an interview with ET, Mariano opened up about his thoughts on the official cast, who are currently in the middle of filming “Survivor 50” in Fiji. In particular, Boston Rob shared his thoughts on White returning to the series, calling the move “smart casting.”
“Obviously, ‘White Lotus’ is on everybody’s mind right now. And from a strategy point of view, who’s going to want to vote [White] out?” said Mariano. “Everybody’s going to be wanting a cameo in the next ‘White Lotus,’ so, if I were him, I’d be dangling that up there.”
As to whether Boston Rob himself would ever consider checking in at “The White Lotus,” the star said “In a heart beat.”
“Just call me, Mike,” Mariano added.
Boston Rob on Turning Down ‘Survivor 50’: I Feel so Fulfilled‘
Speaking with ET on why he’d chosen to turn down a spot on “Survivor 50,” Boston Rob revealed that “early on, when we were discussing the season, Jeff called me and asked me if I wanted to be a part of it, but truly, I feel so fulfilled and my journey’s complete.”
CBS/GettyThe message echoed Mariano’s first response to fan outrage that he hadn’t been cast for “Survivor 50.” Shortly after the official cast announcement on May 28, Mariano took to social media to respond to fans questioning why he wasn’t returning for the anniversary season.
“I just feel like I have played so many times and I am truly fulfilled with my ‘Survivor’ journey. I wanted my spot to go to someone else that deserved another chance!” said Mariano in a statement, telling fans, “Don’t be mad.”
He added: “I’ve gotten so much out of ‘Survivor.’ It will always be a part of who I am! I’m eternally grateful. Like I said…It’s gonna be OK. I feel like something good is coming!!!”
“Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” is set to make its CBS debut in early 2026, featuring two contestants for “Survivor 49,” which will begin airing on Wednesday nights at 8:00pm ET this September.
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‘Survivor’ Star Says He’s Ready to Check into ‘The White Lotus’