‘The version we shot was way too much’: The White Lotus’s Theo James reveals his nude scene was toned down

Theo James has weighed in on the furore surrounding his full-frontal scene in The White Lotus

(Picture: Getty Images)

HBO star Theo James has shared details about his full-frontal scene in the new season of The White Lotus.

The dark comedy returned for a second season on Sunday, with just two of the original cast coming back, Jennifer Coolidge and Jon Gries, as well as a slew of new characters taking centre stage.

James plays Cameron Babcock in the new series, which is set at a luxury resort in Sicily. Babcock heads to to the picturesque spot with his wife, Daphne (Meghann Fahy), his college roommate, Ethan (Will Sharpe), and Ethan’s wife, Harper (Aubrey Plaza).

In one memorable scene from the series opener, Babcock, who is described as, “a wildly successful businessman from a wealthy family”, ends up in his college roommate’s room so he can borrow some swimming trunks.

There he decides to strip to his birthday suit in front of Harper, who can’t help but sneak a peek at her husband’s friend in the mirror while in the bathroom with the door open.

The moment left viewers stunned and taking to social media in their droves questioning whether he was wearing prosthetic penis in a risqué scene.

The actor said the initial scene they shot was ‘too much’ (HBO)

In response to the furore, the 37-year-old told Entertainment Tonight that the scene was originally supposed to be even more graphic but failed to comment on whether he was wearing any Hollywood enhancements in it.

Speaking about the jaw-dropping moment, he explained: “The initial version we shot was way too much. So, we did a more subtle version. They toned it [down].”

The British star also hinted that after the awkward interaction between Cameron and Harper all will become clear in future episodes.

James shared: “At first … we don’t know whether [Harper’s decision to look at Cameron] is deliberate or [if] it’s accidental. But it reveals itself.”

He added that, in the fifth episode of the show, audiences will realize “there’s a purpose to it”.

The scene caused a stir on Twitter when it aired, leaving fans at home questioning whether James had used a body double, worn a prosthetic or took part au natural.

One penned at the time: “Ok so I need the truth y’all”.

“Is that really Theo James’ d**k swinging or is it a prosthetic? This is important,” another crudely tweeted.

A third questioned: “Theo James … that HAD to have been a prosthetic right?”