Composer of ‘White Lotus’ Exits Fourth Season Due to Creative Differences

Composer Departure from White Lotus

The composer for HBO’s hit series White Lotus has confirmed that he will not return for the fourth season—discover the reasons behind this decision below.

Conflict with the Show’s Creator

Chilean composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer is known for his remarkable works, contributing to films like Baby and the Smile franchise. However, he gained significant recognition for his music in the acclaimed HBO series White Lotus.

Fans adored the song “Aloha!” from the first season, as well as the reimagined “Renaissance” theme for the second season. So, when the third season premiered with an entirely new theme song, viewers expressed their displeasure—check out their reactions here.

In a recent conversation with the New York Times, de Veer revealed that he is stepping away from the series due to ongoing tensions with its creator and director, Mike White, dating back to the show’s debut in 2021.

Reflecting on their initial conversations for the first season’s theme, de Veer mentioned that his style was not a fit, as his compositions are typically “super dark and sharp” because of his background in horror and thriller genres. White, on the other hand, desired a different direction.

De Veer explained that White envisioned music reminiscent of an Ibiza club atmosphere—something that lacked depth and character association, simply serving as good background music.

Despite this, de Veer fought to integrate his artistic vision into the show, enduring pressure and chaos. For the second season, he adapted his song to fit an Italian vibe, which resonated well with the audience.

However, as work began on the third season, de Veer felt a lack of direction and while he developed a new theme, it ultimately omitted key elements from previous music, leading to fan outrage.

De Veer shared: “When the news broke, TMZ and people from England and France contacted me for a statement about the theme change. The audience was furious, and I found it fascinating.

“I reached out to the producer, suggesting it would be beneficial to provide a longer version with Ooh-Loo-Loos for the fans—he agreed, but Mike ultimately rejected it.”

De Veer concluded that White’s decision seemed final, leading him to release an extended version on YouTube. Now, he observes that audiences are warming to the new theme for the third season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-xtyfajqeu

Reflecting on his exit from White Lotus, de Veer told the New York Times: “I watched the Emmys, and I feel proud knowing I never backed down. Maybe I was unprofessional in my approach, and perhaps Mike sees me that way because I didn’t deliver exactly what he wanted, but the music I created is being celebrated, as seen by those Emmy nominations.

“Many fans initially complained that the music was too intense for character development, causing stress. Nonetheless, I embrace those creative risks.

The third season of White Lotus earned a four-star review from NME, with Nika Levin stating: “The subtle sweetness definitely helps balance the overarching bitterness. Throughout the season, the sinister layers of White’s conspiracies lead to surreal, shocking, and genuinely humorous moments.

“Few can craft a scene where one character pretends not to remember another as elegantly as White does. While Tanya may be gone, this transgressive soap opera remains unique and utterly captivating.”