Lisa from BLACKPINK has made waves with her acting debut in The White Lotus Season 3, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about characters in the critically acclaimed series. Her performance, which has drawn praise from both fans and critics, showcases her acting talent, delivery of compelling dialogue, and even a touch of her dance skills. BLINKs, BLACKPINK’s devoted fanbase, couldn’t be more proud as Lisa proves that even a smaller role can leave a lasting impression. It seems like she was born to portray Mook in the series, but surprisingly, it took some convincing for director Mike White to cast her.
During an interactive session with The Hollywood Reporter, Mike White, producer David Bernad, and the cast discussed the casting process, and Mike White shared his initial reluctance to cast Lisa. He confessed that before The White Lotus, he wasn’t familiar with Lisa or her band, BLACKPINK. He only knew of Jennie Kim’s involvement in The Idol, and that made him hesitant, as he didn’t want to repeat the same move. “All I knew was that there was a BLACKPINK girl (Jennie Kim) in The Idol, and I was like, ‘We’re not doing that,’” he admitted.
Initially, White was unsure about casting Lisa, believing that she was more than just a pop star, a perception he didn’t fully grasp at first. While he acknowledged that Lisa’s audition was stellar—natural, charming, and effortless—he hesitated at the idea of bringing such attention to the show. “I’m just used to not having so much attention; we don’t need it,” White explained. However, he eventually decided to cast her, partly out of respect for Lisa’s status in Thailand. He likened her influence to that of Taylor Swift or Princess Diana, noting that she was a cultural icon in her home country.
Producer David Bernad shed light on the casting process, explaining that Lisa had been invited to Phuket for an audition alongside another talented actress from Bangkok. Despite the competition, Lisa stood out with her humility and determination. “Lisa was so humble, and she’d worked so hard on her performance. This was someone fighting for this part,” Bernad recalled.
Lisa, on the other hand, revealed that she had gone above and beyond to prepare for the role. She took acting classes before the audition to build her confidence, and her nerves led her to bring her mother along for emotional support. “Before I flew to Thailand, I did some acting lessons. I was so nervous. I brought my mom,” she shared. This opportunity came at a perfect time for Lisa, as she was seeking a break from group activities and saw The White Lotus as her chance to dive into acting.
