Why Did BLACKPINK’s Lisa Get So Little Screen Time in The White Lotus Season 3?

BLACKPINK’s Lisa stepped into the acting world with her debut role in HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3, but fans are buzzing with disappointment. Despite high expectations, her character, Mook, had limited screen time, sparking debates about whether her talent was underused. Here’s everything you need to know about Lisa’s role, the fan reactions, and the controversy surrounding her acting debut.

Lisa’s Big Break in The White Lotus

The White Lotus is a popular HBO series known for its dark comedy and drama set in luxurious resorts. Season 3, filmed in Thailand, premiered on February 16, 2025, and featured a star-studded cast, including Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Carrie Coon, and Natasha Rothwell. Lisa, credited as Lalisa Manobal, played Mook, a resort employee who greets guests and works as a health mentor at the fictional White Lotus resort in Thailand.

Lisa’s casting was announced in February 2024, creating massive excitement among her fans, known as Blinks and Lilies. As a global K-pop star with 105 million Instagram followers and a member of BLACKPINK, one of the world’s biggest girl groups, her acting debut was a major milestone. She auditioned for the role, taking acting lessons and flying to Thailand to meet the show’s creator, Mike White. In an interview, Lisa shared her excitement:

I’m a huge fan of The White Lotus, and I got this opportunity to play Mook. I’d never acted before, but I’m just going to try and give it a shot.

Lisa described Mook as a character similar to herself but “flirtier and lady-like,” contrasting her real-life tomboy personality. She spoke both English and Thai in the role, proudly representing her Thai culture. A teaser released on November 10, 2024, showed her welcoming guests with a warm smile, saying:

Welcome to the White Lotus in Thailand, ka.

Fans expected Mook to have a significant role, especially since the season was set in Lisa’s home country. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that her character was not a central part of the story.

A Role That Fell Short

Despite the buzz, Mook remained a supporting character with minimal screen time across the eight episodes of Season 3. Her scenes mostly involved brief interactions with guests or a romantic subplot with Gaitok, a security guard played by Tayme Thapthimthong. The storyline between Mook and Gaitok was described as “sweet” and a “breath of fresh air” compared to the show’s darker plots, but it didn’t get much focus. Lisa herself noted:

I think they’re going to love our storyline because it’s just so sweet. It’s like a break from the [other storylines].

The season finale, which aired on April 6, 2025, drew a record 6.2 million viewers, the highest in the series’ history. Yet, fans noticed that Mook had no major impact on the main plot, which revolved around the guests’ scandals and mysteries. Some reports suggested Mook was meant to be the granddaughter of the resort owner, but this detail was never explored in the show.

International media outlets were quick to criticize the casting choice. One outlet called Lisa’s role “the biggest waste of talent,” comparing it to “casting Lady Gaga as an extra.” Another review stated that her presence “never grew beyond a supporting background character,” despite her global fame.

Fans and Critics Speak Out

The limited screen time triggered a wave of reactions from fans on social media. Many felt that Lisa, a superstar with billions of music streams and a historic Coachella headlining performance with BLACKPINK, deserved a more prominent role. Posts on X captured the sentiment:

Since #thewhitelotus is coming to an end, let’s appreciate Lisa’s acting debut as Mook.

The White Lotus is Lisa’s first acting job but she did amazing for a first timer like she already looked like a seasoned actress. I hope she’ll get another acting project soon.

However, others expressed frustration. Fans argued that HBO and Mike White underutilized Lisa’s star power, especially given her cultural significance in Thailand. One fan wrote on X:

Lisa you did such a great job in The White Lotus, as an acting debut I couldn’t be more proud of you! … but my lili deserves more acting gigs to come.

Some speculated that Mike White hesitated to cast Lisa due to her massive fame. He admitted in an interview that he initially resisted because he didn’t want extra attention on the show:

Honestly, I was resistant because I don’t think we need more attention on the show. She’s like Taylor Swift meets Princess Diana there.

White also noted that Lisa’s audition was “amazing,” and her casting caused excitement among the production team, with some crew members crying when she was chosen. Despite this, her role remained small, leading to debates about whether the show missed an opportunity to showcase her talent.

On the positive side, fans and critics praised Lisa’s natural acting. Her co-star Tayme Thapthimthong called her “a natural in front of the camera” and said she helped him with his Thai dialogue. Mike White also described her as “nice and uncomplicated,” noting that her performance was convincing despite her lack of acting experience.

Lisa’s Journey and Future in Acting

Lisa faced challenges during filming. She admitted to being extremely nervous on her first day, forgetting her lines when Mike White called “action.” She shared:

I’m so nervous. I was sweating. I was like, ‘I can’t remember my lines.’ I blanked.

To prepare, Lisa took acting lessons, though her busy schedule limited her training. She leaned on her experience staying in five-star hotels with BLACKPINK, observing how staff interacted with guests to shape her portrayal of Mook. Her effort paid off, as fans on X called her performance “professional” and “natural.” One fan posted:

Acting is made for Lisa… it looks so natural.

After the finale, Lisa reflected on her experience in an emotional Instagram post on April 8, 2025:

What a ride. Thank you Mike White for trusting in me to fulfill the role of Mook and bring her character to life. It was the greatest honor to be part of this show as my first acting gig alongside such incredible actors.

She also expressed pride in showcasing Thailand’s beauty and culture, saying:

I’m so proud to be able to share my culture and show the beauty of Thailand to the world.

While The White Lotus marked a bold step, Lisa has no confirmed acting projects lined up yet. However, she hinted at interest in an action movie, saying she could play a “badass” character. Fans are hopeful for bigger roles that match her global influence.

What’s Next for Lisa and BLACKPINK

Beyond acting, Lisa has been busy with her solo music career. She released her debut album, Alter Ego, on February 28, 2025, featuring singles like “Rockstar”, “New Woman” with Rosalía, and “Born Again” with Doja Cat and Raye. The album’s success coincided with her White Lotus role, cementing her as a multi-talented artist.

BLACKPINK is also gearing up for a comeback. The group, consisting of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, announced their 2025 World Tour, kicking off with shows on July 5 and 6, 2025, at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in South Korea. Fans are excited for new music and performances after the group’s hiatus.

The controversy over Lisa’s role has sparked discussions about K-pop idols transitioning to acting. Her bandmate Jennie faced criticism for her role in HBO’s The Idol, which was canceled after one season, while Jisoo earned praise for her lead role in Snowdrop. Lisa’s experience highlights the challenges of breaking into Hollywood, but her fans remain optimistic about her future.

Also Read: Aimee Lou Wood Criticizes SNL’s White Lotus Parody as “Mean and Unfunny” After Teeth Joke

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Sources: allkpop

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