Lisa from Blackpink in The White Lotus: a remarkable premiere
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Lisa from Blackpink makes her acting debut in season 3 of The White Lotus. Here’s everything you need to know about her role and its impact.
After shining in music and fashion, the members of Blackpink are turning to comedy. After Jennie, seen on The Idol, it’s the turn of Lalisa Manobal, aka Lisa, to make her screen debut in The White Lotus. The third season of the HBO anthology series is set in the singer’s native Thailand.
A role rooted in its roots
A great admirer of the series, Lisa seized the opportunity to represent her culture. She plays Mook, a member of staff at The White Lotus hotel, where the story takes place. Unlike the main characters, who are vacationers, she is one of the employees, responsible for welcoming new arrivals. In an interview with Variety, Lisa spoke of her intense stress during the first scenes, despite her familiarity with the spotlight.
This role also enabled her to perform in Thai, a point of pride for the artist who wanted to highlight her origins. What’s more, she shares several scenes with Tayme Thapthimthong, who plays Gaitok, one of the hotel’s guards. Their on-screen friendship brings a touch of humanity to a season in which the superficiality of tourists is a central theme.
A limited but striking presence
Although Lisa was actively involved in promoting the series, her role remains secondary. Unlike season 2, which gave more space to the locals in Sicily, Thailand’s version of The White Lotus continues to focus on foreign tourists and their sometimes caricatured vision of the country. Lisa does, however, get a highlight with a traditional dance scene, glimpsed in the trailer, which further underlines her cultural attachment.
A promising start for Lisa in the movies?
While this first experience may be limited in terms of screen time, it could open doors for Lisa in the world of cinema. She has already expressed her desire to star in an action film, and given her international success, it would not be surprising if offers came in very quickly.
Season 3 of The White Lotus is available to stream on Max.
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