Mike White never saw this coming.
When rumors first swirled about BLACKPINK's Lisa joining The White Lotus Season 3, creator Mike White wasn't convinced. In fact, as he told The Hollywood Reporter, he had no idea who Lisa—or even BLACKPINK—was. Despite her global fame and massive fanbase, White's initial reaction was dismissive, saying, “We're not doing that.”
But Lisa was determined. After her blockbuster K-pop career and recent solo projects, she was ready for a new challenge. She sent in a self-taped audition and later insisted on meeting the team in person.
“I've been performing [in BLACKPINK] for a long time, and this opportunity came right when I was trying to find a new challenge. They sent over the script, and I sent a tape back,” Lisa shared.
The result? A performance so impressive that White couldn't deny her talent.
From ‘Pop Star' to Serious Actor
Executive producer David Bernad recalled how Lisa's humility stunned the crew during a secret audition in Phuket, Thailand.
“Lisa was so humble, and she'd worked so hard on her performance,” Bernad said. White added, “Her audition was amazing. And Lisa's so nice and uncomplicated.”
Still, White hesitated. Casting Lisa meant welcoming the kind of global attention that virtually no show can prepare for. Comparing Lisa's cultural status to “Taylor Swift meets Princess Diana,” he was both awed and wary of her superstar appeal.
“It was overwhelming,” White admitted. “She's more than just a pop star. Casting her felt like accepting responsibility for the cultural weight she carries.”
Why This Casting Matters
Lisa's casting isn't just a celebrity stunt—it's a reflection of how Hollywood is evolving. The entertainment industry no longer belongs exclusively to Western stars. In Lisa, White saw an opportunity to embrace a different kind of fame: one rooted in Southeast Asia's powerhouse influence on global culture.
Her ability to connect across borders mirrors that of Taylor Swift, whose music resonates worldwide, and Princess Diana, whose warmth made her beloved by millions. The fact that White referenced these two icons shows the unique intersection of Lisa's individuality and global significance.
When she finally landed the role in The White Lotus Season 3, it marked a turning point. White revealed, “When we cast her, there were people in the production that cried.”
The Role That Changed Everything
Lisa plays Mook, a White Lotus employee in Thailand, and while initial reports suggested a small supporting role, her performance quickly became a standout. Her character's understated complexity—calm on the surface, yet bubbling with hidden motives—moves the season into unexpected territory.
Lisa's scenes are laden with tension, reminiscent of Aubrey Plaza's breakout in Season 2, and her ability to hold her own in an ensemble cast was proof that this wasn't just a vanity casting.
“I learned so much,” Lisa said. “This was more than acting—it was about stepping out of my comfort zone.”
A Global Takeover Is Complete
Lisa's inclusion in The White Lotus is proof that Hollywood is finally reckoning with the global entertainment landscape. The days of dismissing non-Western stars as niche are long gone. Lisa's journey from K-pop idol to Hollywood actress isn't just a personal victory—it's a major cultural milestone.
The message is clear: the future of entertainment will belong to artists who can bridge cultures, challenge preconceptions, and bring something new to the table. And Lisa, described by Mike White as “so humble and hardworking,” is the perfect example of that.
Would Lisa Have Convinced You?
Lisa's performance in The White Lotus has already captivated fans worldwide. But skeptics? They never stood a chance.
The White Lotus: Season 3 is streaming now. Would you have cast Lisa? Let us know in the comments below.
