From Spotlight to Sidelined: Lisa’s Acting Debut in The White Lotus Draws Praise and Also Frustration
K-pop superstar Lisa of BLACKPINK made her much-anticipated acting debut in HBO’s “The White Lotus” Season 3, and while critics praised her poised performance, fans were left wondering why a global icon received so little time in the spotlight.
The season, which aired from February 16 to April 6, concluded with an impressive 6.2 million viewers tuning in for the finale, a 51% increase from the previous season’s ending. Averaging 16 million total viewers throughout its run, the Thailand-set installment of the anthology drama introduced Lisa as “Mook,” a luxury resort staff member and wellness mentor.
A Promising Debut, But Brief
Lisa’s role marked her first foray into acting, and her performance didn’t go unnoticed. Speaking entirely in her native Thai, she earned praise for her natural screen presence and subtle expressiveness. In an interview with Variety, Lisa admitted to early nerves, “When the director first shouted ‘Action,’ I started sweating and forgot my lines. My mind went blank.”
Co-star Walton Goggins spoke highly of her in USA Today, “Watching her take on a dramatic role and hold her own among seasoned actors was truly impressive. Her transition from stage charisma to screen acting felt effortless.”
Fans Wanted More Than a Cameo
Despite the accolades, fans quickly voiced disappointment. Lisa’s total screen time averaged just 10 minutes per episode, and her character, while promising, never fully developed within the show’s complex narrative.
Media outlets echoed the sentiment. Screen Rant criticized the underwhelming execution of Lisa’s much-hyped dance scene in Episode 5, “Her moment was reduced to brief glimpses, overshadowed by the drama of other characters. Compared to other dance scenes, Lisa’s was the shortest and least impactful.”
Out Magazine wrote, “Lisa did a fantastic job within the script’s constraints, but the role itself was flat and forgettable. Given Lisa’s beauty and star power, it’s baffling that the show didn’t give her more substance or relevance.”
Many fans couldn’t help but compare Lisa’s role to fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie, who had a more prominent presence in another HBO project, “The Idol.” While that series faced its own criticisms, Jennie’s performance-oriented role allowed her to showcase her strengths something fans feel Lisa was denied.
Director Mike White reportedly told Daily Mail that casting Lisa was both thrilling and daunting, “She’s like a cross between Taylor Swift and Princess Diana. I was actually worried her presence would overshadow the whole show.”
Yet ironically, fans feel Lisa was given too little screen time to even make that a concern.
Lisa Remains Gracious
Despite the mixed reactions, Lisa maintained a grateful tone. On April 8, she shared a message with fans on social media, “It was truly an amazing experience. I feel honored to have had my acting debut alongside such incredible actors.”
While Lisa’s acting chops impressed, the limited scope of her role has left many fans yearning for more. If anything, “The White Lotus” may have only scratched the surface of what Lisa can bring to the screen, and the world will be watching to see where her acting journey leads next.