Mike White chose not to cast BLACKPINK's Lisa in Season 3 of The White Lotus, despite her audition, stating that it wasn't necessary

Lisa from BLACKPINK has rapidly emerged as one of the most discussed figures in Mike White’s acclaimed series, The White Lotus Season 3. Making her acting debut, the K-pop star has captivated both fans and critics with her performance. BLINKs, the devoted fanbase of BLACKPINK, are beaming with pride as Lisa demonstrates her acting prowess, engaging dialogue delivery, and even dance skills, showing that a minor role can still make a significant impression. It seems as though Lisa was meant to portray Mook in The White Lotus. However, it’s noteworthy that director Mike White was initially hesitant to cast her, despite her outstanding audition.

In a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, director Mike White, producer David Bernad, and various cast members provided details on the casting process. When questioned about the selection of Lisa, Mike White confessed that he was unfamiliar with her or BLACKPINK. He stated, “The only thing I knew was that there was a BLACKPINK girl (Jennie Kim) in The Idol, and I thought, ‘We’re not going in that direction.’” Consequently, when he learned that Lisa would be auditioning, he did not feel particularly enthusiastic.

At first, Mike did not plan to cast Lisa, as he perceived her to be more than merely a pop star, a notion he struggled to grasp initially. He recognized that Lisa delivered a remarkable audition—she was genuine, charming, and straightforward—but he remained uncertain. “I’m simply not accustomed to such a level of attention; it’s unnecessary for us,” he confessed. Nevertheless, he ultimately chose to cast her out of respect for her homeland, Thailand. He even likened Lisa’s prominence in Thailand to a combination of Taylor Swift and Princess Diana, underscoring her significant impact.

David Bernad provided further insights into the casting process, noting that Lisa was invited to Phuket for an audition alongside another skilled actress from Bangkok. Despite the stiff competition, Lisa distinguished herself. “Lisa was incredibly humble and had put in a tremendous amount of effort into her performance. She was truly someone who was fighting for this role,” he remarked.

Regarding BLACKPINK's Lisa, she mentioned that she thoroughly prepared for the role by taking acting classes prior to the audition. Feeling nervous yet resolute, she chose to bring her mother along for support. “Before I traveled to Thailand, I took some acting lessons. I was really anxious, so I brought my mom with me,” she shared. Lisa also acknowledged that she needed a break from group activities, and when the opportunity for The White Lotus Season 3 presented itself, it felt like the ideal time for her to pursue acting.