The HBO series’ third season is set in the idol’s homeland, Thailand.
Earlier this year in February, it was announced that Blackpink’s Lisa will be joining the cast of The White Lotus. She’ll be credited under her given name, Lalisa Manobal, in the third season of the HBO series.
Since then, fans have been speculating about the role she’s playing, which has been kept under wraps just like the rest of the characters.
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This marks Lisa’s acting debut and she’s now the second Blackpink member to star in an HBO series. In 2023, her co-member Jennie (credited as Jennie Ruby Jane) made her own acting debut in The Idol.
On Landing the Role
In a recent interview with Elle, Lisa recounts how she learned about landing the role in the hit series. “I think I cried. I was with my friends, my mom’s friends, and my mom as well, but I didn’t tell them that I auditioned for it,” she said.
“I’m super excited and nervous, because it’s my first acting project. So I was happy for a second, and then I was like, ‘Oh, wait, wait, how am I going to deliver this?’” She also complimented series creator, Mike White, calling him “a genius.”
To prepare for her new project, Lisa shared that she’s been taking acting lessons and now seems more confident in herself. “It’s pretty new to me, but I think it’s similar to shooting music videos…I’m excited for my fans to see it.”
The White Lotus is an anthology series that follows different groups of vacationers staying at the eponymous resort chain. In the past two seasons, filmed in Maui and Sicily, the cast of characters often clash and their vacation doesn’t turn out how they expected.
“I feel like people are going to fall in love with Thailand even more,” Lisa said, talking about the series’ new setting.
In a video Q&A with Elle, the idol shared that her favorite experience on set was getting to bond with the other cast members. “They’re so nice, I love them. But the best thing is just having traditional, good Thai food every single meal,” she added.
Booked and Busy
Aside from her new acting career, Lisa has also been busy with releasing her own solo music. Under her own management company, Lloud Co., she dropped her latest single “Rockstar.”
This marked her first solo release in three years, following 2021’s “Lalisa” and “Money.” Tomorrow, on August 16, she’s set to release a new track titled “New Woman” featuring Spanish singer Rosalía.
As for her activities with Blackpink, Lisa reassures that they’ll be continuing all together. “We’re so proud of Blackpink, and I love Blackpink. It is not just because of our fans, it’s for ourselves. There was no doubt. This is our life,” she shared.
The group recently reunited to celebrate the eight-year anniversary of their debut. They held a public event for the fans in Seoul and also marked the special occasion privately.
YG Entertainment has confirmed a Blackpink comeback slated for 2025 and plans for a world tour within the same year. The White Lotus season three will also premiere in 2025, making it a big year for Lisa.
Banner image via Instagram @lalalalisa_m.
