On April 7, 2025, BLACKPINK’s Lisa found herself at the center of debate regarding her participation in The White Lotus 3. The situation escalated when journalist Louis Pisano, writing for Harper’s BAZAAR, made a disparaging comment about her limited screen presence. Through a post on X, he remarked that a “10-minute” appearance does not equate to being a “Hollywood star.”
Pisano’s comment followed @FilmUpdates sharing the latest Vanity Fair cover, which featured Lisa alongside prominent stars like Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel, and Jonathan Bailey.
Lisa’s debut acting role in HBO’s Emmy-winning series, The White Lotus 3, was met with high expectations as she took on the character Mook, a wellness advisor at an upscale Thai resort. While many anticipated her performance, some critics argued that her character was not utilized to her full potential.
“The failure to make the Thai characters more complicated shortchanges the actors, particularly Manobal, who has a surfeit of charisma but very little to do with it.”
Despite the criticism regarding her screen time, Lisa earned acclaim for her performance. Fans, known as BLINKs, rallied to her defense, drawing parallels with Zendaya’s brief yet impactful role in Dune: Part 1. One fan countered the criticism by stating:
“Whether it’s 10 mins or 5 hrs, it won’t change the fact that she’s a superstar, something you’re still just trying (and failing) to be.”
Supporters highlighted that the quality of performance is not determined by screen time, citing Anthony Hopkins’ Academy Award-winning role in The Silence of the Lambs, where he appeared for only 16 minutes. Fans made insightful comments like:
“Honestly I don’t get what your beef with Lisa is. Because you don’t have to like her music or her dance or even her but you can’t come for her acting debut because there’s not one thing wrong with it. Even if it’s 10 mins or less.”
Additional defenders pointed out the marketing strategy behind casting Lisa, noting that her presence could draw viewers, thus benefiting the show’s visibility. Comments like:
“Zendaya was in Dune for like 10 minutes and was still present throughout the press tour. why? she’s popular and brings viewers, that’s what HBO wanted. it’s called ADVERTISING! MARKETING! PROMOTION!”
Demonstrating the impact of her role, some fans reported that Lisa’s mere minutes on screen contributed to a significant boost in viewership for the series, with a reported increase of nearly 57%. Others discussed the remarkable significance of Lisa’s transition from music to acting, emphasizing her inclusion on the Vanity Fair cover alongside renowned actors.
Analyzing Lisa’s Character and the Finale of The White Lotus 3
Lisa, also known as Lalisa Manobal, portrays Mook in the third installment of The White Lotus. This character begins as a genial face for the guests, but as the plot unfolds, her complexity deepens. Mook takes on a counselor role, expressing her thoughts in Thai to another character, Gaitok:
“It’s part of life. It’s human to fight! It’s good, you have strong morals. But you have to live in this world. You have to be strong. That’s part of the job.”
This profound quote hints at Mook’s understanding of the surrounding tensions at the resort. Following the high-stakes events, she shares a touching moment with Gaitok, reinforcing her character’s empathetic nature.
The finale of The White Lotus 3 features intense drama surrounding the Ratliff family, where the patriarch Timothy contemplates a dark choice influenced by financial despair. At the climax, although his plan to poison his family is thwarted at the last moment, unforeseen consequences arise when a tainted drink nearly jeopardizes one of his children.
In an unexpected twist, Rick’s quest for vengeance leads to a tragic discovery that has devastating implications for all involved. The episode culminates in a poignant connection between characters, affirming that life’s intricacies often intertwine fate and personal choices.
As the narrative comes full circle in the finale episode, enduring friendships and transformative arcs showcase the characters’ growth throughout the series. Self-reinvention and resilience are common threads explored thoroughly in this installment.
With a masterful blend of storytelling, The White Lotus 3 addresses the themes of love, loss, and revenge. The series is available for streaming on Disney+ and HBO Max, inviting viewers to witness these compelling narratives unfold.