Don’t adjust that Oscar dial. The singer Lisa of the globally adored South Korean girl group Blackpink on Sunday’s Oscars stage, singing “Live and Let Die” in a James Bond tribute with Doja Cat and Raye, might look familiar to “The White Lotus” fans. The star performer also makes her acting debut as Mook in Season 3 of the hit HBO series (Sundays, 9 EST/PST and streaming on Max).
The Thai rapper 27, goes by her full name, Lalisa Manobal, on “Lotus.” Mook, the bubbly local who works at the Thai White Lotus resort, provides a visual contrast to the glam Blackpink performer. Amid the dual public personas, Lisa released her first solo album, “Alter Ego,” Friday with the single “Born Again,” featuring fellow Oscar-performer Doja Cat and British singer Raye.
Lisa has been a member of Blackpink since moving to South Korea at age 14 to train with the group. After five years of work, Blackpink debuted in 2016, and has released two albums, including the 2022 hit “Born Pink.”
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“Lotus” creator Mike White insisted he was unaware of Blackpink when Lisa auditioned for the part and was resistant to perceived stunt casting. But the actress is a natural as Mook, who’s involved in a budding romance with Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), the resort security guard , who grew up in the same island town.
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“Lotus” and “Fallout” star Walton Goggins admits the varied cast members were “thrilled” to meet the global superstar singer before the six-month shoot in Thailand, “just knowing her as this Blackpink performer, as most of the world knows her, who can do all of these things,” he says. “And then to see her step into this role around a bunch of seasoned actors. She did it effortlessly. That transition from her stage persona was seamless.”
And while Goggins, who plays mysterious Rick Hatchett, admits he’s “got some moves” on the dance floor. It’s nothing compared to Lisa.”She definitely dances certainly better than everyone on the set of ‘The White Lotus,'” says Goggins. “The Oscars will be a celebration of her talent. I’m just excited to see where she goes from here.”