n a thrilling expansion of her acting career, BLACKPINK’s Lisa (Lalisa Manobal) has been confirmed to headline a brand-new Netflix original romantic comedy.
The announcement, which came on February 6, 2026, via Netflix’s official social media channels, has sent fans into a frenzy.
Described as being inspired by the 1999 classic Notting Hill, the project marks Lisa’s first leading role in a mainstream English-language feature film, solidifying her status as a budding Hollywood powerhouse.
A Star-Studded Creative Team
The film is set to be penned by Katie Silberman, the acclaimed screenwriter behind modern rom-com hits such as Set It Up and the critically praised Booksmart.
Silberman’s involvement suggests a script that will be witty, emotionally resonant, and grounded—a perfect fit for a “modern-day Notting Hill.”
Furthermore, the project represents a significant reunion for Lisa. She is collaborating once again with executive producer David Bernad, whom she worked with during her acting debut on the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus .
Reports indicate that the idea for this film actually took shape on the set of The White Lotus in Thailand, where Lisa and Bernad reportedly bonded over their mutual love for the original Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant starrer.
Lisa (Credit: YouTube)
Stepping Into a Producer Role
In addition to starring as the lead, Lisa is further expanding her influence behind the scenes by serving as an executive producer for the film alongside Alice Kang.
This “hands-on” creative role indicates Lisa’s desire to shape her own narrative and artistic direction as she navigates her transition from global pop idol to established actress.
David Bernad will also produce under his Middle Child Productions banner. By taking on a production credit, Lisa follows in the footsteps of other elite global stars who manage their own projects through their personal labels, such as her own LLOUD.
A Growing Filmography
This rom-com announcement is just one piece of a very busy schedule for the artist. Lisa is currently filming the Netflix action blockbuster TYGO (also known as Extraction: Tigo), a spin-off of the highly successful Extraction franchise.
In that film, she will showcase a completely different side of her talent alongside Korean action star Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) and Lee Jin-uk.
Between her debut as Mook in The White Lotus (aired in 2025), her action role in TYGO, and now this upcoming romantic comedy, Lisa is curating a diverse and impressive acting resume that spans multiple genres and languages.
This versatility is a key factor in the high industry confidence currently surrounding her crossover appeal.
Balancing Music and Screen Success
While her acting career is skyrocketing, Lisa remains deeply committed to her musical roots. The announcement comes just weeks before BLACKPINK is set to make a massive group comeback.
The quartet is scheduled to release their third mini-album, titled Deadline, on February 27, 2026. The album features five tracks, including the title track “Go” and the previously released hit “Jump.”
For fans, the next several months will be a “Lisa-centric” period filled with new music, red-carpet appearances, and updates on her film projects.
While Netflix has not yet revealed the official title or release date for the Notting Hill-inspired rom-com, the anticipation is already at an all-time high, with many calling it the most awaited “comfort watch” of the year.
In a sudden turn of events that has left many fans concerned and disappointed, it has been officially confirmed that Shotaro, a key member of the rising K-pop group RIIZE , will be unable to participate in the upcoming Macau leg of the group’s world tour.
On February 6, 2026, the production company responsible for organizing RIIZE’s first world tour, titled “RIIZING LOUD,” issued a formal notice announcing his absence.
Official Announcement and Strategic Absence
The notice provided by the concert organizers was direct but lacked specific details regarding the nature of Shotaro’s absence.
While fans are accustomed to hearing about health-related hiatuses or scheduling conflicts, the vague wording of this announcement has fueled significant conversation across social media platforms.
The production company simply stated that Shotaro would not be joining the other members for the Macau performances, leaving the remaining members to adjust their choreography and vocal arrangements to accommodate his absence.
Geopolitical Context and Industry Speculation
In the absence of a detailed medical or personal explanation from SM Entertainment, industry insiders and fans have begun to look toward the broader geopolitical climate for answers.
Speculation has rapidly surfaced suggesting that Shotaro’s absence may be linked to the escalating diplomatic tensions between China and Japan.
Shotaro, who is Japanese, may be facing administrative or visa-related hurdles that have become increasingly common for Japanese entertainers seeking to perform in Chinese territories during periods of heightened friction.
Historically, the K-pop industry has often navigated complex political waters in East Asia.
If these rumors are accurate, Shotaro’s situation would not be the first time an idol’s nationality has impacted their ability to participate in international activities.
This possibility has sparked a debate among fans regarding the fairness of political issues affecting the careers of individual artists who remain dedicated to their craft and their audience.
Impact on RIIZE’s First World Tour
The “RIIZING LOUD” tour is a monumental milestone for RIIZE, marking their first major journey as a group across various global cities.
Shotaro, renowned for his exceptional dancing skills and charismatic stage presence, is a vital component of the group’s performance dynamic.
His absence in Macau is a significant blow to the production, as RIIZE’s performances are known for their intricate synchronization and high-energy choreography.
Fans in Macau, many of whom purchased tickets specifically to see the full lineup, have expressed a mixture of sadness and understanding. While the disappointment of not seeing Shotaro perform live is palpable, the primary sentiment remains one of support for the artist.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Weverse, fans have launched hashtags to show their love for Shotaro, emphasizing that his health and well-being—or his ability to navigate these external challenges—come first.
Moving Forward with Resilience
As RIIZE prepares to take the stage in Macau as a reduced lineup, the focus remains on the group’s professionalism and their ability to deliver a high-quality show for their supporters.
SM Entertainment has yet to provide further clarification, but the industry will be watching closely to see if this absence is a one-time occurrence or if it will affect other stops on the tour.
For now, BRIIZE around the world continue to send messages of encouragement, hoping for Shotaro’s swift return to the stage and a resolution to whatever circumstances led to this difficult decision.
