Netflix’s BET, a live-action adaptation of the wildly popular manga Kakegurui, has officially hit the platform — and it’s already generating buzz. At the heart of the madness is Aviva Mongillo’s scene-stealing portrayal of Dori, a wild-card student with an eyepatch, a chaotic edge, and a deeply layered emotional core.
We caught up with Aviva on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about stepping into a fandom-heavy universe, how playing Dori led to a personal ADHD diagnosis, and why she hopes this series is only the beginning.
Auditioning for “Steph” — and Discovering She Was Dori
Aviva didn’t realize she was stepping into the world of Kakegurui when she first auditioned.
“I auditioned for a character named Steph. They didn’t give us any real information. None of the names matched. I had no idea it was based on a manga,” she said.
Once cast, she dove into research — watching the anime, reading the manga, and connecting the dots to her live-action role.
“It definitely influenced how I played Dori, but I wanted to trust my own instincts, too. It’s an adaptation, not a remake.”
Dori: The Eyepatch-Wearing Loose Cannon
Dori is hard to miss — bold, erratic, and endlessly unpredictable. But Mongillo sees far more than surface-level shock value.
“She’s an eyepatch-wearing stimulation addict, but underneath that, she’s just someone who desperately wants connection. She’s unhinged, yes, but it’s all overcompensation. She doesn’t want to be the outcast — she just doesn’t know how to not be.”
Fans get a taste of Dori’s inner world in Episode 6 — and there’s more beneath the chaos.
Filming Dance Dance Revolution Was Harder Than the Sword Fight
One of the standout moments in BET is Dori’s epic Dance Dance Revolution showdown. But don’t let the playful vibe fool you — it was brutal to film.
“After the first rehearsal, I couldn’t walk for days. My calves were locked. I ended up seeing a massage therapist,” she laughed. “It was harder than the sword fight.”
And let’s not forget the challenge of wearing an eyepatch while doing it.
“It messed with my vision so much. We had to change it a few times — even use sunglasses versions so I could do the stunts.”
A Role That Changed Her Life
Playing Dori didn’t just challenge Aviva creatively — it impacted her on a personal level.
“After playing Dori, I got diagnosed with ADHD. I resonated with her so much, I started to realize I shared some of those traits. She actually helped me better understand myself.”
Simon Barry’s Creative Trust
With BET helmed by Warrior Nun showrunner Simon Barry, Aviva was given a rare level of creative freedom.
“He didn’t give many notes — at first I thought he hated me,” she laughed. “But he told me, ‘I don’t want to get in the way. I trust that you’ll figure it out.’ That really changed how I see the acting process.”
What Makes BET Different
Set in a school where gambling dictates social power, BET explores hierarchy, manipulation, and teenage desire through a heightened, stylized lens.
“It’s not just about the games. It’s a mirror of global power dynamics — the way elite families raise their kids to be sharks. But they’re just teenagers who want normal things.”
And while Dori isn’t exactly playing by the rules, she’s not seeking domination either.
“She’s like Yumeko in that way. She’s not trying to win — she’s addicted to the thrill. She just hasn’t figured out why yet.”
Would Aviva Be Friends With Dori?
Not quite.
“Dori would probably hate me. She needs to be the most unique person in the room. If she saw me, she’d probably think I was a pretentious douche.”
If Dori Had a Theme Song…
Without missing a beat, Aviva said:
“‘Player of Games’ by Grimes — 100%.”
The Message Behind the Madness
For all the chaos and stylized storytelling, BET has heart. Aviva hopes viewers walk away with this:
“You are not your circumstances. There’s a difference between who we’re told to be and who we really are. That’s what this story is about.”
And Yes, She Wants Season 2
“I just want to keep being Dori. Season 1 is the setup — if we get Season 2, we can really evolve. And I want more scenes with Rami and Brian!”
Catch Aviva Mongillo as Dori in BET, now streaming on Netflix. The gamble is just getting started.