Hey friends! 🌟 Let’s chat about Manny Jacinto, shall we? This Canadian actor, who grew up in the Philippines, is stepping into the spotlight in a major way with his new role in ‘Freakier Friday.’ But it wasn’t always easy for him to see himself as a leading man. So, what’s the story behind his journey and what does it mean for representation in Hollywood? Let’s dive in!
From Supporting Roles to Leading Man
When you think of leading men in Hollywood, who comes to mind? For Manny, names like Dev Patel and Pedro Pascal pop up. But he often felt he didn’t belong in that group. Growing up, he rarely saw anyone who looked like him in leading roles. It’s wild to think about, right? He recalls how, even in today’s media landscape, it’s still hard to find representation that resonates with him. “The lack of people that looked like me when I was growing up,” he reflects, “made me question if I could ever fit in.”
After gaining popularity as Jason Mendoza on NBC’s ‘The Good Place’, Manny has taken on various roles, from supporting characters in Hulu’s ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ to indie films. But let’s be real— not every project gave him the recognition he deserved. Remember when he got cut from ‘Top Gun: Maverick’? Ouch! That stung for many in the Filipino community, who wanted to see themselves represented on screen.
But here’s the plot twist: Manny is breaking through! His latest role in ‘Freakier Friday’ showcases him as Eric, a widowed British chef who finds himself in a whirlwind of comedic chaos. This film gives Manny a chance to shine as a lead, and he’s here for it! “It was eye-opening,” he says about playing a young dad. It’s a role that might not be too far off in his own life someday. Who else thinks it’s such a cool transition?
Challenging Stereotypes in Hollywood
As Manny delves deeper into this role, he’s also mindful of the cultural stereotypes that were present in the original ‘Freaky Friday.’ He teamed up with director Nisha Ganatra to ensure they didn’t fall into those same traps. “We wanted to make sure that we don’t follow those same tropes and have some cultural respect,” he shares. It’s so refreshing to see actors taking a stand for cultural representation, isn’t it? 💪
With a four-way body switch in the sequel, Manny brings a grounded energy to a chaotic story. He hopes that audiences will see his character as more than just a love interest. “It was a huge compliment that [Ganatra] would trust me,” he says, highlighting how important it is for actors to have the support of their directors.
And can we talk about the hilarious moments in this film? From dance lessons with Chloe Fineman to impromptu musical numbers, Jacinto and Lohan are ready to bring the laughs! “It’s so much easier to do that when you have cast members who are willing to look ridiculous,” he says, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good laugh? 😂
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Manny?
Now that Manny is embracing his role as a leading man, what does the future hold? He’s excited about upcoming projects that reflect his Filipino heritage and unique storytelling. “The ideas that have been resonating with me are definitely more slice-of-life,” he reveals. Isn’t it amazing to see actors like him stepping behind the camera as producers? It feels like a natural evolution in their careers!
Manny’s journey is a reminder that the path to representation is still ongoing. He acknowledges the pressure of being labeled as one of the internet’s “boyfriends,” while still wanting to explore diverse roles. “I want to do work that is weird. I don’t want to be just that,” he expresses, and honestly, who can blame him? 🎭
From his struggles to his wins, Manny Jacinto is paving the way for more diverse voices in Hollywood. So, what do you think about his journey? Are you excited to see him in ‘Freakier Friday’? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇
