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Manny Jacinto: From ‘The Good Place’ to ‘The Acolyte’ - A Journey Through Hollywood’s Mega-Franchises
Manny Jacinto is a recognizable face thanks to television roles on “The Good Place” and “Nine Perfect Strangers,” but he’s currently breaking through like never before as Qimir on Disney+’s “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte.” Jacinto’s seductive Sith Lord is quite possibly the sexiest character in “Star Wars” history, and he’s quickly become one of the buzziest new additions to the franchise’s canon.
While “The Acolyte” is giving Jacinto his first real taste of the highs that can come with joining a Hollywood mega-franchise, it’s not actually his first big tentpole experience. Before entering the “Star Wars” universe, Jacinto was cast in and shot scenes for “Top Gun: Maverick.” He played LT Billy “Fritz” Avalone, although you’d be forgiven for not noticing considering all of Jacinto’s lines were cut from the movie and he only appeared in the background of a few quick scenes.
“It’s flattering that there was a little bit of an outcry, but it wasn’t shocking to me,” Jacinto said in an interview with GQ magazine about “Top Gun: Maverick” cutting him out. “There was this sense of where the film was going [on set], like I can see them focusing the camera more on these [other] guys and not taking so much time on our scenes.”
Whereas “Top Gun: Maverick” served as a blockbuster moment in the careers of Glen Powell and Miles Teller under the presence of Tom Cruise, it did hardly anything to boost Jacinto’s screen presence. Not that the actor was bitter about the experience.
“Fortunately, it still was a great experience — you get to see this huge machine at work, see how Tom Cruise works, and you get to be a small part of this huge franchise,” he told GQ.
Speaking to a Philippines news outlet in 2022 (via GQ), Jacinto remembered being cast in the “Top Gun” sequel back in 2018. He then spent months in flight training with real military pilots in order to prep for shooting.
“You kind of feel like a superhero a little bit,” Jacinto said at the time about his training. “And it’s an incredible feeling because even throughout shooting, we were able to meet a good amount of people in the Navy, people in the Air Force, and a good amount of them are Filipino. And to be able to represent that for them and have their face kind of represented, meant a lot.”
Jacinto told GQ that he didn’t know his role was so drastically cut down until the sequel opened in theaters.
“It kind of fuels you, because at the end of the day, Tom Cruise is writing stories for Tom Cruise,” Jacinto said about the experience. “It’s up to us — Asian Americans, people of color — to be that [for ourselves]. We can’t wait for somebody else to do it. If we want bigger stories out there, we have to make them for ourselves.”
Jacinto is now getting his blockbuster moment thanks to “Star Wars” and “The Acolyte,” the first season of which is now streaming in its entirety on Disney+. The studio has yet to announce a second season. Head over to GQ’s website to read Jacinto’s profile.
Exploring the highs and lows of Manny Jacinto’s career
Manny Jacinto’s journey through Hollywood is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of representation. From his early days on “The Good Place” to his current role in “The Acolyte,” Jacinto has navigated the complexities of the entertainment industry with grace and determination.
The Good Place: A breakout role
Jacinto first captured the audience’s attention with his role as Jason Mendoza in “The Good Place.” His portrayal of the lovable, dim-witted DJ from Jacksonville, Florida, was both endearing and hilarious. The show, which explores themes of morality and the afterlife, provided Jacinto with a platform to showcase his comedic timing and depth as an actor.
Nine Perfect Strangers: A dramatic turn
In “Nine Perfect Strangers,” Jacinto took on a more dramatic role, playing Yao, a wellness consultant at a mysterious health resort. The series, based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, allowed Jacinto to delve into more complex character work, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
Top Gun: Maverick: A learning experience
Despite the disappointment of having his scenes cut from “Top Gun: Maverick,” Jacinto viewed the experience as a valuable learning opportunity. Working alongside industry giants like Tom Cruise provided him with insights into the workings of a major Hollywood production.
The Acolyte: A new chapter
Now, with his role in “The Acolyte,” Jacinto is stepping into the expansive universe of “Star Wars.” His character, Qimir, is a seductive Sith Lord, adding a new layer of intrigue to the franchise. The role has not only elevated Jacinto’s profile but also highlighted the importance of diverse representation in blockbuster films.
Personal reflections and future aspirations
Jacinto’s journey is a reflection of the broader challenges and opportunities faced by actors of color in Hollywood. His experiences underscore the need for more inclusive storytelling and the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented voices.
As Jacinto continues to navigate his career, he remains committed to pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes. His story is a reminder that success in Hollywood is not just about talent but also about perseverance and the willingness to forge one’s path.
For those interested in exploring Jacinto’s work further, check out the trailers and information sheets for “The Good Place” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/the-good-place), “Nine Perfect Strangers” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/nine-perfect-strangers), “Top Gun: Maverick” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/top-gun-maverick), and “The Acolyte” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/the-acolyte).
In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, Manny Jacinto’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience, talent, and the power of representation. As he continues to break new ground, audiences can look forward to seeing more of his captivating performances on both the big and small screens.
