‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Star Manny Jacinto Says His Off-Screen Performance Tested Him As Much As His “Three-Tiered” Role

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As a seasoned actor who’s spent years honing my craft and bringing iconic characters to life on both the small and big screens, I can tell you that working on “The Acolyte” was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived in beautiful Madeira, Portugal, I knew this project was something special.

[This story contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Acolyte.]

Manny Jacinto‘s standout performance as the mysterious Stranger in “Star Wars: The Acolyte” has left many viewers in awe, but for some time now, fans of Michael Schur’s “The Good Place” have been excitedly pointing him out, saying, “That’s the actor we’ve been raving about.”

If I’m a fan who hasn’t been fully caught up with network television’s recent developments, I might recognize Jacinto from his supporting roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022) and “Bad Times at the El Royale” (2018). In the latter film, Lewis Pullman, who later starred alongside Jacinto in “Top Gun,” was the one to give a brutal finish to Jacinto’s henchman character. Coincidentally, not much time had passed in terms of production schedules when Jacinto’s Top Gun pilot character received the unforgettable line from Jay Ellis’ character: “Shit, that’s Fritz.”

Jacinto, born in Manila, Philippines but raised in Richmond, British Columbia, has emerged as the captivating centerpiece of Leslye Headland’s “The Acolyte.” His Sith Lord character exerts an irresistible pull despite his elimination of numerous Jedi. Jacinto views his role as multifaceted, having portrayed Qimir under disguise before revealing two distinct versions of the Stranger without a mask.

As a gamer, I can relate when a role requires me to keep my cards close to my chest. In this case, just like Jacinto, I had to hide my character’s secrets from the world during the global press tour for our series. It felt like an extension of the acting work I did on set, making this challenge part of the overall experience.

Jacinto shares with The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m not fond of media attention and publicity. So whenever I find myself in such situations, I feel the need to adopt a new persona.” He continues, “Lying directly to people’s faces was an unfamiliar experience for me. I had to ask myself, ‘What is my background? Why am I here?’ It required creating yet another character, on top of the three-layered one I had already portrayed on The Acolyte.”

While with Dafne Keen and Charlie Barnett, who portrayed Jedi characters that met their end at the hands of the Stranger, Jacinto found himself frequently interacting with the media. To stay informed of any potential unintended revelations, he closely monitored their public statements.

“During Star Wars Celebration, there’s a clip where Dafne and Charlie accidentally mentioned my stunt work. They weren’t speaking for me, but Dafne called me a ‘stunt god.’ To clarify things, I had to set the record straight.”

Regarding the surprise appearances of notable characters like Yoda and Darth Plagueis in the season finale, Jacinto learned about them simultaneously with the audience. Consequently, he can merely speculate on their potential meanings. Additionally, he is unaware of the reason behind Kylo Ren’s theme being used during his scene in episode five.

“Gosh, with all these Easter eggs, theories, and details swirling around… I’m not sure why Kylo Ren’s theme was on. There are numerous theories regarding the original Knights of Ren, but I’m unsure, friend. I plan to discuss these hypotheses with Leslye, yet she’s already aware. So, I guess I must continue exploring these questions for now.”

In a recent discussion about spoilers, Jacinto shared reasons for the Stranger’s decision to avoid confronting his ex-Jedi Master, Vernestra Rwoh.

Congratulations on this moment, Manny.

I’ve always been fascinated by the power of calming voices and soothing tones, and based on your own peaceful demeanor, I believe you could excel in an occupation related to that. Have you ever considered working with an app like Calm? Your calm and soothing voice would be perfect for guiding meditation sessions or recording sleep stories. With your life experience, you have the ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can help people relax and unwind. It’s a unique talent, and I think it could bring great fulfillment to both yourself and those who benefit from your voice.

It’s quite unfortunate that you stumbled upon my ongoing Zoom call. We met at the press conference earlier, but apparently, they didn’t log me out as promptly as necessary. Since I was still there unnoticed, I heard you comment to Charlie Barnett and Dafne Keen, “He’s such a cool guy.” Consequently, I have been repeating your words for the past two months.

(Laughing.) Oh, I completely agree with you! Your relaxed and composed manner is really nice to be around. It’s great to run into you once more.

Based on my personal perspective, it seems that our initial interaction was tainted with deceit, much like many others have experienced before. Rebuilding trust is never an easy task and requires time, effort, and authenticity. I had extended myself to you during that encounter, opening up in a way that left me vulnerable. It’s important to remember that trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and it takes genuine commitment to rebuild it once it’s been broken.

(Laughs.) I know, I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.

Have you found the media interviews during your promotional tours particularly demanding as an actor?

As someone who has had the privilege of meeting and interacting with this enigmatic artist, I can attest to his humility and reluctance when it comes to discussing his work and personal life in public. His reticence is so profound that he admittedly transforms into another character when faced with such situations, creating yet another layer to the complex persona that he already exhibits in his art.

Instead of “On top of all that, you had to do a lot of bobbing and weaving while sitting next to Charlie and Dafne, who were the ones you ended the tenure for on the show. Did you two discuss the awkwardness during interviews and other breaks?”, you could also say:

Instead of dwelling on it for long, we were fortunate that instance didn’t last too long. At Star Wars Celebration, there’s a clip where Dafne and Charlie made an error and discussed my stunt work. Those weren’t my exact words, but Dafne remarked, “Manny is a stunt legend.” I responded, “I don’t really think so. I didn’t get to do anything exciting.” Since then, I had to clarify my statement, but you never know with those two as they are quite entertaining. Our relationship remains friendly and loving despite the conclusion of our characters.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricacies of various storylines and character developments, I can’t help but notice the subtleties that often go unnoticed by casual viewers. In the case of Qimir from episode two, I was struck by the unexpected intensity of his altercation with Mae. As a longtime fan of this genre, I’ve seen my fair share of smugglers and street fighters. But there was something about the way Qimir handled himself that defied explanation.

When conversing with Leslye, we intentionally included subtle clues for the audience to discover. Our goal wasn’t for Qimir’s true nature to suddenly emerge without warning. Instead, we wanted viewers to think, “This could be who he really is.” From Qimir defending himself, his interaction with Osha where he comments on her resemblance to someone, his ominous threat to Mae, and even his comical antics, each detail subtly revealed Qimir’s hidden darkness. By incorporating these hints throughout the story, we aimed to make the audience feel a sense of unease before the final reveal, so it wouldn’t take them by surprise.

I’ve pondered over this intriguing question for quite some time now, given my extensive background in interstellar politics and clandestine operations. Based on the information at hand, it seems plausible that he might have spent a considerable amount of time disguised as Qimir. The galaxy is vast and complex, teeming with opportunities for those who are willing to take risks and adapt to new situations.

Sure thing!

In the final scene, instead of facing off against his ex-Jedi mentor, Vernestra Rwoh (played by Rebecca Henderson), who might have inflicted the lightwhip wound on his back, he chose to align himself with Osha and Mae instead.

The Stranger’s encounter with Vernestra in the finale revealed an unexplored side of him – fear and possibly trauma. Before donning his helmet, he showed signs of apprehension towards her presence. This fear could hint at an untold past between them, which may explain the scars on his back. I look forward to discussing this further with Leslye as I discovered this relationship only recently in episode eight and didn’t have enough time to delve deeper into it.

Certainly, she’s his vulnerability without a doubt. Moreover, instead of dwelling on the past, he has the opportunity to embrace the promising future that lies ahead through Osha.

Certainly, I agree with your perspective. Should we be granted a second season, I have no doubt that we’ll delve into that previous relationship. However, the uncertainty of what may come makes the future an intriguing mystery.

Speaking of “who knows?” the finale offered a surprise cameo in the form of Darth Plagueis. 

(Laughs.) Who knows, man!? Who knows!?

Based on my understanding and experience with human behavior, I would venture to guess that there could be several explanations for their relationship. They might have indeed lived as cavemates or neighbors, sharing a common area and relying on each other for survival. Or, it’s possible that one was unaware of the other’s presence, living in separate but nearby dwellings. It’s also worth considering that they could have had some other type of interaction or connection. Given the limited information provided, it’s impossible to say for certain. However, I find myself intrigued by the possibilities and eager to learn more about their lives and experiences.

More recently, I’ve been discussing this topic, but I wasn’t aware of that subtle appearance until I watched the final version. As a viewer, I was taken by surprise and have to discuss with Leslye about his potential new housemate and how their story will develop further. In our initial screening several months ago, that part was censored, leaving me in the dark about the actor’s identity. Like you and many Star Wars fans, I’m left puzzled but excited to discover where this plotline leads next.

Then I must presume that they kept you in the dark about Yoda as well.

Yes, it’s true and I had only heard whispers about it. The news came as a shock to me, just as it did to everyone else. There are many details to uncover, so let’s hope we get the opportunity to delve deeper.

As a longtime Star Wars fan, I’ve pondered this question for quite some time. Why did Kylo Ren’s theme play over the mysterious figure at the end of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back? While it’s not definitively answered in the movies, my theory is based on the themes of redemption and the Force connecting all things.

(Laughs.) Gosh, with all these Easter eggs, theories, and hidden meanings… I’m not sure why the Kylo Ren theme was playing. There are numerous speculations regarding the true identity of the Knights of Ren. frankly, I don’t know the answer myself. I plan to discuss these potential explanations with Leslye, but she’s already aware of them. So for now, I must continue exploring these intriguing questions.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness when I reflect on the fates of the Stranger and Osha. Their poignant last scene together leaves me with a sense of foreboding, knowing that their partnership will only lead to the rise of more Sith masters and apprentices. Even on the day we first witnessed this scene, I couldn’t shake off an ominous feeling that their union was destined for tragedy.

As a seasoned film director with years of experience under my belt, I’ve learned that every scene requires a unique approach to bring it to life on screen. In the case of our latest project featuring those two iconic characters, I saw beyond the looming sense of doom that some might assume was present in their dynamic.

In simpler terms, how was the last showdown against Sol distinct from the fifth episode’s fight? Did you find yourself more focused during that encounter?

In episode eight of this game, I found myself facing new challenges with the lightsaber combat. By then, I’d grown more confident and stronger, having gone through five episodes beforehand. However, the choreography for this installment was particularly unpredictable, requiring us to adapt quickly. We often had little time to prepare for a sequence, sometimes just a night or even making changes on the spot. It was a race against the clock as we worked tirelessly, knowing that the writers’ strike was looming and time was our only luxury we couldn’t afford. So, we had no choice but to roll up our sleeves and make adjustments either the day before or during filming to ensure the fight scenes came together effectively.

It’s hard to believe that you or your duplicas could have seen through the Stranger’s helmet. Did they usually add that detail in post-production instead?

In episode five, we had the advantage of extra time during filming, which was particularly useful for choreographing the intense five-person fight scene. While engaged in combat with Jedi and their helmets obstructing my vision and hearing, I also had to contend with trees and branches. Thanks to the available rehearsal time, I could rely on muscle memory rather than sight since the helmets significantly limited visibility. However, we used different helmet designs for filming – some with wider eye slits and others without any at all. The versions with more open eye slots allowed for better peripheral vision and enhanced focus, making combat more agile. Though the helmet’s appearance adds to the intensity of the scenes, it is impractical for fighting due to its limited visibility. I could barely make out anything through that headgear.

As someone who has always been fascinated by the intricacies of lightsaber combat since my childhood, I couldn’t help but be impressed by your stunning display of mastery in the “after” video. But I find myself wondering, what did the “before” video look like? With years of training and dedication to perfecting the art, my own journey began with stumbling attempts and clumsy swings. The path to becoming a skilled lightsaber wielder was filled with countless hours of practice and perseverance. So I can only imagine the determination and grit it took for you to transform your early attempts into the impressive choreography showcased in the “after” video.

(Laughing.) In the initial videos, you’d see me hobbling around with frequent grumbles about my lower back pain, expressing disbelief at how people manage daily life with such issues. There were plenty of self-deprecating moments where I used a lightsaber to add humor to the situation. However, after investing considerable time, energy, and perseverance, what you saw on Instagram was quite different. The transformation from those early videos to the polished content showcased online is more akin to a before-and-after contrast rather than an accurate representation of reality.

If we had the chance for a second season, what lesser questions would you be interested in examining?

The first time you encounter Qimir in the Star Wars pharmacy or apothecary, he casually mentions, “I found this clothing of the shop’s previous owner.” It makes me ponder about the fate of that man.

How many pupils do you think he tried out before Mae and Osha?

Based on my personal perspective and considering the limited information provided in the original text, I can relate to the speaker’s hesitation and desire to protect a significant memory or relationship. It seems that they hold a special place in their heart for someone named Mae, and they are unsure of the exact timeline of events regarding this person and the speaker’s own personal transformation.

In the future, as you sit by a cozy fireplace and look back on your past experiences, which day do you think will come to mind first when recollecting the filming of “The Acolyte”?

One indelible memory that comes to mind is the day Amandla (Stenberg) and I stood there, gazing out at Madeira, Portugal’s stunning ocean, basking in the joy of realizing one of our greatest dreams together. Nothing could have made that experience sweeter than having her by my side. Sharing that moment with her was priceless, even as the saltwater and dirt splashed on us. I tried to keep a composed look for that precious instant, but inside, I was beaming. That day is just one of numerous cherished recollections, yet it stands out distinctly in my memory.

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The Acolyte is now streaming in its entirety on Disney+.

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2024-07-20 19:26