‘This Did Not Age Very Well’: Freakier Friday’s Manny Jacinto Shared His Concerns About ‘Problematic’ Asian Representation After The Original

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The 2003 film “Freaky Friday” is cherished by fans to such an extent that it led to a new installment, “Freakier Friday,” adding a dash of body-swapping comedy to the 2025 movie lineup. Despite the original movie being fondly recalled, it’s not without its flaws, and certain aspects of the film have become less appealing over time. This was a significant point of concern for co-star Manny Jacinto.

In 2003, a film I’ve seen left an impression – the spell that swapped bodies between stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan was triggered by magical fortune cookies at a Chinese restaurant. Reflecting on this portrayal now, it doesn’t seem to be the most thoughtful representation of Asian culture. When Manny Jacinto was approached for the sequel, he admitted that this aspect gave him pause, expressing his concerns about continuity in the way Asian characters are depicted in the series.

When I decided to join, I recalled seeing the original Freaky Friday movie and thinking, this doesn’t seem as inclusive as it once was. Given that I know Nisha and have conversations with others within our community, I was confident we had a leader who understood those outdated characters or problems portrayed in the initial film. I felt thoroughly looked after.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been cast as Eric in the upcoming film “Freakier Friday.” This role marks me, Manny Jacinto, as Lindsay Lohan’s Anna’s fiancé. With my previous notable roles in “The Good Place” and “The Acolyte,” I’ve managed to cultivate a loyal fan base that eagerly anticipates my next moves in the world of cinema. This heightened interest makes it crucial for me, when selecting projects, to make choices that resonate with both my fans and myself, ensuring that I continue to deliver exceptional performances.

Although Freaky Friday might face some issues regarding Asian representation, Jacinto found comfort in the fact that the film’s director, Nisha Gantra, would handle it sensitively. Notably, Gantra had already expressed concern over problematic Asian representation when she initially discussed directing the movie with producers. She stated:

In simpler terms, during my initial discussions with the producers, I expressed my immediate concern about the portrayal and the choice of music for Asian characters, which left me conflicted. At one point during the pitch, I exclaimed, “This seems questionable regarding Asian representation!

From all indications, the remake of Freakier Friday seems to have made significant strides in its representation. Not only does the main cast of the movie boast a more diverse range, featuring Jacinto, but there are also hints that Lucile Soong and Rosalind Chao, who portrayed the mother-daughter duo from the Chinese restaurant in the 2003 film, will reappear in a scene. This scene is said to gently mock the original film and strive to rectify any past issues by including these characters.

There’s a reason behind the frequent remakes, reboots, and follow-ups in modern cinema, and that’s the chance to refine and enhance what was presented before. That’s exactly what Freakier Friday aims to achieve.

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2025-05-01 18:10