‘Tom Cruise Is Writing Stories For Tom Cruise.’ Getting All His Lines Cut From Top Gun: Maverick Was ‘Disappointing,’ But Manny Jacinto Reveals What Fueled Him

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'Tom Cruise Is Writing Stories For Tom Cruise.' Getting All His Lines Cut From Top Gun: Maverick Was 'Disappointing,' But Manny Jacinto Reveals What Fueled Him

As a huge fan of both Manny Jacinto and the Star Wars universe, I can’t help but be thrilled about his recent addition to the Star Wars family as the latest sexy villain in The Acolyte. But it’s also important to remember that this isn’t the first time Jacinto has graced us with his presence in a major production – he was also part of the Top Gun: Maverick cast, working alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Tom Cruise and Miles Teller.

Recently, there’s been no ignoring Manny Jacinto for devoted “Star Wars” admirers. The actor recognized primarily for his part in “The Good Place” is currently causing a stir as the newest seductive villain in “The Acolyte,” leaving fans utterly captivated. With Jacinto earning recognition for featuring in the latest “Star Wars” production, it’s high time we revisit his appearance in “Top Gun: Maverick,” even though he didn’t utter a word in that blockbuster hit of the summer.

Manny Jacinto was part of the “Top Gun: Maverick” cast together with Tom Cruise, Glen Powell, Miles Teller, and others. However, it’s understandable if some people didn’t recognize him in the movie. Despite undergoing rigorous training with his co-stars, including flying in real fighter jets and working out extensively, Jacinto had a minor role in the film. He recently spoke about his experience making “Maverick”:

I’m glad there was some reaction, but I wasn’t entirely surprised. On set, I sensed the focus shifting towards others, with less attention paid to our scenes. Yet, it was an incredible experience. Witnessing the intricacies of such a massive production, observing Tom Cruise in action, and being a minor player in this large-scale franchise was truly a privilege.

In my excitement for Jacinto’s latest interview with GQ, I can relate to his shared experience of feeling underrepresented in “Maverick” during the summer of 2022. On set, I sensed this might be a possibility and was left with a tinge of disappointment. Yet, I’m grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work alongside Tom Cruise on such an esteemed production – a career highlight for Jacinto. For devoted fans who had eagerly anticipated his role as “Fritz” since 2018, the diminished screen time was undeniably frustrating.

Before the premiere of the film, Jacinto shared his eagerness to portray and honor the Filipino community through his character in the Air Force. Unfortunately, in the actual movie, his role was minimized, with all his lines being cut. Manny Jacinto expressed similar feelings about having a limited presence in “Maverick.”

As a person of color, I strongly believe that we hold the power to create and tell our own stories. Growing up, I have often felt underrepresented and undervalued in the media. It’s disheartening to constantly see ourselves portrayed in a one-dimensional way or not at all. But instead of waiting for someone else to tell our stories, we must take matters into our own hands.

In the movie “Maverick,” there was an eclectic mix of Top Gun pilots, including Monica Barbaro as Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace, Jay Ellis portraying Reuben ‘Payback’ Fitch, Danny Ramirez as Mickey ‘Fanboy’ Garcia, and Glen Powell as Billy ‘Fritz’ Avalone. Each brought unique flair to the team. However, it’s unfortunate that Lewis pulled back the role of The Good Place actor, who was previously a main cast member in a major network show beforehand.

I was bummed out when I lost that in-game item, but maybe I’ll have another chance in the anticipated “Top Gun 3”. For now, I can enjoy hunting down Manny Jacinto in “Top Gun: Maverick”, which is streaming exclusively on Paramount+.

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2024-07-18 15:37