Manny Jacinto On Tom Cruise

Manny Jacinto on Tom Cruise. Manny Jacinto on "Top Gun: Maverick," Tom Cruise, and the Importance of Creating Your Own Stories.

Manny Jacinto, known for his role in "The Good Place," recently opened up about his experience working on the blockbuster "Top Gun: Maverick," sharing insights into his brief screen presence and the lessons learned from working alongside Tom Cruise and Miles Teller.

In a candid interview with GQ, Jacinto revealed his disappointment about his scenes being edited out of the final cut. He acknowledged the reality of Hollywood, saying, "It kind of fuels you because, at the end of the day, Tom Cruise is writing stories for Tom Cruise." He continued, "It's up to us — Asian Americans, people of colour — to be that. We can't wait for somebody else to do it. If we want bigger stories out there, we have to make them for ourselves."

Despite the disappointment, Jacinto emphasized the valuable experience gained from working on such a large-scale production. He explained, "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 also acknowledged the film's focus, saying, "It's flattering that there was a little bit of an outcry, but it wasn't shocking to me. There was a sense of where the film was going [on set], like I could see them focusing the camera more on these [other] guys and not taking so much time on our scenes."

Looking ahead, Jacinto is currently working on "Star Wars: The Acolyte," a new Disney+ series set in the High Republic era. This project showcases his commitment to diversifying his roles and contributing to larger narratives within the science fiction genre. He joins a talented cast including Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, and Dafne Keen, further solidifying his place in the industry.

Manny Jacinto's experience on "Top Gun: Maverick" serves as a reminder that even within the realm of established franchises, there are valuable lessons to be learned. His insights highlight the importance of taking control of your narrative and contributing to the stories that deserve to be told. With his ongoing career trajectory and passion for diverse projects, Jacinto is poised for a bright future in the world of entertainment.