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Manny Jacinto returns to Manila for Disney’s ‘Freakier Friday’ premiere
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto made a triumphant homecoming on Tuesday, August 5, for the red carpet premiere of Disney’s new film, “Freakier Friday.” The event, held at the SM Mall of Asia’s Main Atrium, was part of the film’s global tour and welcomed hundreds of excited fans ahead of the movie’s nationwide release on Wednesday, August 6.
Jacinto, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Jason Mendoza in “The Good Place,” as well as his performances in “The Acolyte” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” stars in the sequel as Eric Davies, the fiancé of Anna Coleman. He joins original stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, who reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman, respectively. The new film follows Anna as she navigates life as a mother and soon-to-be stepmother, leading to a magical body swap.
An emotional homecoming
The actor, who was born in Manila before his family immigrated to Canada when he was three, was met with a massive, enthusiastic crowd. Fans held up handmade signs and sketches while chanting his name as he arrived. Jacinto took the time to greet attendees, pose for photos, and even played a round of the classic game “Pinoy Henyo,” correctly guessing the word “Friday.”
Reflecting on the surreal moment, Jacinto shared, “It feels like a dream, honestly. I never would’ve thought. I was born here, so a local boy that gets to act beside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis is wild to me. Never would’ve thought—but here we are.”
He expressed his gratitude to the crowd, adding, “Sobrang (So) excited to be here, this is so much love. It really means the world to me.”
The film, directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Jordan Weiss, also features a new generation of characters played by Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, Vanessa Bayer, and Mark Harmon. The Manila premiere gave attendees an exclusive first look at the movie, which officially opens in all cinemas nationwide on Wednesday.
