Manny Jacinto Stars as Lindsay Lohan's Love Interest in 'Freakier Friday' — Why It Matters

Manny Jacinto’s Rise to Leading Man Status

Manny Jacinto is undeniably in his leading man era. Over the past few years, he has experienced a whirlwind of opportunities that have placed him at the forefront of Hollywood. Currently on the press tour for Freakier Friday, the sequel to the 2003 film, Jacinto continues to build on his growing fame.

The movie follows Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis as they reprise their roles as mother-daughter duo Anna and Tess Coleman, who find themselves in another body-swapping situation two decades later. This time, Anna’s daughter and stepdaughter-to-be are involved, adding new layers to the story. Jacinto plays Eric Davies, Anna’s husband-to-be, who remains unaware of the complex body swaps happening around him.

Jacinto, 37, recognizes the significance of this role. He shared with InStyle that it was surreal to be cast opposite Lindsay Lohan, someone he admired as a child. “It’s wild what you can do if you put your mind to it,” he said, reflecting on the journey that brought him to this point.

Beyond the star power, Jacinto was drawn to the role because of its representation of Asian American men in mainstream media. It's rare to see a man like him in such a prominent position, and he values that aspect deeply. “You don’t get to see a lot of Asian American males as a love interest or as a solid father figure,” he told Deadline. “That was definitely the part that enticed me.”

With Freakier Friday, Jacinto fully embraces his potential as a leading man. Fans who followed him from The Good Place have watched his rise to fame and heartthrob status with pride. Veronica Fitzpatrick, a Filipino American adjunct assistant professor at Brown University, noted that seeing an Asian man romancing anyone in a mainstream film is a refreshing change. “It helps normalize the very normal idea that AAPI men have sex appeal and romantic currency,” she said.

Raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Jacinto gained recognition for his role as Jason Mendoza in The Good Place. His performance charmed audiences with its mix of aloofness and good intentions. From there, he landed a starring role in Nine Perfect Strangers and appeared in Top Gun: Maverick, despite his lines being cut.

His steady rise to stardom took a significant turn with his portrayal of the brooding Sith Lord the Stranger in The Acolyte. This role shifted perceptions of him in Hollywood, positioning him as a viable lead for Asian American actors. The impact of his performance even led to a surge in attention on TikTok, where fans created shirtless edits that captivated loyal viewers of the series.

Leslye Headland, the creator of The Acolyte, highlighted how Jacinto’s character challenges traditional gender tropes. “A true sex symbol is someone who resonates emotionally with fans,” she said. “Manny’s magnetism is rooted in his acting, not just his physique. His ability to access vulnerability, empathy, and longing is very compelling.”

Women have played a crucial role in Jacinto’s success. He credits the support from female fans and industry professionals for his career trajectory. “Women have been a huge champion for me,” he told InStyle. He specifically mentioned Nicole Kidman, Leslye Headland, and Freakier Friday director Nisha Ganatra, noting that their belief in his potential has been instrumental.

As Jacinto continues to make waves in Hollywood, his journey serves as an inspiration for many. His commitment to representation and his ability to connect with audiences have solidified his place as a leading man worth watching.