Manny Jacinto recently discussed his experience with Top Gun: Maverick in an interview, revealing that he was disappointed to find all of his dialogue cut from the film. Jacinto, known for his role in The Good Place and his work in Star Wars: The Acolyte, had undergone extensive training for his role as a fighter pilot. Despite his reduced presence in the final cut, he appreciated the outcry from fans and viewed it as a sign of support.

Jacinto shared that the focus on other characters during filming hinted at the changes to come. He acknowledged that the experience was a valuable one, allowing him to observe Tom Cruise’s work ethic and the operation of a major film franchise. However, he used this setback as motivation to take a more proactive role in creating stories for himself and other people of color, emphasizing the need for self-representation in the industry.

aitchisons from United States, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the context of broader industry trends, Jacinto’s comments highlight ongoing issues with the representation of Asian characters in leading roles. A recent study found that while Asian characters in films and series have increased, a small percentage hold leading roles.

The film itself was a massive success, grossing $1.5 billion worldwide and earning six Oscar nominations. Jacinto’s upcoming projects include Freaky Friday 2 and a fencing thriller called Balestra.