MANNY Jacinto is feeling the need for speed playing a pilot in the much-anticipated sequel to “Top Gun,” one of the movies that made Tom Cruise a global superstar.
“Top Gun: Maverick” is scheduled to be released in 2020.
Apart from Cruise, Val Kilmer is also coming back to revisit his Iceman role.
“A lot of top secret stuff so I can’t really say but it’s been good,” Jacinto said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
When asked if he ever imagined that he’ll be in movie with Cruise, he said: “When you put it that way, no. I definitely did not think that I’d get to that. It is crazy. I am just trying to take it all in because I don’t know if that will happen again but also just try to do the work and hopefully everybody appreciates what I do.”
The Filipino-Canadian star is a proud member of a new batch of actors in Hollywood who are representing Asian men onscreen, playing diverse roles like never before and positioning as leading men.
He credits his Filipino background for having the perseverance that has served him well ever since he decided to pursue acting.
“I think all Filipinos just put their heads down and work hard. I have my parents to thank for that. I have my family to thank for that. Whether it be getting those traits from them or just like get support from them, it’s huge,” he said.
Is he planning to also get into writing or directing one day?
“Yeah. I have a lot to explore in the acting world. We’ll get to that point where I can explore directing or writing,” he said.
Jacinto’s role as Jason Mendoza in “The Good Place” has earned him a following. The show was nominated for Best TV Series at the Golden Globes.
“Maybe my New Year’s resolution is to just stay present and take it all in. It’s been a crazy ride. This is the first time that we’ve been here. It’s going to go by like that so I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
“The Good Place” was also a Critics’ Choice nominee. It airs Thursday night on NBC. (ABS-CBN News)
