Does Tom Cruise Have More Screen Time in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’?
Recently, Filipino-American actor Manny Jacinto garnered attention for his impressive performance in the TV series The Good Place. However, his role in Top Gun: Maverick sparked discussions, as some viewers felt he was overshadowed and had little dialogue compared to Tom Cruise.
Manny Jacinto’s Experience in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
In response to comments about his limited screen presence, Jacinto explained that his role was reduced because the film was primarily a Tom Cruise project. Naturally, Cruise took up a significant portion of the film’s runtime. In Top Gun: Maverick, Jacinto played one of the fighter pilots training alongside Miles Teller, Glen Powell, and Lewis Pullman. Despite undergoing rigorous training, similar to what’s required for superhero films, Jacinto found that most of his dialogue was cut, leaving him with just a few background scenes.
In an interview with GQ, Jacinto said, “It would be loud if I objected, but honestly, it wasn’t too shocking for me. I had a feeling this would happen since it was clear that the production would focus more on the lead character and not spend much time on us.” He emphasized that being part of such a project was an incredible experience, allowing him to witness the inner workings of the film industry and see how Tom Cruise operates.
Motivation for Future Projects
Jacinto’s disappointment has fueled his desire to take on more behind-the-scenes roles in future projects, not just acting. He remarked, “It energizes us because, at the end of the day, Tom Cruise is telling stories for himself. We—Asian Americans and people of color—have to speak up for ourselves. We can’t keep waiting for others to do it, if we want bigger stories, we have to create them ourselves.”
Representation in Hollywood
Last year, a study revealed that the number of Asian characters in the top 100 films and series on streaming platforms increased by 13% from 2007 to 2022. However, only 6% of those characters had leading roles. This underscores the ongoing struggle for better representation in the film industry.
The Impact of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
Top Gun: Maverick had a significant impact, grossing $1.5 billion globally and boosting the careers of actors like Glen Powell. Powell recently starred in the controversial disaster film Twisters, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who earned widespread acclaim for his Oscar-nominated film Minari.
While Manny Jacinto may not have had the screen time he hoped for in Top Gun: Maverick, his experience serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the need for more diverse stories in Hollywood. As the industry evolves, voices like Jacinto’s play a crucial role in shaping stories that reflect a broader range of experiences. As filmmakers and actors push for change, there’s hope that future projects will offer more substantial roles and opportunities for underrepresented communities.
