In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hollywood actor Manny Jacinto expressed his concerns about the offensive Asian stereotypes portrayed in the 2003 film, Freaky Friday. Jacinto, who stars in the sequel called Freakier Friday, alongside director Nisha Ganatra, shared his reservations about joining the project due to the past depiction of two Asian characters in the original movie.
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The original Freaky Friday film featured two Chinese characters who played a significant role in the storyline, serving a magical fortune cookie that caused the mother-daughter duo, played by Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, to switch bodies. Jacinto, known for his role as Jason Mendoza in The Good Place, highlighted that upon watching the first film, he felt that the representation of diverse characters did not age well.
Acknowledging the importance of addressing these issues, Jacinto commended the sequel’s director, Nisha Ganatra, for her awareness and sensitivity towards such archetypes. He mentioned that working with Ganatra and being part of a team that understands the significance of representation made him feel supported and cared for throughout the filming process.
The upcoming sequel, Freakier Friday, is set to hit theaters on August 8th and will see the return of original cast members like Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Additionally, actors Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, and Stephen Tobolowsky will also reprise their roles in the movie.
Ganatra emphasized the importance of making things right in the sequel by bringing back Rosalind Chao and Lucille Soong to reprise their roles, ensuring a more authentic and respectful portrayal of diverse characters. Jacinto praised Ganatra for her directing style, noting that she strikes a perfect balance between keeping the film grounded and real while also infusing it with charm and fun.
The sequel will also introduce new characters portrayed by Julia Butters, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Sophia Hammons, adding fresh perspectives and diversity to the storyline. Fans of the original film can look forward to a blend of familiar faces and new talents in this highly anticipated follow-up.
As discussions around cultural representation and stereotypes in media continue to evolve, the cast and crew of Freakier Friday are actively working towards creating a sequel that addresses past issues and provides a more inclusive and authentic cinematic experience for audiences. The film aims to bring a modern perspective to the classic body-swap comedy, while also celebrating diversity and representation on screen.
Freakier Friday promises to be an exciting continuation of the beloved story, with a renewed focus on cultural sensitivity and authentic portrayals of diverse characters. With a talented cast and a dedicated team behind the scenes, the sequel is poised to charm audiences while delivering an important message about the importance of respectful representation in film. Stay tuned for the release of Freakier Friday on August 8th for a fresh take on a timeless comedy classic.