Disney is banking on a second body-swap to spark fresh magic, and it’s pulling out all the stops including a red carpet moment in Manila with The Good Place breakout Manny Jacinto.
The Filipino-Canadian actor is set to join fans on August 5 at SM Mall of Asia for an exclusive fan premiere of Freakier Friday, the long-awaited sequel to the 2003 hit that starred Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. One day later, the film hits cinemas across the Philippines. For Disney, this isn’t just about a movie it’s about global reach, Asian representation, and, frankly, getting old fans to feel young again.
A Star Comes Home Sort Of
Manny Jacinto isn’t exactly a household name in the Philippines. But he should be.
Born in Manila and raised in Canada, Jacinto made waves as the sweet but dim Jason Mendoza in The Good Place before appearing in Top Gun: Maverick. His return to the country, even for a short stopover, is drawing attention online and offline.
This time, he’s not just tagging along he’s part of the Freakier Friday cast and is stepping into a spotlight many fans believe he should’ve had years ago.
He’s expected to walk the red carpet, mingle with fans, and maybe drop a few Tagalog lines for the crowd. Disney clearly knows the value of a global Filipino fanbase, and Jacinto is the perfect bridge between Hollywood and home.
The Sequel Nobody Expected, but Everyone’s Talking About
Let’s be honest not a single soul asked for a Freaky Friday sequel. But now that it’s here, people can’t stop talking about it.
The new film brings back Curtis and Lohan as Tess and Anna Coleman, this time facing chaos from motherhood, teenage angst, and blended family quirks. The plot? Another mysterious body-swap throws everything out of whack. The hook? Seeing if that mother-daughter magic still works two decades later.
Here’s what fans can expect:
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Lindsay Lohan returns in full “girlboss mom” mode
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Jamie Lee Curtis hasn’t lost her edge or timing
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The generational clash is even messier now with step-kids and modern tech
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Manny Jacinto plays a mysterious character that Disney’s keeping under wraps (for now)
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Directed by Late Night’s Nisha Ganatra, promising both humor and heart
And no, Chad Michael Murray is not playing the same guy from 2003. Sorry, nostalgia purists.
Why Manila?
Disney could’ve chosen any city. Why Manila?
For starters, Filipino moviegoers are loyal to a fault. If Disney wanted an audience to scream for Lindsay and Manny, the Philippines was a safe bet. Add in the rise of Southeast Asia as a massive entertainment market, and this premiere feels less random and more strategic.
Globe Telecom is presenting the event, backed by SM Cinema and SM Mall of Asia. Fans had to register online for a chance to get in and yes, the slots vanished fast.
And there’s the soft power angle: showcasing Filipino talent like Jacinto on home soil adds more than just emotional value. It tells aspiring actors watching from Quezon City to Cebu that Hollywood’s doors aren’t completely shut.
What This Means for Disney and for Manny
This isn’t just about a fun little red carpet stroll.
For Disney, the Freakier Friday rollout is a test. Can it revive old franchises without the Marvel formula? Can it sell feel-good chaos to both Gen Z and millennial parents? And can it convince Southeast Asia that it still “gets it”?
For Manny Jacinto, this is something else entirely.
He’s long been praised for his comic timing and underrated screen presence. But he’s rarely had a marquee role. Appearing in a globally released Disney sequel one that leans heavily on family dynamics and Asian-American casting might finally be the career push he’s been waiting for.
Whether Freakier Friday becomes a box office hit or not, it’s already scored on one front: people are talking again about Manny Jacinto, and this time, with serious affection.
A Party Before the Premiere
Expect chaos. In a good way.
The fan premiere at SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium isn’t just a formality it’s a full-on celebration. There’ll be photo ops, interviews, and maybe even a few lucky fans getting selfies with Jacinto.
Globe is rolling out the digital carpet too, with social media contests and influencer tie-ins. The timing couldn’t be better: August 5 gives fans just enough of a teaser to flood TikTok and Instagram before the nationwide release on August 6.
Also, with Jacinto in town, don’t be surprised if local outlets jump on the opportunity for exclusive interviews. He hasn’t had a major press moment in the Philippines until now.
