'Freakier Friday': Manny Jacinto on Recreating the 'Dirty Dancing' Scene With Lindsay Lohan
Actor Manny Jacinto shared his excitement and fears about taking on the romantic lead role in the new Disney+ film Freakier Friday. He admitted that when he first landed the part, strong feelings of impostor syndrome appeared, leaving him uncertain whether he could convincingly carry a major love story. Still, he chose to face those doubts directly and enjoy the experience.
“You have to step into the fear and try and have fun,” Jacinto said.
Jacinto’s chemistry with Lindsay Lohan helped him craft a heartfelt relationship that anchors the Freaky Friday sequel. He visited the TV Insider studio to talk about preparing for the film and studying Patrick Swayze’s iconic dance moves for a key “Dirty Dancing” tribute scene.
Freakier Friday centers on Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna (Lindsay Lohan) as they once again experience a body swap, proving that lightning can indeed strike twice. This time, their families are merging before Anna’s wedding to Eric (Manny Jacinto).
- Anna’s rebellious daughter Harper (Julia Coleman) struggles to adjust to the blended family.
- Eric’s daughter Lily (Sophia Hammons) becomes Harper’s new stepsister—and rival.
- Just before the ceremony, Anna and Harper switch bodies, and so do Tess and Lily, leading to comedic and emotional chaos.
As the wedding approaches, the group must rehearse their big dance performance—a playful nod to Dirty Dancing—but with body-swapped characters, the scene turns into a mix of confusion and humor.
Streaming Debut
Freakier Friday premieres November 12 on Disney+, promising a blend of nostalgia, heart, and family fun.
Author’s Summary
Manny Jacinto opens up about the fears, fun, and dance rehearsals behind Disney+’s Freakier Friday, where body swaps and blended families collide in comic fashion.