Manny Jacinto, who portrayed LT Billy ‘Fritz’ Avalone in the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, recently revealed that his scenes were significantly cut from the final film. Speaking to GQ magazine, Jacinto shared his experience of months of training for the role, only to see most of his scenes left on the cutting room floor, with his character Fritz appearing only briefly in the background.
Jacinto noted, “Although it was flattering that there was some outcry, it didn’t come as a shock to me. On set, I could sense the film’s direction, with the camera focusing more on other characters. Nonetheless, it was still an incredible experience — witnessing the scale of the production, observing Tom Cruise’s work ethic, and being part of such a major franchise.”
He further commented, “Ultimately, Tom Cruise is crafting roles for himself. It’s our responsibility — as Asian Americans and people of color — to create those opportunities for ourselves. If we want more significant stories, we have to develop them.”
About Top Gun: Maverick Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Top Gun: Maverick brought Tom Cruise back to his legendary role after 36 years, training a new generation of pilots. The film featured a star-studded cast including Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, and Ed Harris. Released on May 27, 2022, the film received positive reviews and grossed over $1 billion globally.