Manny Jacinto, star of Freakier Friday, revealed that a crucial scene almost didn’t make it into the movie. Freakier Friday, which came out this summer, was a hit with both critics and audiences, proving successful in a landscape where many legacy sequels have struggled.
Jacinto acted alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, who reprised their famous roles, as well as newcomers like Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Jacinto plays Eric Reyes, a caring fiancé who’s trying to build a relationship with his future stepdaughter, Harper, all while making sure his own daughter feels loved.
During an interview with ScreenRant about the digital and Disney+ release of Freakier Friday, director Jacinto shared that a tribute to Patrick Swayze’s famous dance scene almost didn’t make it into the film. He explained that the scene wasn’t originally part of the script.
It seems there were difficulties getting permission to use the music. However, the producer of Freakier Friday, Kristen Burr, really wanted to include it, believing it was a particularly memorable scene. You can find the complete statement from Jacinto below.
ScreenRant: What has your favorite reaction been to the movie now that it’s out?
A lot of people have been reacting to my character, and it seems like the biggest thing they’re talking about is a nod to the famous dance scene with Patrick Swayze.
That scene wasn’t originally planned, and securing the music rights was difficult. But our producer, Kristen Burr, felt it was a crucial and beautiful moment, so we made it happen. Thankfully, my back held up during filming!
This scene happens right after everyone switches bodies. Harper finds herself in her mom Anna’s body and now needs to handle all of Anna’s wedding preparations, including going to dance practice with Anna’s fiancé, Eric.
During the rehearsal, the couple danced to “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life.” Eric recreated the iconic lift from the movie Dirty Dancing, referencing a dance sequence that’s become incredibly famous.
This scene feels like something straight out of Freakier Friday. Although they could have chosen a different dance, using such a well-known routine makes the moment really stick with viewers.
This scene is important to the overall story. When Lily and Harper switched bodies, they initially planned to sabotage their parents’ wedding and break them up. And at first, that’s exactly what they attempt to do.
Eventually, Harper begins to appreciate Eric and the way he cares for Anna. The dance scene, happening relatively soon after the body swap, is one of the first times Harper views Eric in a more favorable light.
The dance sequence featuring Patrick Swayze is more than just a memorable moment – it’s a key part of the film’s story. The team behind Freakier Friday was fortunate to resolve the copyright concerns and be able to include this tribute to Swayze.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 5 & 6 Release Date, Time, Where to Watch
- PUBG Mobile or BGMI A16 Royale Pass Leaks: Upcoming skins and rewards
- You can’t watch Predator: Badlands on Disney+ yet – but here’s when to expect it
- Mobile Legends November 2025 Leaks: Upcoming new heroes, skins, events and more
- Zack Snyder’s ‘Sucker Punch’ Finds a New Streaming Home
- Deneme Bonusu Veren Siteler – En Gvenilir Bahis Siteleri 2025.4338
- Clash Royale Furnace Evolution best decks guide
- Clash Royale November 2025: Events, Challenges, Tournaments, and Rewards
- JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Ora Ora Overdrive unites iconic characters in a sim RPG, launching on mobile this fall
2025-11-13 16:00