Is Manny Jacinto the internet’s new boyfriend?

No I haven’t seen “The Acolyte,” but I have *definitely* seen Manny Jacinto

Manny Jacinto is literally everywhere right now. After starring in the new Disney+ series “The Acolyte,” everyone and their mother is obsessed with the Canadian-Filipino actor’s face (and body) card. In the parts of the show I’ve come across on the clock app (because I haven’t had the time to sit down and watch it), Jacinto looks incredible. 

But that’s hardly breaking news. 

What is breaking news, however, is that Jacinto’s rapid rise in popularity may signal the end of “Rat Boy Summer” and crown him the internet’s new boyfriend.

The Manila-born actor has been on TV since 2013, where he’s landed several small roles and guest appearances on popular shows like “Supernatural,” “Once Upon a Time,” and “Bates Motel.” It wasn’t until his breakout role as lovable doofus Jason Mendoza on the hit series “The Good Place” that people started to really pay attention. 

After the show ended in 2020, he joined the cast of “Nine Perfect Strangers,” starring alongside big names like Nicole Kidman, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, and Bobby Carnavale to name a few. 

Prior to his role in “The Acolyte,” Jacinto scored a role on the highly anticipated “Top Gun” sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick” where basically all his lines were cut and he was reduced to a warm body on screen—which resulted in some controversy and internet drama. 

What we did get out of the movie was a few seconds of the actor shirtless on the beach during the now-iconic volleyball scene. And I’m only mad because it was just a few seconds. 

With the press tour for “The Acolyte” in full swing, Jacinto’s been more internet accessible by way of press junkets and interviews with co-stars. TikTok edits of the actor have been cropping up left and right, which makes me feel like I’ve already seen the latest addition to the “Star Wars” franchise. 

But are the thirst edits and interviews enough to call him the internet’s new boyfriend? 

He’s been charmingly soft-spoken on the press circuit, polite to interviewers, and shy enough to make people (me, specifically) go a little crazy over him. And while he’s engaged to fellow actor Dianne Doan of “Warrior” fame, that doesn’t mean we (ehem, I) can’t love him from afar. 

There’s been lots of love for Jacinto since his stint on “The Good Place,” and I’m expecting him to be crowned the internet’s highest parasocial award anytime soon. I’m just hoping the fan edits and interviews keep coming. 

And Manny Jacinto, if you’re reading this, I love you, you’re doing amazing sweetie, and please tell your fiancée I love her too.