Key Points:
- Ke Huy Quan dreams of playing a villain, inspired by James Bond antagonists and Hugh Grant’s recent performance in Heretic.
- The Oscar-winning actor aims to diversify his roles beyond action characters, focusing on versatility.
- Upcoming projects include Love Hurts, Fairytale in New York, and The Electric State.
Ke Huy Quan’s Aspiration to Play a Villain
Ke Huy Quan, known for his iconic roles in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies, as well as his Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, has expressed a strong desire to explore darker roles. Specifically, he has set his sights on portraying a villain.
In a recent interview with Empire, Quan revealed, “I would love to play a bad guy. Like a Bond villain. Or the kind of thing Hugh Grant does in Heretic. I want to go out of my comfort zone and just play this diabolical, really bad guy. That would be a lot of fun.”
Quan’s interest in branching out is driven by a desire to expand his acting portfolio. After years of choreographing stunts and playing action-oriented characters,
Quan stated, “I don’t want to be perceived as an action star. I hope I’m perceived as an actor who does action well. The best part about being an actor is you get to play a variety of different characters.”
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Ke Huy Quan’s Career Highlights
Born on August 20, 1971, in Saigon, Vietnam, Ke Huy Quan’s journey in Hollywood is a testament to perseverance and talent.
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom | Short Round | Film |
| 1985 | The Goonies | Data | Film |
| 1992 | Encino Man | Rocco | Film |
| 2000 | The Last Emperor | Young Puyi | Film |
| 2002 | X-Men | Additional Voices | Film |
| 2021 | Finding ʻOhana | Eddie | Film |
| 2022 | Everything Everywhere All at Once | Waymond Wang | Film |
| 2023 | Loki (Season 2) | Ouroboros | TV Series |
| 2023 | American Born Chinese | Uncle Fong | TV Series |
| 2023 | Kung Fu Panda 4 | Voice Role | Film |
| 2025 | Love Hurts | Marvin Gable | Film (Upcoming) |
| 2025 | Fairytale in New York | Cab Driver | Film (Upcoming) |
| TBD | The Electric State | Dr. Amherst | Film (Upcoming) |
Quan gained fame in the 1980s with standout roles such as Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Data in The Goonies (1985). Despite his early success, Quan stepped away from acting in the late 1990s due to limited opportunities for Asian actors in Hollywood.
During his hiatus from acting, Quan worked as a stunt coordinator and assistant director on notable projects such as X-Men (2000) and The One (2001). This experience enriched his understanding of filmmaking and action choreography.
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Quan’s return to the screen began with Finding ʻOhana (2021) and culminated in his critically acclaimed role in Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022). His portrayal of Waymond Wang earned him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Vietnam-born actor to win an Oscar.
Upcoming Projects Featuring Ke Huy Quan
Ke Huy Quan has a slate of exciting projects lined up, showcasing his versatility and commitment to diverse roles.
Love Hurts
- Release Date: February 7, 2025
- Director: Jonathan Eusebio
- Genre: Action
In Love Hurts, Quan stars as Marvin Gable, a retired hitman-turned-realtor. The film promises high-octane action sequences, bolstered by Jonathan Eusebio’s expertise in action choreography. The ensemble cast includes Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, and Sean Astin. This role marks Quan’s first lead in an action film and highlights his ability to balance intense physicality with emotional depth.
Fairytale in New York
- Release Date: TBD (in production)
- Director: Jalmari Helander
- Genre: Action Thriller
Set on Christmas Eve, this action thriller features Quan as a cab driver on a mission to recover his children’s stolen Christmas presents from a gang of criminals. Directed by Jalmari Helander, the film combines heartwarming elements with high-stakes action, offering Quan an opportunity to showcase both his dramatic and action-oriented skills.
The Electric State
- Release Date: Late 2025 (expected on Netflix)
- Director: Russo Brothers
- Genre: Sci-Fi Adventure
Quan will appear as Dr. Amherst in The Electric State, a sci-fi adventure from the Russo Brothers. While plot details remain under wraps, the project adds another layer of diversity to Quan’s filmography, emphasizing his ability to adapt to different genres.
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Ke Huy Quan’s Vision for the Future
Quan’s aspirations extend beyond his upcoming projects. By expressing interest in villainous roles, he demonstrates a willingness to step out of his comfort zone and tackle complex, multifaceted characters. His inspirations, such as James Bond villains and Hugh Grant’s role in Heretic, reflect his desire to embrace challenging narratives that test his acting prowess.
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Ke Huy Quan’s life story is one of resilience. Born in war-torn Vietnam, his family’s journey as refugees shaped his perspective and fueled his drive for success. Quan’s wife, Echo Quan, played a pivotal role in his comeback, serving as the on-set translator for Everything Everywhere All at Once.
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