Ke Huy Quan Embraces New Action Hero Role in ‘Love Hurts’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — After winning an Oscar for his role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” Ke Huy Quan is stepping into a new spotlight as the lead in the action-comedy film “Love Hurts.” The 53-year-old actor, who plays Marvin Gable, a realtor with a secret assassin past, initially hesitated to take on the role, believing it was meant for someone like Jason Statham.

Quan revealed that it took encouragement from his longtime friend and collaborator Steven Spielberg to convince him to embrace the opportunity. “I was so worried that whatever I was going to do next, I would disappoint,” Quan said in an interview. “Steven told me, ‘Ke, it’s great. Do it.'”

The actor, who first gained fame as a child star in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” admitted he never imagined himself as an action hero. “I thought it was written for somebody like Jason Statham,” Quan said. “I didn’t think anybody that looks like me could star in this role.”

However, the production company 87North, known for the “John Wick” franchise, persisted. “They came back for a third time,” Quan recalled. “They had these really elaborate slides with me as the main character. That’s when I started to see it a different way.”

Quan’s journey to leading man status marks a significant shift in his career. “It’s incredible,” he said. “I never thought I would one day see a trailer with the Universal Studios logo before it, and then the movie be advertised with my name.”

Despite his newfound success, Quan remains grounded. “On a personal level, nothing’s changed,” he said. “I still drive the same car. I still go to the same places. But on a professional level, it’s night and day.”

Quan’s role in “Love Hurts” is just the beginning of his action-packed resurgence. He is also set to star in another action film, “Fairytale In New York.” Reflecting on his career, Quan said, “I don’t want to be perceived as an action star. I hope I’m perceived as an actor who does action well.”

“Love Hurts” hits theaters on February 7, 2025, distributed by Universal Pictures.