Ke Huy Quan Spills Loki’s Biggest Secret: What He Learned from Tom Hiddleston!

Ke Huy Quan’s journey in Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable. After gaining global recognition as the adventurous Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom at a young age, Quan took a break from acting before making a major comeback in 2022 with his Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Now, two years later, Quan is stepping into his first lead role in the action-comedy Love Hurts, marking a significant milestone in his career.

In an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, Quan expressed his excitement and pride in being the first name on the call sheet for Love Hurts, where he stars as Marvin Gable, a successful estate agent with a violent past that resurfaces when his former partner warns him that his brother is after him. This new role is a far cry from the supporting roles Quan has played in the past, but it’s one he embraces with gratitude and humility.

“It feels amazing,” Quan said, holding up a cushion of his character smiling to illustrate the joy of being the lead. “Honestly, it feels amazing. As an actor, what you do is the same, whether you are number one on the call sheet or number five on the call sheet. The entire movie is a collaborative process.”

However, being number one on the call sheet comes with added responsibility. Quan noted that his role as the lead actor also means he sets the tone for the rest of the cast and crew. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he remarked, quoting the iconic line. “I wanted to make sure that everybody feels loved, feel like they’re important, and everything that they’re contributing is just as important as my contribution.”

Having worked both in front and behind the camera, Quan reflected on his past experiences, recalling times when he didn’t always feel valued on set. This has influenced his approach to leadership now that he is at the forefront. “I remember working behind the camera, being in different positions, and sometimes I don’t always feel like that. So this time around, when I get to do this, I wanted to do that.”

Quan credits a significant part of his growth as an actor and leader to the guidance he’s received over the years. Notably, he highlighted two major influences on his approach to leading a cast: Harrison Ford, whom he worked with during his early career, and Tom Hiddleston, known for his role as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“I’ve had a lot of great mentors, great people who I can look up to,” Quan explained. “You know, Harrison Ford, Tom Hiddleston… I’ve seen him do it on Loki set, where he really rallies everybody up to do the best work they can.”

This mentorship has undoubtedly played a role in shaping the actor Quan is today. As he steps into this new chapter of his career, his focus is on creating an inclusive, collaborative environment on set, one where everyone’s contribution is valued.

Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, Love Hurts not only marks Quan’s first leading role but also introduces him as a seasoned actor taking charge of a movie set. As Marvin Gable, he brings a unique blend of action, humor, and heart to the role. Fans can look forward to seeing the depth and nuance Quan brings to his character, as he builds on the lessons from those who have guided him along the way.