You probably recognize Ke Huy Quan as the Oscar-winning star of Everything Everywhere All At Once, a distinction he earned in 2023. In his upcoming role in the action-comedy film Love Hurts, set to be released on February 7 2025, the eminent actor channels his inner action hero (think Jackie Chan meets the suburban realtor vibe). Quan is not simply stepping into a leading role; he trained hard to perform his own stunts, demonstrating his commitment to the project.
In this film, Quan portrays Marvin Gable, an ex-criminal-turned-realtor whose life spirals into chaos when he receives a mysterious envelope from Rose (played by Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose), a former partner-in-crime he left for dead years before. Her return forcibly drags the realtor back into a treacherous world filled with ruthless hitmen, which means he must confront his haunting past and the choices that still shape his life.
Joining Quan and DeBose in a diverse and impressive cast is Hong Kong-American actor Daniel Wu as Marvin’s crime lord brother, Knuckles, who is on the hunt for him. Alongside this trio, the film features notable actors such as Sean Astin (who starred in The Lord of the Rings), Mustafa Shakir (Luke Cage), and Rhys Darby (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) — a dynamic ensemble that promises to bring excitement to the film.
Critics are eager to see how Quan’s portrayal challenges traditional action hero stereotypes. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor expressed his own initial confusion to his unexpected casting. “I go, ‘Wait, why are they [producers Kelly McCormick, David Leitch and Guy Danella of 87North Productions] offering me this? I’m nothing like this.’ I even told them, ‘You guys should be calling Jason Statham.’”
However, after meeting with the producers, Quan realized that the film called for “a different kind of action star” — one he described as unafraid of being vulnerable and who “doesn’t look like a badass until the situation is called for.” This potentially fresher take on action-comedy aims to resonate with audiences who appreciate more relatable and complex characters.
To bring this vision to life, the film’s director Jonathan Eusebio, draws on his wealth of experience as a seasoned stunt coordinator known for his work on films like Deadpool 2, John Wick and 300. Eusebio was inspired by Quan’s genuine happiness and gratitude after winning the Oscar, noting how he has a remarkable ability to uplift those around him. This led Eusebio to see parallels between Quan and the character Marvin, feeling that Quan was a right fit for the role.
The director also praised Quan’s dedication, stating, “We had him training for months before we even got into production. He’s so good. He knows what moves work for him.” He added, “You’re seeing him making his comeback; he’s very uplifting, his speeches are the best. I already knew about his background doing stunt work in Hong Kong, so I knew how physically capable he was.”
Following a few roles as a young adult in the 1990s, Quan took an acting hiatus for nearly 20 years. During this time, he worked as a stunt choreographer on films like X-Men (2000) and served as an assistant director on legendary filmmaker Wong Kar-wai’s romance sci-fi 2046 (2004).
This upcoming movie is shaping up to be a significant entry in the action-comedy genre, combining thrilling action with heartfelt storytelling. With Quan and Eusebio leading the charge, Love Hurts has the potential to captivate audiences and further establish its leading man’s status as a versatile actor ready for a new chapter in his career.
Banner image via ModMove.
