- Shares
- 64
In a fresh twist to the action genre, Ke Huy Quan is set to lead the upcoming film Love Hurts, previously known as With Love.
Love Hurts is Quan’s first movie since his Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor in Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022). The Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Loki star is cast as Marvin Gable, a seemingly ordinary realtor with a secretive past. His life spirals into chaos when his former criminal accomplice, played by Ariana DeBose (Wish), reenters his life with a vengeance.
The movie will showcase a blend of intense action and dark secrets as Marvin is dragged back into the criminal underworld by his brother Knuckles, a ruthless crime lord portrayed by Daniel Wu (Tomb Raider). The film also features a robust cast including former NFL star Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir (Cowboy Bebop), Rhys Darby (Our Flag Means Death), and Sean Astin (The Goonies). Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, known for his stunt coordination in John Wick and The Fall Guy, Love Hurts marks his debut as a feature film director.
Quan’s casting came as a surprise even to him, as he shared with Entertainment Weekly. Initially doubting why he was chosen for a role typically suited for actors like Jason Statham, Quan embraced the challenge after understanding the film’s vision for a different kind of action hero — one who embodies vulnerability just as much as bravery. “He’s not afraid to be vulnerable; he doesn’t look like a badass until the situation is called for. That’s an interesting take on the genre,” he said.
The actor prepared rigorously for the role, engaging in three months of intensive training that included martial arts, stretching, and weight training. Committed to performing his own stunts, Quan drew inspiration from classic Hong Kong action films by legends like Jackie Chan and Jet Li. “I knew it was going to be intensive and really difficult,” Quan said, “but I wanted to do it.” His dedication saw him end many shooting days exhausted and bruised, especially after intense fight scenes with co-stars like Lynch and Wu.
Despite the physical toll, Quan’s passion for the role shines through. He ignored advice from close friend Michelle Yeoh to rely on stunt doubles and not do everything himself, driven by a personal challenge to prove that he could “still do it”. Director Eusebio praises the film’s diverse and relatable cast, expressing pride in creating a movie that resonates with a wide audience by redefining what an action hero can look like.
Love Hurts will open in cinemas on 7 February 2025.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
Kevin Low
Edwin Teo
