There is little doubt that Ke Huy Quan introduced a truly charismatic figure into the Marvel Cinematic Universe when he portrayed OB in Loki Season 2. Interestingly, his portrayal of the TVA technician was actually inspired by a character he had already played in the past. Quan just confirmed that his role in the MCU series was inspired by the classic adventure flick The Goonies!
Ke Huy Quan recently shared insights into his performance in Loki Season 2, revealing that his portrayal of Ouroboros drew inspiration from his earlier role in the iconic family adventure film The Goonies. Quan, who gained fame as Richard "Data" Wang in The Goonies at the age of 13, discussed his understanding of O.B., the resident tech genius at the TVA, in an interview with Variety.
"When I first read the script, I instantly fell in love with Ouroboros," he said. "You can see who this character is right away — his quirkiness, his humor, his passion for his job jumps right out of the page. In the process of trying to fine tune how I want to play him, something dawned on me. I realized that this character is familiar to me. I think I know who he is. I have to go back 35 years ago, when I play Data on The Goonies."
"So many fans have come up to me, and the most asked question was, 'Will there be a Goonies 2? And what is Data doing as an adult?' This character of Ouroboros is kind of my answer to that. I view him as a variant of Data," Quan added.
It's no surprise that Quan took inspiration from Data and when you rewatch OB in Loki Season 2, it's easy to see the connection between the two characters. Moreover, it's great to know that Quan acknowledges The Goonies as his one notable project in his career.
Ke Huy Quan and The Goonies' Impact in Cinematic History
The Goonies, released in 1985, featured Quan as an amateur gadgeteer and member of the adventurous group. His role in The Goonies, along with his performance in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom the previous year, solidified his status as a young talent in Hollywood. However, Quan eventually stepped away from acting due to the limited opportunities for Asian performers.
After a hiatus from the entertainment industry, Ke Huy Quan made a notable return to the big screen in 2022 with Everything Everywhere All At Once, earning critical acclaim and winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. During his acceptance speech, Quan expressed gratitude to his Goonies co-star and long-time friend, Jeff Cohen, who had transitioned to a career in law and played a crucial role in negotiating Quan's contract for the film.
Quan's journey from The Goonies to his recent success in Everything Everywhere All At Once highlights his enduring impact in the entertainment industry. His ability to bring depth and inspiration from his earlier roles, including The Goonies, to his recent performances demonstrates the timeless influence of his contributions to cinema.
For now, it is unclear if Ke Huy Quan will return as OB in the MCU. In the meantime, you can rewatch all episodes of Loki Season 2, which are now streaming on Disney+.
