Ke Huy Quan’s Short Round is arguably one of the most popular characters in the Indiana Jones franchise. Does the resourceful orphan return in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny? Here’s what you need to know, and beware of Indiana Jones 5 spoilers.
Is Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny?
Ke Huy Quan doesn’t return as Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Unfortunately, fans won’t see what’s going on with middle-aged Short Round as he’s not joining forces with Indy in what will likely be the famous archeologist’s last adventure. Director James Mangold explained the reason for his absence by briefly stating Short Round wouldn’t best serve the story at that point in his life. Since it’s hard to imagine Lucasfilm expanding the franchise without the titular character, fans might not have the chance to see Short Round again.
Short Round, whose real name is Wan Li, first appeared in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Indy (Harrison Ford) and the orphan developed a solid bond after Jones forgave the kid for trying to pickpocket him. In the film, Short Round provides comedic relief with humorous remarks about Indy and also plays a pivotal role in the titular character’s quest. While Temple of Doom is the second Indiana Jones installment, its story goes down in 1935 and serves as a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark and the whole movie pentalogy.
Quan was only 12 when he starred in Temple of Doom, gaining significant recognition for his efforts as a child actor. He then starred in 1985’s The Goonies as Data and 1992’s Encino Man, among other things, before taking a break from acting. Recently, he returned in 2022’s Everything Everywhere All at Once, where his portrayal of Waymond Wang was rewarded with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
