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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom has always been an ugly duckling in a franchise that has boasted strong entries such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Last Crusade. However, few fans can argue against the Temple of Doom character addition of Indy's sidekick Short Round (played by actor Ke Huy Quan), whose cherubic appeal made a lasting impression in the hearts of many.
Fast forward 38 years to this year's D23 expo, which featured Indy and Short Round making one last comeback.
The two actors were reunited backstage at the showcase after an emotional moment where Ford announced he was "hanging up the whip" for good. The pair posted a couple of heartwarming pictures on Instagram, and fans can't seem to get enough of it.
See the post below:
The pictures reveal a much older Quan, almost unrecognizable from his days as Indy's trusty child sidekick.
After his role with Ford, Quan took a 20-year hiatus from acting, instead shifting focus to pursue film school at the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts, where, coincidentally, Indiana Jones creator George Lucas is an honorary alumnus. As the years passed, he and Ford lost touch, and hadn't spoken since their movie aired back in 1984.
Naturally, the two were overjoyed to run into each other after they were both slated to speak at this year's D23 expo.
Twitter has blown up with comments on how happy the two appear together.
\u201cThat Harrison Ford and Ke Huy Quan is cute, but also weird because Harrison is happy beyond recognition.\u201d— Ola Sondej (@Ola Sondej) 1662956749
\u201cthe only time i think i\u2019ve seen harrison ford look genuinely happy is during that blade runner interview with alison hammond and then this picture with ke huy quan \ud83d\ude2d\u201d— cam | star wars lockdown (@cam | star wars lockdown) 1662981271
\u201cI\u2019ve never seen Harrison Ford look this happy. Ke Huy Quan 4ever\u201d— Emily Eby (@Emily Eby) 1662943069
\u201cMy favorite Kodak moment from #D23 has to be this photo of Harrison Ford genuinely beaming as he reunites with #IndianaJones co-star #ShortRound Ke Huy Quan. #D23Expo2022\u201d— Stephen Stanton (@Stephen Stanton) 1662943082
Many users are posting favorite throwbacks of the duo.
\u201cIndiana Jones and Short Round are reunited after 38 years at #D23Expo \ud83e\udd79 Ke Huy Quan joins the cast of LOKI Season 2 while Harrison Ford announces his last Indiana Jones movie.\n\n\ud83d\udcf7 Ke Huy Quan\u2019s IG\u201d— Jerald Uy (@Jerald Uy) 1662863197
\u201c@MarkHamill Logged onto Twitter before bed tonight. This tweet from @MarkHamill is something else. Damn it\u2019s good to see those two together again.\n\u2764\ufe0f\nAfter all these years, this scene still brings a tear to my eye: \n\u201cIndy, I love you. You\u2019re my best friend!\u201d\n#IndianaJones5 I can\u2019t wait! \ud83e\udd20\u201d— Mark Hamill (@Mark Hamill) 1662861366
\u201cLove Indiana Jones and all of Harrison Ford brilliant work he is legend.These are precious moments of #HarrisonFord and Ke Huy Quan together #indianajones #indianajones5 The first Indiana Jone was one of the best movie, besides back to the future that came out in the 8Os\ud83c\udfa5\ud83c\udf7f\u2764\ufe0f\u201d— Ms Cotten Candy \ud83c\udfb6\ud83c\udfa4\ud83c\udfb8\ud83e\udd18\ud83c\udffb\ud83d\udcaa\u264b\ufe0f\ud83c\udfa8\ud83c\udfad\ud83c\udfd2\ud83e\udd13\ud83d\udcaa\ud83d\udc31\ud83d\udc36\ud83c\udf08\ud83c\udfa2 (@Ms Cotten Candy \ud83c\udfb6\ud83c\udfa4\ud83c\udfb8\ud83e\udd18\ud83c\udffb\ud83d\udcaa\u264b\ufe0f\ud83c\udfa8\ud83c\udfad\ud83c\udfd2\ud83e\udd13\ud83d\udcaa\ud83d\udc31\ud83d\udc36\ud83c\udf08\ud83c\udfa2) 1662926327
\u201cIndiana Jones stars Harrison Ford and Ke Huy Quan reunite in heartwarming photo at D23 https://t.co/4qoBxfHMNH\u201d— gamesTM Magazine (@gamesTM Magazine) 1662993152
Despite taking so much time off, Quan's acting career has recently taken on a new life.
Many may recognize adult Quan from this year's critically acclaimed film Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (2022), where he starred as son-in-law Waymond Wang opposite megastar actress Michelle Yeoh.
Meanwhile, at D23 it was announced that he is set to appear in season 2 of Loki as well as the upcoming Disney+ series American Born Chinese.
A moment of comedic gold saw Quan confused that he was attending a panel for Loki 2 instead of one for Indiana Jones.
\u201c\u201cI\u2019m so confused right now - is this not the Indiana Jones panel?\u201d\n- Ke Huy Quan, who is on the stage as he joins season 2 of Loki. \n\nThis is a career resurgence I\u2019m so here for.\u201d— Theresa (@Theresa) 1662836750
Meanwhile, Ford was visibly moved at the D23 expo.
The expo featured a sneak peak of the trailer of Indiana Jones 5, confirmed as the last installment with Ford in the franchise. Reports indicate that while watching the trailer, Ford began to well up with tears. The role was arguably Ford's most popular contribution to the movie industry, and the character understandably holds a special place in his heart.
In announcing his departure from the franchise, Ford channeled his inner Indy while addressing fans.
"This is it. I will not fall down for you again."
This is a reference to the many times that Ford has refused to shy away from taking on daring stunts in an effort to bring an authentic appeal to the character we know and love. At 80, however, those antics are behind him.
Despite the sadness over his departure, Ford's reunion with Quan was a wholesome moment that provided fans joy and nostalgia. Undoubtedly, there will be a record number of Jones franchise enthusiasts rewatching the Temple of Doom over the next few days. Hear that, Netflix?