Indiana Jones is a well-known adventure franchise that has captured the hearts of many fans around the world. The franchise has produced four movies, and all of them have been a huge success. However, not many people know about the forgotten hero of the franchise, the Indiana Jones Asian Kid.
Who is Indiana Jones Asian Kid?
The Indiana Jones Asian Kid is a character who appeared in the second movie of the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The character was portrayed by Jonathan Ke Quan, a Vietnamese-American actor who was only 12 years old at the time of filming.
The character of Indiana Jones Asian Kid, also known as Short Round, was introduced as Indy's sidekick in the movie. He was a street kid from Shanghai who helped Indy in his quest to find the Sankara Stones.
Short Round's Role in the Movie
Short Round played a crucial role in the movie. He was not only Indy's sidekick but also his friend and confidant. He was instrumental in helping Indy escape from the Thuggee cult and played a vital role in the final battle scene.
Short Round's character was well-received by the audience, and many fans still remember him fondly. However, despite his popularity, the character was never featured in any of the subsequent movies of the franchise.
Why was Short Round Forgotten?
The reason why Short Round was not included in the subsequent movies of the franchise is not clear. Some speculate that it was because Steven Spielberg, the director of the franchise, wanted to move away from the child sidekick trope that was prevalent in many adventure movies of that time.
Another reason could be that the character was seen as a stereotype of Asian culture. Short Round spoke broken English, wore a conical hat, and was portrayed as a martial arts expert. Some critics argued that the character was a caricature of Asian culture and perpetuated negative stereotypes.
Short Round's Legacy
Despite being forgotten by the franchise, Short Round's character has left a lasting impact on pop culture. He has been referenced in many movies and TV shows, and his character has inspired many Asian-American actors.
Jonathan Ke Quan, the actor who portrayed Short Round, went on to star in other movies such as The Goonies and Breathing Fire. He also became a martial arts choreographer and worked on movies such as X-Men and The One.
Conclusion
The Indiana Jones Asian Kid, also known as Short Round, may have been forgotten by the franchise, but his legacy lives on. He was a memorable character who played a crucial role in the franchise's history. He has inspired many Asian-American actors and has left a lasting impact on pop culture.