Ke Huy Quan is definitely having a moment. The actor's knockout performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once netted him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, with serious talk of an Oscar nomination following in short order. Quan also made a huge splash with his heartfelt acceptance speech, which he began by thanking Steven Spielberg for his breakout role nearly 40 years ago as Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

The movie itself hasn't aged well, but Quan's performance has -- reminding everyone of the caliber of performer they all but ignored before Everything Everywhere All at Once -- which has raised talks of a Short Round spinoff. The timing appears perfect, with Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny opening in theaters this summer. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is rumored to be inheriting the lead spot in the franchise, with Harrison Ford stepping down after the upcoming entry. But Waller-Bridge's character is a newcomer and an unknown factor. Quan isn't. That makes Short Round the most logical choice to take up Indy's mantle.

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Ke Huy Quan Made a Lasting Impression in Temple of Doom

Short Round turning around in a car in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Temple of Doom arrived in the summer of 1984 to a great deal of controversy. At the time, that involved the movie's high levels of violence -- often directed at children -- which helped prompt the creation of the PG-13 rating. Temple of Doom's problematic portrayal of minorities has since overshadowed those concerns and contributed to the film's comparatively poor standing over time.

None of that could touch Quan's performance, however. His Short Round became instantly endearing, not only for the actor's effervescent charm and energy but the way he played off of Ford's Indiana Jones. The film didn't play him as a protégé so much as a partner: arguing with Indy at times, cheating him at cards and ultimately saving the day when all hope seemed lost. That made him a stand-in for any young fan and helped the character remain far more beloved than the film.

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Ke Huy Quan's Resurgence Makes Him an Obvious Harrison Ford Successor

Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All At Once

Short Round's enduring appeal among the audience becomes a strong fulcrum for passing on the fedora. An adult Shorty would conceivably have the same kinds of stories to tell, and if the character followed in Indy's footsteps and became an archeologist, making him the centerpiece wouldn't be a hard stretch. He'll also come with instant franchise credentials -- something Waller-Bridge still has to earn, and no one else is qualified for.

Shorty also leaves lots of room for fresh development. With no canon material beyond Temple of Doom, creators would be free to build the character's history as they see fit. Presumably, Quan would be involved in that process, allowing Shorty to stand on his own terms while still holding an intimate connection to Indy.

Waller-Bridge could readily prove up for the challenge, and the franchise may have good reasons for anointing her the heir apparent. But with that prospect still unknown, the actor will possibly pursue other projects when The Dial of Destiny is finished. Quan is the only other performer who fits the bill. His resurgence shines a light on many of Hollywood's discriminatory policies, which sidelined him for decades after Temple of Doom. Giving him the mantle of Indiana Jones is a fitting way not only to acknowledge the oversight but show the world what it's been missing from this performer.