Lewis Tan truly embodies the heart of a warrior. His dedication, strength, and skill have made him a rising action star. You’ve likely seen him in popular shows and films like Mortal Kombat, Deadpool, Shadow and Bone, Iron Fist, Wu Assassins, and Into the Badlands. What sets him apart is that he performs all his own fight choreography and stunts. Now, in his latest project, Safe House, he’s combining his martial arts expertise with exciting new acting challenges.
The movie Safe House, released in theaters and for streaming on October 31st, features Tan as Agent Choi. He’s one of six federal agents confined to a secure location after a terrorist attack in Los Angeles. As they struggle with being locked down and growing distrust, the agents start to believe that the bomber is actually among them.
During our video call, Tan – who was wearing a Kill Bill t-shirt – discussed the action-packed mystery, how it’s pushing boundaries, character deaths in Mortal Kombat II, the intense tournament fights, what’s next for Shatterstar, and his experience taking on the role of Nightwing, among other things.
Looking over your experience, what would you say was your first major opportunity, and which role do you feel had the biggest impact on your career?
That’s a great question. I think my first real break was Into the Badlands. While I got some attention from a small role in Marvel’s Iron Fist, Into the Badlands was the first time I was a regular cast member on a series. The creators, Miles Millar and Al Gough—who are now working on Wednesday—took a chance on someone like me, which was really forward-thinking. The show itself was all about bringing the exciting, fast-paced martial arts style of Hong Kong action films to American television, and I was proud to be involved. It was a unique combination that helped people embrace an actor like me—a mixed Asian performer who’s skilled in martial arts. I actually ran into Al Gough at the Emmys recently. He really launched my career, and I’m very grateful to him.
You’ll likely receive many scripts for action movies. What specifically caught your attention about Safe House?
I’ve been working on a lot of fantasy-based action films recently – things like Into the Badlands, Wu Assassins, Mortal Kombat, and Shadow and Bone. They’re all great projects, but they involve a lot of fantastical elements, like sci-fi, magic, and things that aren’t realistic. I was hoping to find a script that felt very real, something that didn’t immediately read as a martial arts movie. It’s an action film and a thriller, but it’s much more down-to-earth and believable.
It has a real Reservoir Dogs vibe – a small group trapped together, trying to figure out who the betrayer is while under attack. I’ve always loved those kinds of movies and been hoping to do one. I’ve been actively searching for a script like this, and while I get many offers, we’re being selective. I hope audiences really enjoy it; I found it clever and suspenseful. Plus, I still got to do some exciting action sequences, which was great.
Ass-kicking and gunplay ensue. What did you get to do in this film that you have never done before?
I’ve been eager to take on certain roles and explore dramatic depth, and this movie finally allowed me to do that. The cast is fantastic – I’m working with actors like Holt McCallany, Hannah John-Kamen (from Thunderbolts), and Lucian Laviscount. It’s a very intimate film with just a handful of actors – around five or six, including supporting roles – focusing on a core group of characters. This project offered a chance to portray a wide range of emotions and complexities that I haven’t been able to fully explore in my previous work, which often involved longer series with multiple storylines. This film is much more direct and impactful. I was thrilled to deliver that kind of dramatic performance, something I knew I was capable of and had been waiting for the right project to showcase. It’s about really digging into a realistic and multi-faceted character.
My character is a member of Special Forces who works directly for the Vice President. Because of this, the action sequences are less focused on elaborate martial arts and more about quick thinking, resourcefulness, and finding practical solutions to survive challenging situations.
Turning anything handy into a weapon is reminiscent of Jason Statham…
I’m a big fan of incorporating props into my work, much like the inventive fight choreography in Jackie Chan films. It’s a great way to explore a character’s mindset and resourcefulness. I often think about how intelligent someone would need to be to overcome challenges when they’re disarmed or have limited resources – how would they move from one place to another, or defend themselves using only their surroundings? It forces you to be creative and makes the action feel much more raw, realistic, and engaging. Essentially, anything nearby can become a tool or a weapon.
Could you tell us about Agent Choi, the character you play, and how you developed his unique voice and personality?
The film’s characters all have hidden agendas and information they’re reluctant to share, which is common in fields like security and law enforcement. Different agencies – like the CIA, FBI, and local police – often keep things to themselves, whether due to pride or bureaucratic processes. I wanted the character of Choi to be particularly enigmatic. He’s very direct and deliberate in everything he does and says, always with a purpose, whether it’s conveyed through his words or body language. If something isn’t important, he doesn’t reveal it. I aimed for a very controlled, observant presence, focusing on his stillness and the intensity of his gaze. He’s a frightening, violent, and ultimately mysterious figure.
As you mentioned, somebody in this group is a snitch. What is fun about a good whodunit?
I really enjoy those films – they feel like timeless classics. Have you ever played the board game Clue? The movie is just a lot of fun, especially when you’re watching it with friends and trying to figure out who did it. It’s great to get caught up in the mystery and excitedly discuss your theories. It’s cool to feel like you’re actively solving the puzzle along with the characters. I think that’s what makes a good mystery so appealing – it’s a classic storytelling technique. It almost has the feel of a stage play, too.
It was amazing to film this movie in Los Angeles – I hadn’t worked on a project there in a decade! Filming right in the heart of downtown, with car chases and explosions in the streets, was a particularly special experience.
Just watching the trailer for Safe House, it looks like a really physical role. How many times did filming leave you with bumps and bruises?
I usually do all my own stunts and fight scenes in my movies, and this film was no different – we didn’t use any stunt doubles at all. Even the actors without much action experience performed their own stunts because we simply didn’t have the time or money for doubles. The shoot was intense, filmed in sequential order, and got increasingly demanding. By the end, I was completely exhausted, as I always am on a physically challenging film. But filming in order actually helped me stay connected to the character. The more tired, sore, and bruised I got, the more it actually benefited the movie. It was a tough shoot, but everything you see on screen is real and authentic.
Let’s discuss Mortal Kombat II. What are your thoughts on how the sequel is being developed and how it’s increasing the intensity and challenges?
Producer Todd Garner paid close attention to fan feedback from the first movie. As you’d expect with such a large franchise and so many characters, we really wanted to deliver what fans wanted. We learned a lot from the first film and aimed to improve on it in the second. This time around, we were able to create much more exciting and over-the-top action sequences – something I’d hoped for with the first film. Todd Garner’s willingness to listen to fans really made a difference, and the second film features some incredible fight scenes, all thanks to a fantastic script by Jeremy Slater.
Having seen every moment of the first movie, I wasn’t shocked by anything in it. I was familiar with all of it. However, the second movie had a lot of scenes my character wasn’t involved in, so I was genuinely surprised when I finally saw the finished film. It was amazing, and that’s why the release date was pushed back. Test audiences at Warner Brothers loved it, and they believe – as I do – that it could be a huge summer hit. I’m incredibly proud of it; it’s a fantastic movie.
Lewis Tan is known for incredible fight scenes, so we expect any movie he’s in to have amazing choreography. Can you tell us about Cole’s biggest battle – how long did it take to film, and how many attempts were needed to get it right?
I’m involved in a really amazing fight scene in Mortal Kombat II. I can’t reveal who my opponent is just yet, but once you see it, you’ll understand why it’s so incredible. It takes place in one of my favorite video game environments – I was thrilled to film there because the set design is fantastic. The scene took about three weeks to shoot, which is a long time for a fight sequence. The fight style is unlike anything we did in the first movie, and you’ll see some new moves and special abilities. Remember, at the end of the first film, Cole was just starting to understand his powers. This fight really lets him showcase them! It’s a fight fans are really going to love, and yes, it took us over three weeks to film!
Jeremy Slater has said he doesn’t plan out every single move in the fight scenes. Since you’re skilled in martial arts, how much do you contribute to choreographing those fights?
Jeremy made a smart choice by saving the really creative stuff for the action sequences. The first movie held back on the action a bit, particularly in the editing, but we completely changed that. The fight scenes are incredible now. Usually, the choreography is designed first, and then I come in to watch. We’ll collaborate if I have a specific move I want to try, or if I want to add my own touch to something I like. It was especially great working with the actors who are skilled in martial arts – they were very open to collaboration. They designed an amazing fight for me, and I was really pleased with it. I want to give them a shout-out.
How bone-crunching brutal or bloody does it get between Cole and his opponent?
That fight was incredibly brutal – easily one of the most violent I’ve ever seen. It’s absolutely in the top three, without a doubt.
Okay, so the buzz is that this new Mortal Kombat film is really leaning into the danger – the tagline feels like a direct warning that anyone could die. As a longtime fan, I’m seriously starting to worry about Cole! It makes me wonder just how far they’re willing to go with the stakes and if our main hero is actually safe.
Honestly, the creators really put everyone at risk. They went through several versions of the script, and in each one, different characters died. I was shocked! Eventually, they landed on a version where absolutely no one is safe – anyone could die. There are a lot of deaths in the second movie, so don’t get too attached to anyone. Losing a favorite character isn’t necessarily a final goodbye, as death often leads to something else. Just be prepared – there will be casualties, and people will have strong reactions to what happens.
A lot of fans wanted you to play Iron Fist in the Netflix show, and they were disappointed when you didn’t get the part. Can you tell us how seriously you were considered for the role?
It’s hard to say how seriously I was considered for the role. In the film industry, you can go through auditions, callbacks, and meetings with the director, but you never really know where you stand until they start discussing your availability. I think I got pretty far in the process, though it’s impossible to say exactly how close I was to landing it. Ultimately, it didn’t work out, but I believe everything happens for a reason, and the timing just wasn’t right. In the end, it was a good thing because the role I did get turned out to be a great opportunity. I knew there was a lot of debate among fans about whether I was right for the part. For me, it was about finally seeing an Asian superhero on screen. This was before films like Shang-Chi and Crazy Rich Asians made that more common, so I spoke up about it before it became a popular idea, and I still feel strongly about that.
Any thoughts on how the online community is rooting for you to become Nightwing?
I’m a big fan of that project and really enjoyed seeing some of the fan casting. I especially love the character Nightwing – he’s someone I’d love to play, and I think I could offer a fresh take on him. I also like Red Hood, and I could envision myself portraying a grittier, more intense version of him in the future. Those characters are fantastic.
You played Shatterstar in two Deadpool movies. He’s a really powerful alien character with a lot of possibilities. What kind of stories or abilities would you like to see them develop for him in the future?
The ideal approach would be to introduce Shatterstar similarly to how Channing Tatum’s Gambit was handled. A brief cameo could gauge audience interest, followed by a more developed, serious portrayal. I read Tatum mentioned a shift away from comedy for his character, and I think that could work well for Shatterstar too. I’ve made brief appearances as Shatterstar in both Deadpool movies, but his character hasn’t been fully explored. Expanding on his story could naturally lead us to Mojoworld, which feels particularly relevant today given our focus on AI, screens, and social media. Mojoworld is essentially a *Mad Maxstyle world obsessed with watching people compete to the death for entertainment – a timely and potentially compelling setting.
While Mojo is a powerful figure, a fight between Shatterstar and Spiral would be an incredible battle.
That’s a great idea! I’m definitely going to remember it for when they approach me.
You mentioned Shang-Chi. Asian representation is so important to you. Is that sequel on your radar?
I also auditioned for the first Shang-Chi and was a finalist, along with Simu Liu and potentially one other actor. Simu ultimately landed the role, and he’s done an amazing job with it. I don’t dwell on not getting the part, especially since the movie was so well-made. I’m friends with many people on the stunt team, like Andy Cheng, whom I worked with on Into the Badlands. It’s Simu’s project now, and I’m happy for him to continue with it.
Fans are eager for more content in the Wu Assassins universe, like another Fistful of Vengeance movie. What’s the status of potential future installments?
I’m really proud of how the final two episodes of Wu Assassins turned out, especially the fight scenes. The show was a huge hit, reaching number one in 88 countries and being Netflix’s first original series with an Asian-American cast. I’d love to revisit it if the opportunity arose – I think it would be incredibly popular now, as it was ahead of its time. But if that doesn’t happen, I have lots of other exciting ideas for creating strong, Asian-led content.
I saw your post on X about how much you liked Sinners and Weapons in 2025. Would you be interested in working on a horror project?
Absolutely! I’m actively searching for a great script right now. If you come across anything good, please let me know. I’m especially interested in elevated horror – I’m a huge fan and am even writing something in that genre myself, with plans to focus on it next year.
Finally, Hannah John-Kamen, who played your co-star in Safe House, is also in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It would be interesting to see how a fight between your character, Shatterstar, and her character, the Ghost, would go.
Ghost is a very tough opponent, and incredibly difficult to detect. You get a sense of her abilities in the movie Safe House. While we don’t have superpowers, the fight scenes in that film give you an idea of how she operates and how challenging it would be to take her down.
Safe House is out now.
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2025-11-06 01:44