Love Hurts originated with screenwriters Josh Stoddard and Matthew Murray, whose script—then titled Gable—caught the attention of then-stunt performer and coordinator David Leitch, long before he became one of Hollywood’s most influential action filmmakers. “When I first read the script 20 years ago, I was immediately drawn to it,” Leitch says. “Josh and Matthew crafted such a rich world; the characters really leapt off the page and the dialogue was fantastic.”
OVERVIEW: Combing action, comedy, and romance, Love Hurts offers a fresh take on the action-comedy genre. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, this is his first feature film, adding an element of excitement as audiences get to see a new directorial vision. The film stars Ke Huy Quan, who gained widespread acclaim for his role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. This is his first major leading role, marking a significant milestone in his career. Produced by 87North Productions, known for their expertise in action choreography, the film promises thrilling action sequences and is anticipated to be an exciting and significant film that combines star power, a unique storyline, and impressive action choreography. With its release around Valentine’s Day, the film aims to capture the attention of audiences looking for a mix of romance and action.
It’s a premise as compelling as its journey to screen
The story follows Marvin Gable, a former hitman who trades in his lethal skills for a real estate license, only to discover that some debts can’t be settled with a down payment. The premise was deceptively simple: a former assassin finds meaning in selling homes, only to have his new life upended when a woman from his past seeks his help to confront their former employer. It evolved from a standout script into a sharp, action-packed thriller that unites an Oscar-winning cast with filmmakers at the height of their craft.
The story originated with screenwriters Josh Stoddard and Matthew Murray, whose script—then titled Gable—caught the attention of then-stunt performer and coordinator David Leitch, long before he became one of Hollywood’s most influential action filmmakers.
The story’s underlying themes of redemption and identity resonated with producer Kelly McCormick, who, alongside Leitch, her producing partner and spouse, Leitch, has produced some of the most innovative action films of the past decade, including Nobody, Bullet Train, Atomic Blonde and The Fall Guy through their company, 87North Productions. “There was always something compelling about a real estate agent who’s relatable, funny and caught between two worlds,” McCormick says. “As our company has grown and we’ve established ourselves in the action space, this script kept resurfacing. Eventually, we knew it was time to tell it.”
First-time director Jonathan “JoJo” Eusebio was a natural choice to helm Love Hurts, given his nearly three-decade relationship with Leitch, which began at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts where they studied together. Their creative partnership, forged in stunt work on films including The Bourne Legacy and 300, evolved through Leitch-directed features such as Deadpool 2 and The Fall Guy. Beyond his collaborations with Leitch, Eusebio has established himself as leading force in the art of stunt and fight coordination, including in some of the biggest action films of the past decade, including Black Panther, The Avengers and Birds of Prey, among many others.
Eusebio’s career has followed a similar trajectory to Leitch’s, evolving from stunt performer to action choreographer and second unit director. Now, he has become an integral part of 87North’s creative fabric. “At 87North, it’s a goal of ours to not only support up-and-coming action designers and stunt coordinators, but to find the next generation of action filmmakers,” Leitch says. “JoJo was always meant to be part of that future. He and I go back almost 30 years when we studied martial arts together. We were both just starting out in the stunt world. He became one of the original members of the 87eleven choreography team that I built with Chad Stahelski, and since then, we’ve collaborated on countless projects together.”
Eusebio’s rare combination of technical prowess and emotional intelligence made him the ideal choice. “We’ve wanted JoJo to direct for a long time,” McCormick says. “Actors love working with him. Whenever he’s training actors for films, he’s the one they turn to. They have his phone number faster than anyone else’s, and he’s great at becoming their ambassador, helping them connect to their characters in the action space. That ability to build rapport and trust with actors gave me confidence that he could bring those same skills to directing. We were thrilled to see him tell a story that resonated with him—one that blended Eastern and Western philosophies in its action.”
Eusebio credits his evolution to the guidance of his longtime collaborators. “It’s been incredible to see Dave progress to where he is now,” Eusebio says. “For me, it felt like a natural progression to follow in his footsteps and move toward directing. Kelly was my manager for a long time and has been a mentor to me. She once told me, ‘I think it’s time to think about what you want to do for the rest of your career.’ That encouragement stayed with me. She’s been instrumental in my growth, helping me secure second-unit directing opportunities on their productions and consistently sharing scripts that might spark interest in me.”
Upon reading Love Hurts, Eusebio immediately recognized the opportunity to make this story his own. “I knew I wanted to honor 87North’s signature blend of intensity and innovation,” Eusebio says. “But I also saw an opportunity to explore the emotional complexity of a man forced to confront the life he left behind. The action draws inspiration from the martial arts films I grew up watching, with choreography that evolves alongside Gable’s journey. Each fight sequence is unique, starting with lighter, playful encounters that gradually become more brutal and visceral as Gable’s emotional state transforms. The action reflects his inner conflict.”
Eusebio’s commitment to crafting a complete cinematic experience was evident in his thorough preparation. “JoJo approached the process like a sponge,” McCormick says. “He even took classes with a dramaturg to fully understand each scene—what the actors could bring, what they couldn’t, and what to focus on for every moment. His enthusiasm was contagious; the entire team rallied around him. Even during the cold Winnipeg winter, the crew showed up every day, determined to help him bring his vision to life. On set, he maintained a perfect balance of focused intensity and warmth, always making sure everyone felt valued while delivering outstanding work.”
For Eusebio, directing Love Hurts meant bringing a fresh perspective to the genre he knows best. “I’ve spent my career helping directors realize their visions for action sequences,” Eusebio says. “This was my opportunity to tell a complete story, to show how action can drive emotion and reveal character. Every fight, every stunt, every moment of tension serves a purpose.”
Following 87North’s collaborative tradition, Eusebio assembled a crew of trusted teammates he’d worked alongside for years. “Now that I’m directing, my team stepped into the roles I once held,” Eusebio says. “Having grown together, there’s a natural trust. We’ve shared so many projects together that they understood my vision instinctively. What I love about working with this group is our shared sensibilities—we grew up watching the same films, share the same drive, the same senses of humor and relentless work ethic. I gave them room to be creative because I completely trust their instincts, and they often surprised me with ideas I hadn’t considered. When you find the right team, you stick together.”
After nearly two decades, Love Hurts has found its moment. “It’s funny, this script has been around longer than I have—at least in David’s world,” McCormick says. “But sometimes, the best stories are worth waiting for.”
Bold Casting
The role marks a transformative moment for Quan, who began his career as a beloved child star in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies before stepping away from acting for nearly two decades. His triumphant return in 2022’s Everything Everywhere All at Once earned him an Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actor and reignited his passion for performance. Now, as Marvin Gable, Quan confronts Hollywood’s traditional action hero archetype head-on. “When I first read the script, I thought, ‘This part isn’t for me—you should call Jason Statham,’” Quan says. “Over the years, the classic action star hasn’t looked like me—they looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, The Rock.”
A meeting with director Jonathan Eusebio and producer David Leitch shifted his thinking. “When I met with JoJo and David, they showed me they wanted to create a different kind of action star—one who could be vulnerable and wear his emotions on his sleeve,” Quan says. “That’s when I knew I had to do this film. This movie is a testament to how far Hollywood has come, being willing to shake up the status quo and give audiences something different. I don’t look like The Rock, my biceps aren’t as big as his, but that’s what I love about Marvin Gable. A true badass doesn’t need to look like a badass. He doesn’t need anyone to think he is one. That’s what makes him stand out—it’s precisely because of that.”
This bold casting continues 87North’s tradition of finding unexpected action heroes, from David Harbour as Santa in Violent Night to Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell in Nobody.
Quan’s journey from child actor to action choreographer to leading man mirrors Marvin’s own path of transformation. During his nearly twenty-year hiatus from acting, Quan immersed himself in the craft of action filmmaking, studying under legendary Hong Kong director and choreographer Corey Yuen (The Transporter, X-Men). “I studied martial arts as a kid, and in my early twenties, I was excited to use those skills in movies—but I never got the chance,” Quan says. “That was a big reason for why I had to step away from acting. After film school, I was lucky enough to be mentored by Corey Yuen, learning the ins and outs of action choreography, how to stage fights and make them look great on screen. Those years of learning under him were invaluable. So, with Love Hurts, it’s incredible—I finally got to bring everything together, to do everything I’d always dreamed of and more. To play cool characters is already an amazing opportunity, but to do it as the lead was something I never thought I’d have the chance to do.”
The Stunts
Under the direction of stunt designer & coordinator and second-unit director Can Aydin, Love Hurts marks a unique fusion of Eastern and Western action styles, blending the physical comedy and intricate choreography of classic Hong Kong cinema with 87North’s signature approach to intense, character-driven combat. Having collaborated with director Jonathan Eusebio for more than a decade, Aydin brought his extensive experience from previous 87North productions like The Fall Guy and Violent Night to craft action sequences that go beyond spectacle. Each fight sequence mirrors Marvin Gable’s emotional journey, beginning with restrained precision and building to explosive confrontations as his carefully constructed façade begins to crack.
The shared appreciation for Hong Kong cinema created an immediate creative connection. “David Leitch grew up watching the same classic Hong Kong action films I did—Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Jet Li,” Quan says. “He took that knowledge, worked in Hong Kong, and brought it back to Hollywood with a fresh perspective. At 87North, they truly understand this genre—it’s about combining incredible stunt work with emotional depth. For two and a half months, I had this love-hate relationship with one of my trainers, PHONG GIANG, during prep. I’d pretend and say, ‘Oh my God, this hurts,’ and he’d see right through it and say, ‘We need more weights.’ I kept pushing to add more kicks to the choreography, wanting to tap back into my Taekwondo days. I pulled them off too—I just needed a lot more Tylenol than I used to.”
From Page to Screen
The film’s fusion of Eastern and Western fighting styles creates a unique visual language, ranging from Jackie Chan-inspired physical comedy to dynamic combat sequences reminiscent of John Wick and Atomic Blonde. This blend leverages the diverse backgrounds of both cast and crew to create something entirely new.
Daniel Wu’s extensive background in Hong Kong cinema, including his work with Jackie Chan, adds another layer of authenticity. His experience in Hong Kong’s demanding action film industry enhances the film’s cultural fusion while grounding the more intense combat sequences.
Can Aydin’s decade-long collaboration with director Jonathan Eusebio created an efficient creative shorthand, allowing them to translate complex visions into dynamic action quickly. Their partnership, developed across multiple 87North productions, proved crucial given the production’s tight schedule.
Despite time constraints, complex fight scenes such as the kitchen sequence were meticulously planned and executed, often in just one or two days. This efficiency came from careful coordination of props, set pieces and character motivations.
The stunt team prioritized practical effects over digital enhancement, capturing spectacular sequences in-camera whenever possible. Visual effects were used primarily to enhance surroundings rather than create action, maintaining the visceral impact of practical stunts.
The film’s cinematographer, Bridger Nielson, has a long-standing relationship with 87North, having served as the second unit director of photography on several of their productions including Bullet Train, Violent Night and The Fall Guy.
The film’s visual style was heavily influenced by Hong Kong cinema, particularly the action sequences and use of color in the gangster world of Gable’s past. Nielson drew inspiration from the contrast between cookie-cutter neighborhoods in the western U.S. and vibrant Asian night markets. This contrast reflects Gable’s journey from his carefully controlled, uniform life as a real estate agent to the colorful chaos of his past.
Nielson created a visual bible with reference images that followed the film from beginning to end and served as a style guide for the progression of the look in story order. A special vintage lens system was used for flashback sequences to put viewers in Gable or Rose’s point of view as their memories unfolded.
Marvin Gable’s dual life was visually distinguished through color contrast: his new life as a real estate agent is portrayed with a muted, monotone palette, while his past life featured increasingly vibrant colors. As Rose re-enters his life, she gradually brings back the vivid hues associated with his former world.
Production designer Craig Sandells created a visual concept lookbook early in the production process, establishing the film’s contemporary, slick aesthetic with a cool vibe and elements of humor. The lookbook was available digitally and mounted in large scale in the art department for the team to reference.
Visual inspirations for Love Hurts included Atomic Blonde, the John Wick series, Kung Fu Hustle, The Avenging Eagle and Bullet Train.
Concept renderings were created for all sets and locations, providing director Jonathan Eusebio with a tool to understand the design, its relationship to the original concepts and how the space could be used for characters and action.
The Team
Jonathan Eusebio is a highly skilled martial artist, stunt coordinator, and action choreographer. Born on September 15, he has made significant contributions to the film industry through his expertise in martial arts and action sequences. He has worked on numerous high-profile films, including Black Panther (2018), John Wick (2014), The Avengers (2012), and 300 (2006). He has served as an assistant director and second unit director on films like Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) and Violent Night (2022). Jonathan has also appeared in various roles in films such as The Bourne Legacy (2012) and Never Back Down (2008). He trained at the Inosanto Academy and has extensive knowledge in various martial arts disciplines, including Filipino martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Western boxing. Jonathan is known for his ability to enhance performances cinematically while maintaining the integrity of the story. He is a member of 87Eleven, a full-service action film company, and has trained many action stars at their gym in southern California.
Matthew Murray began his career with guest roles in television series such as The Firm and Suits. He gained recognition for his recurring role as Officer Duncan Moore in the Canadian police procedural series Rookie Blue. Matthew has also appeared in Kevin from Work, 9JKL, and In the Dark. He is known for his versatility and dedication to his craft. He has written for several projects, including CloudStreet: Soaring the American West (2015) and Sheltered (2010). He is also credited as a writer for Love Hurts (2025).
Josh Stoddard is a talented producer, writer, and actor. He is known for his work on The Shannara Chronicles, Kaleidoscope, and Into the Badlands. Josh has served as a co-executive producer, writer, and director on various projects. His contributions to the entertainment industry have been widely recognized, and he continues to be involved in exciting new projects.
Luke Passmore is a writer and producer known for his work on The Day, Trick ‘r Treat, and Slaughterhouse Rulez. He has also contributed to TV series such as The Walking Dead and Teen Wolf. Luke’s creative talents have made a significant impact on both film and television, and he continues to be involved in various projects.
