Harrison Ford, the cover star of Esquire's summer issue—and a leading man for almost 60 years—is back with the brand-new installment of the Indiana Jones series, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which premieres June 30. Back in 1981, Ford stole hearts as the titular character in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the very first film of the franchise. In 1984, we saw its sequel, Temple of Doom, which featured a story that was bolstered by the terrific hero-and-sidekick dynamic between Ford and a young Ke Huy Quan.
The film launched a lifelong connection between the two great actors. Last September, a brief reunion of the two Indiana Jones alums went viral. At Disney's D23 convention, Quan noticed Ford present and immediately approached him.
“As I get closer, he turns and points his finger at me, and he has that classic, famous, grumpy Harrison Ford look,” Quan told The New York Times about the emotional interaction. “I go, Oh my gosh, he probably thinks I’m a fan and he’s gonna tell me to not come near him. But he looks and points at me and says, Are you Short Round? Immediately, I was transported back to 1984, when I was a little kid, and I said, Yes, Indy. And he said, Come here, and gave me a big hug.”
We caught up with Ford for Esquire's newest "Explain This" video, where we asked him to tell us about how his other reunion with Quan—at this year's Academy Awards—went. Ford was there to present the Best Picture trophy. After Everything Everywhere All At Once was announced as the winner, Quan excitedly rushed across the stage to share an emotional hug with his former co-star. "Ke is a wonderful guy, and he is very enthusiastic," Ford says, reflecting on Quan's career. "And his work is absolutely amazing. I am so happy for him."
