For Lewis Tan, life has never been about following a singular path. Born in England to a Chinese father and a British mother, and having lived across the UK, the US, and Asia, the actor and martial artist has built an impressive career within some of Hollywood’s most iconic franchises. From Mortal Kombat to Deadpool 2 and Cobra Kai, Tan’s career is defined by his dedication, versatility, and ambition. As he enters what he calls a “new era” in 2025 – shifting his focus toward storytelling and directing – he opens up about his aspirations, his family’s profound influence, and the power of authentic representation in film.
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Growing Up Between Worlds
Growing up in a multicultural family meant navigating multiple worlds – each with its own expectations and cultural nuances. For Tan, this dual heritage profoundly shaped his outlook on life and his acting career.
‘I was born in England. My father is Chinese, but he was raised in London, so he had both Western and Eastern influences. I moved to the States before I was ten years old, so I’ve had this triangular experience of different cultures,’ Tan explains. For years, this multicultural background came with its own challenges, particularly in an industry that often tried to categorise actors by ethnicity. ‘I wasn’t “Asian enough” or “white enough” for certain roles. There was always something missing. But around five or six years ago, there was a cultural shift. Films like Crazy Rich Asians really opened doors for Asian representation in Hollywood.’
Tan recalls how the early stages of his career were marked by auditions for stereotypical roles: ‘Villains, side characters with just a few lines – that was the norm. But suddenly, I was competing for lead roles.’ This industry shift not only reshaped his career but also reframed his personal outlook. ‘It’s been a beautiful experience, but also challenging. When I go to Mainland China, I feel a bit alienated, like I don’t quite belong. And when I’m in America, I feel the same way. But that “in-betweenness” gives me a unique perspective – one that I can bring to my work and share with audiences. That’s what acting and filmmaking are all about, right? Showing someone a new perspective in an hour and a half.’
Following In His Father’s Footsteps – But On His Own Terms
Tan’s father, a renowned martial arts choreographer and stuntman, left a lasting mark on his approach to the craft. ‘I was fortunate to have a father who worked behind the scenes in the film industry,’ Tan reflects. ‘But it wasn’t as easy as people think. My father was part of the stunt and action department – he wasn’t casting actors. His role was to design choreography or perform stunts. He worked on films like Batman, Indiana Jones, Tango & Cash, and Pirates of the Caribbean.’
Growing up watching his father navigate the industry instilled a deep respect for cinema in Tan. ‘We would sit and watch all sorts of films. He opened my eyes to the beauty of acting, martial arts, and storytelling.’ To Tan, martial arts and acting are interconnected. ‘When you watch Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, you’re not just watching stunts – you’re witnessing an emotional journey. Performing high-level stunts while conveying a character’s emotional arc is double the work. It’s physically and emotionally exhausting. After a day on set, I’d be soaking in a magnesium bath, completely drained.’
The lessons he learned from his father extended beyond the screen.
My father came from a tough background, growing up poor on the streets of London. He infiltrated an industry that wasn’t welcoming to someone like him. His ambition and resilience taught me the value of perseverance. Training in martial arts also grounded me. You can’t walk into a dojo with an ego – you’ll quickly learn your place. That humility has stayed with me throughout my career.
Why The Right Script Matters
Despite his versatility, Tan is candid about the realities of his career. ‘I’m not at the point where I have unlimited options, but I’m selective with the roles I take. It’s not about the paycheque – it’s about the story, the script, and the people involved. I’ve turned down bigger jobs for smaller projects because the script spoke to me more.’
Tan gravitates towards strong intellectual properties that have stood the test of time. ‘Mortal Kombat is one of the best-selling video games of all time. The Karate Kid is iconic. When I was offered a role in Cobra Kai, I called my dad, and he immediately said, “You have to do it.” He was right – it’s a world that has impacted generations.’ He emphasises the importance of working with artists who push boundaries. ‘One day, I hope to choose roles solely based on collaborating with visionary directors.’
Directing A Story Close To His Heart
While Tan’s resume includes blockbuster hits and indie gems, his dream project is deeply personal. ‘I’m working on a story about my father’s life – growing up in 1970s London, becoming the first Chinese disco dancing champion, and cruising through the martial arts world. It’s a story of trauma, ambition, love, and resilience.’
Tan’s passion for the project is palpable. ‘It’s niche in its specifics – martial arts, disco, an immigrant story – but universal in its themes. I want to direct it this year.’
The Essence Of Representation
Representation is a topic Tan also feels strongly about, though he acknowledges the fatigue surrounding the discourse. ‘It’s not just about seeing ourselves on Netflix; it’s about telling unique stories from our perspectives. Acting and filmmaking are about influencing perspectives in the shortest amount of time. That’s how you impact people.’
Tan encourages artists to embrace authenticity. ‘People gravitate toward honesty. We can spot something fake a mile away. Tell your story because no one else can. Every story has been told before, but not by you. That’s the true essence of representation.’
A Year Of Career Milestones
The coming year is set to be one of Tan’s busiest yet. ‘The rest of Cobra Kai is coming out, and the finale is going to shock fans. The writers have taken it to another level.’ He is also eagerly anticipating the release of Mortal Kombat 2. ‘The first film dropped during COVID, which was challenging. But the sequel has Ed Boon’s creative input, and I believe it’s the best version of a Mortal Kombat movie we could deliver.’
Expanding his range, Tan has ventured into comedy with a nostalgic film starring Vince Vaughn and Eiza González. ‘It’s got this Back to the Future vibe that I think audiences will love.’
One of Tan’s most personal upcoming projects is an action-packed film that holds a special place in his heart. ‘It’s my favourite film I’ve done so far – dramatically and in terms of action, it’s my best work yet.’
Tan is also part of a gripping crime thriller set in Japan. ‘It’s about a girl trying to save her sister from a dark world, involving Yakuza and cult elements. It’s a gritty, powerful story, and I’m working with Sean Reddick, a producer from Get Out, and Rola, a major star in Japan.’
2025: A New Era
For Tan, 2025 marks a pivotal chapter. ‘It’s a new era for me. There were times when I was only doing stunts or modelling to make ends meet, but my goal was always to act. I’ve reached that goal, but now I want to transition into filmmaking, writing, and directing. I want to share my art and my heart with the world. It’s going to be challenging, but I know it will be rewarding.’
WORDS: CATHERINE PUN
PRODUCERS: CATHERINE PUN, CHRISTOPHER AXIOTES
COVER VIDEO CINEMATOGRAPHY: CHRISTOPHER AXIOTES
VIDEO EDITING: CHRISTOPHER AXIOTES (WITH FOOTAGE COURTESY OF WARNER BROS PICTURES AND NETFLIX)
FEATURED TALENT: LEWIS TAN
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
