“Mission: Possible: Stephen Oyoung Breaks Barriers on the Big Screen”
With unshakable grit and an ever-expanding resume, Stephen Oyoung is proving there’s no limit to where relentless passion can take you. The actor and former stuntman is the latest powerhouse to join the cast of Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning (now in theaters), playing “Pills,” a U.S. Navy Dive Master who steps in to support Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) when the stakes are at their highest.
Over nearly two decades in Hollywood, Stephen has evolved from coordinating fights behind the scenes to commanding attention on-screen in high-octane blockbusters. Known to many as the voice of Martin Li / Mister Negative in the globally acclaimed Spider-Man video game, Stephen has built a loyal following among sci-fi and comic book fans and for good reason. His on-screen appearances span everything from Twisters and Star Wars: Rogue One, to John Wick 3, THOR, and Independence Day: Resurgence, along with standout roles in Scandal, Insecure, Magnum P.I., Good Trouble, and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.
Now, as he steps into his biggest role yet, Stephen sits down with us to talk stunts, storytelling, and why persistence is the real secret weapon.
Bello: You’ve had an incredible journey from martial arts to stunts and now acting. What was the moment you knew you were ready to fully step in front of the camera as a leading performer?
Stephen: I’ve always wanted to act. Stunts and martial arts provided the gateway into the business because I had no other connections, no understanding of how to break in. I remember being on the other side of the stage rehearsing stunts on my first big movie while the main cast trained on the other side of the stage, and I just kept thinking to myself, I’m so close yet so far. It was pretty much somewhere around my early thirties where I thought, you know what? I’m not getting any younger. Time is passing me by. I’m going to say no to stunts. I have to do acting even if it means not working at all. Because at the time, and maybe even still today there was a stigma attached to stunt performers who tried to act. I thought if I don’t pursue my own dream, all I’ll do is work to make other people’s dream happen. So I was done doing that. It was time to make my dream a reality.
Bello: Congratulations on your role in Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning! What was it like stepping onto that set and working alongside Tom Cruise in one of the world’s most iconic action franchises?
Stephen: Oh my God talk about sweaty palms. I was so nervous my first day, like would I see Tom Cruise? What will I say? How do I introduce myself. But he was such a class act. He put all of us actors at ease, welcomed us to his set, which is his realm basically. And for the whole shoot process he was so generous with his time. He and McQ would volunteer to teach us about film technique, the technology behind the props, the stunts, anything. It was such an inspiring moment. I’ve always considered a Tom Cruise movie to be the pinnacle of filmmaking. Never thought in a million years I could actually be doing a movie with him. I kept saying, I’m in a Tom Cruise movie, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning no less! And the thing about Tom and McQ is they operate at such a high level, you really raise your level just by being in that environment. I don’t think I’ve ever been so locked in as when we were on that set.
Bello: You’re known for playing complex villains like Mister Negative in the Spider-Man games, but in Mission: Impossible, you play a ‘good guy.’ Was it refreshing to switch gears, and how did you approach that shift?
Stephen: It was so nice to be the good guy. I love playing the bad guy because it’s true, they do have more fun. You have more opportunity to chew up the scenery. But to be a good guy, it was great for me because I actually like Ethan Hunt, the character, I want to be remembered as an ally. I think it’s a great look just for the mere fact that my mom can show all her friends, like, see? My boy is helping Tom Cruise!
Bello: Many fans know you as the voice and face of Mister Negative. What does it mean to you to have such a strong following from the gaming and comic book world?
Stephen: It means so much, especially when I remember in 2016 Comic Con, and they announced us as a cast, and no one had any clue who I was. So to go from that kind of bewildered silence to today, it almost brings a tear to my eyes. I’m just grateful that people are entertained and like the work!
Bello: Your career started with martial arts and performing at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. How did those early experiences prepare you for blockbuster sets like Twisters, Star Wars, and now Mission: Impossible?
Stephen: Yeah, all those early days doing live stunt shows and live theater were so incredibly formative for my career. I learned how to work as a stunt man and as an actor in those venues. The reason I even broke into the business was from referrals from those shows.
Photography credit: Kittisak Sirichunsuwan
Bello: Your father’s story and influence are so powerful. How has his journey shaped your own, and what does it mean to you to live out a version of the dream he once gave up?
Stephen: You know I never really appreciated my father while he was alive. But now that I think back about his sacrifices, and just how incredibly capable he was, it astounds me. He was a wrestler, a martial artist, a PHD in mechanical engineering, a community organizer, activist, and public speaker. He came to this country with nothing, worked at the highest level in aerospace. He helped build the space shuttle. And he raised a family. But he was also really funny, and as hard as he was like most Asian dads, he also encouraged me to act in Hollywood which is so not the norm. He taught me to always for my dreams. The worst people can say is no. That’s fearlessness right there. That’s boldness. So I think about him every day, and I only wish he was still here to see all the crazy things that happened this year. I imagine he’d be proud.
Bello: You’ve worked on films like John Wick 3, Star Wars: Rogue One, and Sicario. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from being part of such high-stakes productions?
Stephen: To be a team player. Hundreds of people are gathered for a very short time in what’s basically a circus environment to create a single piece of work. So do your best, be on time (aka early), and help the team.
Bello: You’ve been in the industry for over 18 years. What’s your advice to aspiring actors or stunt performers who are trying to find their own lane in Hollywood?
Stephen: You will hear no more than yes. So just keep doing your thing. And literally, do your own thing. Make your movie, shoot that scene. Because no one will pick you out of the crowd unless you stand tall on your own. It’s a tough road. Even I’m still trying to figure it out. But that’s the crux of it.
Bello: When you’re not working on set, you’re into classic cars, the gym, and Lakers basketball. How do you keep that balance between adrenaline-fueled work and everyday life?
Stephen: You know, the adrenaline is really only on set, when you’re working. After that it’s just down time. So how do you not lose your mind or your sleep with so much down time? And for me, it’s trying to be creative. Working out. And working on my 1997 Land Cruiser which I love doing with all my heart. I mean, it’s a pain sometimes too, but it’s very gratifying to have a mechanical problem that you can fix yourself. There’s some power in that.
Bello: You recently tied the knot in Bangkok. How has married life been treating you, and what’s one thing you’ve learned about love or partnership that surprises you?
Stephen: My wife is my good luck charm and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve always wanted to be married, to have a life long partner. I have tremendous security in knowing she’s got my back. The one thing I’ve learned the most is that all the cliches are true – happy wife happy life, and that it’s not 50/50. It’s actually more like 60/40, but if both partners are giving 60/40, it works out. That’s not from me, I learned that from a fellow married husband compatriot!
Bello: As an Asian American actor who’s carved out a unique path in Hollywood, how have you seen the industry evolve in terms of representation and what still needs to change?
Stephen: There’s far more Asian representation now, especially for younger actors. And with the world popularity of South Korean media, it has never been cooler to be Asian than it is today. With that being said, I think what needs to change is actually within our own Asian-American community. We could stand to be more unified as a pan Asian collective, as opposed to our gut reaction which is usually to say: I’m not this type of Asian or that type of Asian. Because we’re such a small percentage of the population in America we need to come together and support each other regardless of our ethnicity. We would benefit so much more. And this leads to a huge double standard that exists only within Asian representation in American media, which is where the Asian actor has to be of that specific Asian race. Like they literally will ask for an ancestry test. I don’t see that with any other ethnicity. But to me, it’s all acting.
FOLLOW Stephen Oyoung: TikTok is @thethaichi, IG: @stephenoyoung, @mrstephenoyoung
Stephen Oyoung at the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning New York premiere – (Photo Credit: Nisha Johny & Jonathan Jacobs)