‘Dongji Rescue’ Star Kevin Lee on Playing a War Hero After a Decade as Chinese Cinema’s Go-To Bad Guy: ‘I’m Ready for More Than Just the Villain Role’

After nearly a decade of playing memorable villains in some of China’s biggest blockbusters, Kevin Lee is finally getting to be the good guy.

In “Dongji Rescue,” the keenly anticipated $80 million Chinese WWII action thriller from Cannes award-winning filmmaker Guan Hu (“Black Dog,” “The Eight Hundred”), Lee trades his usual combat boots and weaponry for a more sympathetic role as a British POW caught in one of the war’s most devastating maritime tragedies.

The film, co-directed by Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, dramatizes the real-life Lisbon Maru incident of October 1942, when an American submarine accidentally torpedoed a Japanese vessel transporting approximately 1,800 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong. Chinese fishermen from Dongji Island ultimately rescued more than 800 survivors in what ranks among the war’s most harrowing episodes involving British forces.

Lee stars alongside Chinese A-listers Zhu Yilong (“Only the River Flows”), Wu Lei (“Shadow”) and Ni Ni (“The Flowers of War”), plus British newcomer William Franklyn-Miller.

For Lee, whose breakout role in “Wolf Warrior” established him as the quintessential Western villain in Chinese cinema, “Dongji Rescue” represents both a career pivot and a deeply personal project.

“When I first read the script, I was shocked,” Lee tells Variety. “I’d never heard of the Lisbon Maru incident, yet here was this deeply moving story of ordinary Chinese fishermen risking everything to save British POWs. As a Brit who’s lived in China for over a decade, it hit me on many levels.”

The role marks a significant departure for Lee, who has spent years perfecting his antagonist craft in films like “The Battle at Lake Changjin” and “Snipers.” His character in “Dongji Rescue,” Lieutenant Colonel H.W.M. (Monkey) Stewart, is based on a real British high-ranking POW, adding layers of historical responsibility to the performance.

“It definitely felt refreshing,” Lee says of the shift. “I’ve played antagonists in many Chinese films and always took pride in those roles. But ‘Dongji Rescue’ let me step into truth and empathy.”

The casting came during a particularly hectic period for the actor. “I auditioned during a quiet period in 2024, running on five hours of sleep after wrapping another project.” he recalls. “Luckily, negotiations followed soon after.”

To prepare for the historically grounded role, Lee immersed himself in research about POW conditions, survivor testimonies, and classic war films. He also watched “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” the documentary that was China’s entry to the Oscars’ international category and covers the same incident.

“The documentary hit me hard, emotionally,” Lee admits. “A lot of tears. These weren’t just background names, they were real men with families and dreams, caught in something horrific.”

The physical demands of the shoot proved equally challenging. “The hardest part? Swimming scenes, fighting currents, dodging debris, timing everything for camera,” he says. “It was intense.”

Looking back on his unlikely journey from an aspiring actor making a living as a finance executive in China to action star, Lee describes his entry into Chinese cinema as a combination of fate, opportunity and persistence. The turning point came during a chance encounter with “Wolf Warrior” actor-director Wu Jing while renewing his visa in Beijing.

“That meeting changed everything,” Lee explains. “I quit my job in finance, took a leap of faith, and stayed because I worked hard and didn’t give up. Against all the odds, it has somewhat paid off.”

In “Wolf Warrior” (2015), Lee played Mad Cow, a mercenary in the villain squad opposite Wu Jing in the action thriller that would launch China’s most successful patriotic film franchise. The $89 million box office hit established Lee as the go-to Western antagonist in Chinese cinema and opened doors to a decade of high-profile roles.

“I will be forever grateful for and will always be indebted to Wu Jing for trusting in me,” Lee says.

Since then, Lee has built an impressive filmography across some of China’s biggest blockbusters. In “The Battle at Lake Changjin” (2021), he played Colonel Allan MacLean, commanding officer of the 31st Infantry Regiment in the $200 million Korean War epic that became China’s then highest-grossing film of all time with $913 million worldwide. He was cast as a hitman in Jackie Chan’s “Kung Fu Yoga” (1017) and in Zhang Yimou’s “Sniper” (2022) and his credits also include “Super Me,” “100 Yards,” “Pound of Flesh” and “S.W.A.T.”

Despite his success in the villain space, Lee is eager to expand his range. “The truth is, I’m a pretty sweet guy off-screen and I’d love a shot at those type of roles,” he says. “As a foreign actor in China, roles are limited by the scripts. Majority of movies here are either period, war or wuxia [martial arts] movies. Foreign actors in China rarely get cast in rom-coms or comedies, which is a shame.”

Having witnessed the rapid evolution of China’s film industry over more than a decade, Lee has seen significant changes in how international actors are integrated on set. “It’s changed a lot,” he reflects. “Now, there’s better communication, more inclusion and stronger professionalism.”

Lee continues to study monologues, work on his American accent and shoot skits whenever possible. “I’m deeply passionate about this craft,” he says.

As for what’s next, Lee sees “Dongji Rescue” as a potential turning point. “It allowed me to step into something more nuanced — a role with heart, with dignity and based on a real human being,” he says. “And I hope it signals to the industry that I’m ready for more than just the villain role.”

While China remains home after more than a decade, Lee has his sights set on global expansion. “Hollywood is a huge goal of mine as well, like any ambitious actor, I guess,” he says. “The experience I’ve gained makes me a better actor and storyteller, and I want to bring that experience to new audiences. I’m ready to mix with the best and grow even further.”

“Dongji Rescue” hits U.K. and Irish cinemas Aug. 22, with other European territories following from Aug. 29. It opens in China on Aug. 8.