WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for 2025’s Love Hurts.Since retiring from the NFL, Marshawn Lynch’s career has taken a surprising turn. The former Seahawks running back has had a string of notable roles in several films and TV shows. Most recently, Lynch starred as the contract killer King in the 2025 action romance film Love Hurts, appearing alongside Oscar-winning actors like Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose. Moreover, Lynch’s character in Love Hurts adds plenty of humor and levity to this gory, ultra-violent movie.

Even when he is actively working against protagonist Marvin Gable (Quan), Lynch can’t help but exude a lovable aura as King with his upbeat atтιтude and hilarious one-liners. Despite everything he does in the film, audiences will be relieved to see him survive to the end of Love Hurts. The performance is more proof that Lynch has found the perfect post-NFL career for himself as a comedic actor, with his role in 2025’s Love Hurts being a noteworthy addition to his filmography.

Marshawn Lynch Is One Of The Funniest Parts Of Love Hurts

Lynch Brings Plenty Of Laughs To Such A Serious Job

Lynch’s character, King, acts like one half of a buddy cop duo with his partner Otis (André Eriksen). Both are ruthless killers working for Knuckles (Daniel Wu) to find and kill Rose (DeBose), clashing with Marvin along the way. However, King still finds time on the clock to help Otis with his marital problems, as the latter’s wife finds him “emotionally constipated.” From the moment King appears in the film, Lynch establishes his character as a likable and friendly presence with plenty of funny comebacks.

Even when he’s fist-fighting with Marvin, Lynch adds humor to his menacing presence in Love Hurts. King usually comes at Marvin full speed while telling his buddy Otis to check out his moves, making it seem like he’s back on the football field, showing off to his fans. Thus, Lynch’s performance utilizes a fantastic blend of his athletic and comedy skills.

Love Hurts Is Further Proof That Marshawn Lynch Is A Great Comedic Actor

Lynch Was Always Meant To Be A Comedic Actor As Well As An Athlete

However, Lynch had repeatedly proven himself a skilled comedic actor long before starring in Love Hurts. In the past decade or so, Lynch has delivered excellent comedic performances in Murderville, The League, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Bottoms. His performance in the last тιтle even won him a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Breakthrough Performance in 2024.

While most of his TV and film roles had him playing himself, Lynch still gave fantastic performances with his laid-back wit and perfect comedic timing. Love Hurts is one of the few projects in which Lynch portrays an original character, with the others being Bottoms and Westworld. Nevertheless, based on his previous performances, Lynch brings a lot of his personality to the more lethal persona of King, giving audiences something new and familiar with this ideal role for the former NFL player.

Marshawn Lynch’s Upcoming Movie Roles Sound Amazing After Love Hurts

Lynch’s Next Films Give Fans Something To Look Forward To

Going forward, Lynch seems to have found his niche as a comedy and action star in Love Hurts, as he appears to have claimed similar roles in his next batch of movies. Fans of Marshawn Lynch can look forward to seeing him appear in the upcoming heist films The Pickup and Eenie Meanie. The former movie will show Lynch alongside stars like Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson, allowing him to test his talents against these comedy icons.

If Lynch has brought an ounce of his comedic talent to his roles in these films, then The Pickup and Eenie Meanie should both make for entertaining viewings. It is still unclear exactly what kinds of characters he will portray in these movies. Hopefully, Lynch’s roles in both of his upcoming films will play off the strengths he has displayed in past performances, including in Love Hurts.

While Love Hurts features standout performances from Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, Marshawn Lynch’s turn in the film hints at a promising future for him in Hollywood. Lynch brought plenty of laughs to his killer character, cementing his skills in action and comedy. Following his many funny performances in projects like Love Hurts, his presence in future projects should help draw in fans.