What makes a gay icon? Is it the quips? The style? The absolute chaos they bring to every scene? Well, if we’re talking Peacemaker, it’s definitely a combination of all three. Enter Judomaster, the pint-sized warrior who kicks ass and takes names, all while being a never-ending source of entertainment. And who’s the man behind this icon? That would be Nhut Le, a name you’ll want to remember because this actor is here to stay.
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Le’s portrayal of Judomaster isn’t just about martial arts and hilarious one-liners. It’s also about embracing identity with unapologetic flair. Whether he’s electrifying Nazis in an alternate universe or casually munching on a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Le brings a depth to his character that queer fans have immediately latched onto. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a hero who’s equal parts chaotic, hilarious, and, well… fabulous?
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From Vietnam to Hollywood: A Hero’s Journey
Le’s path to playing Judomaster is a mix of childhood dreams and serendipity. Born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Le moved to the U.S. when he was young, already steeped in a love for superheroes. “Sailor Moon was a huge influence on me,” he says, reflecting on his early years. “I drew my own version of that, and of course, Dragon Ball and Pokémon. I’ve always been immersed in that world.”
Now, he’s living out his childhood dream, playing a character that’s straight out of the comics—though let’s be real, Peacemaker’s version of Judomaster is far from the typical hero.
Judomaster: Five Feet of Fury and Unmatched Sass
If you’ve watched Peacemaker, you know Judomaster is far from your average hero. At just five feet tall, he’s a walking explosion of violence, humor, and unforgettable one-liners. “Ding dong, bitches!” he shouts, making his entrance in a way that only he can. And then there’s his classic line, “Are you the dumbest c*nt who’s ever existed, or just top five?” Iconic, right?
But here’s the thing—Judomaster’s chaos isn’t just for laughs. The character’s over-the-top antics make him stand out in the wild world of Peacemaker. And it’s thanks to Le’s vibrant, unpredictable portrayal that this hero has become more than just a character on screen. He’s become a damn icon.
Stepping Into the Role: Expectations vs. Reality
When Le first signed on for Peacemaker, he was nervous about the character. “At first, I was sort of nervous,” he admits. “There’s not a lot of background story, so I was just using the script as my Bible and trying to infuse my own spin.” And when the first season wrapped, he wasn’t sure if people would “get” Judomaster.
Luckily, fans did get it. They fell in love with him. And with that fanbase came a new kind of confidence for Le. “Having the fans really take to Judomaster, it felt like a security blanket coming back in season 2,” he says. “We get more time with him, and I got to explore his limitations and expand on what people loved.”
Breaking Barriers: Queer Representation Done Right
The second season of Peacemaker gave fans even more of what they wanted—and more of Judomaster’s backstory. We finally learn that he’s Vietnamese, and we get the reveal that he’s gay. This moment, dropped casually in the middle of an insane scene where Judomaster shocks a pool of Nazis, is a game-changer. “You don’t want to be a minority here. Or gay, or Buddhist, or… anything I am, really,” Judomaster deadpans, adding a layer of complexity that fans instantly appreciate.
For Le, portraying a queer character isn’t about making his sexuality the focus. Instead, it’s about showing that being gay is just one part of who Judomaster is. “I think because I am gay in real life and my mannerisms naturally filter through, it’s just another layer of the character,” Le says. “It’s not the whole story, just a part of it.”
And let’s be clear: this is what makes Judomaster so relatable. He’s more than just a queer character—he’s a fully realized person with dimensions, flaws, and hilarious quirks. His identity is part of the package, but it’s never the only thing about him. It’s refreshing, it’s human, and it’s real.
The Power of Normalizing Queer Characters
Le’s portrayal of Judomaster goes hand-in-hand with the broader representation we see in Peacemaker. Leota Adebayo, played by Danielle Brooks, is a lesbian, and even Peacemaker himself (John Cena) is bisexual. For Le, these characters are proof that the DC universe is starting to take real steps toward normalizing LGBTQ+ representation.
“It’s just 365; these people are always there every single day,” he says, speaking to how the characters’ sexualities aren’t a plot point—they’re just part of who they are. “It can be special, but it doesn’t need to be special. It’s just a part of life, and I love that.”
And that, in a nutshell, is why Judomaster works so well: he’s unapologetically himself. He doesn’t have to shout about being queer; he just is. It’s a casual, integrated part of his character, and that’s something a lot of queer fans can get behind.
The Legacy of Judomaster: More Than Just a Laughing Matter
So, what makes Judomaster a gay icon? It’s not just the fact that he’s hilarious or badass (though, don’t get me wrong, both of those things help). It’s about his complexity, his humor, and his ability to own every single moment he’s in. He’s a hero who doesn’t fit the typical mold, and that’s what makes him feel so real.
Judomaster isn’t here to be anyone’s idea of a perfect hero. He’s here to be messy, funny, and absolutely kick-ass—qualities that make him a perfect fit for today’s LGBTQ+ community. So, next time you’re snacking on some Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, think of Judomaster, because he’s the real MVP—and he’s just getting started.
Final Thoughts: A Gay Hero for the Modern Age
Le’s portrayal of Judomaster proves that gay representation doesn’t need to be over-the-top or sensationalized. Instead, it can be woven into the character’s fabric in a way that feels organic, natural, and above all, real. Judomaster may be small in stature, but the impact he’s making is anything but. The world of Peacemaker just got a little bit gayer—and we’re all better for it.
Source: OUT
Never knew he was gay from the first season, where he was mostly a violent anti-hero at best, on the wrong side for good reasons.
Haven’t really caught any of the scenes he was in because most of this season has been boring so mostly catching the webems, tik toks, and YT clips, and he’s barely mentioned in them.
And most of the memes and fan art seems to either be about the Vig on Vig self-cest, or the other characters. Oh well.