Ranked: 8 Best Roles of Steven Yeun in Invincible and Beyond

Overview

In 2025, Steven Yeun’s star will shine brighter with key appearances in Mickey 17 and Season 3 of Invincible.
Yeun’s acclaimed roles in films like Sorry to Bother You, Okja, and Burning highlight his impressive versatility as an actor.
His performances in Beef, Minari, and The Walking Dead demonstrate his exceptional talent and range.

As we approach 2025, Steven Yeun is poised for a significant escalation in his career, featuring prominently in the eagerly awaited sci-fi film Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon-ho and co-starring Robert Pattinson, alongside the premiere of Season 3 of the popular animated series Invincible. Although he gained recognition through The Walking Dead, Yeun has evolved into a prominent figure in both film and television, excelling in a wide array of lead and supporting roles.

With an impressive resume boasting collaborations with high-profile directors and actors, Yeun’s burgeoning success in Hollywood has set the stage for a lasting legacy. His body of work already includes a rich tapestry of diverse characters, all of which contribute to his stature as a versatile and dynamic actor.

8 Character: Squeeze in Sorry To Bother You (2018)

A Friend with Union Ambitions

In Sorry to Bother You, a distinctive black comedy, Yeun showcases his acting chops as Squeeze, a confident union organizer and supportive friend to the main character, Cassius Green. The film tells the story of Cassius, a telemarketer who finds success using a white voice, but as he ascends, he experiences the fallout of greed, leading to unusual and humorous situations. Yeun’s role allows him to exhibit a blend of charm and slyness, even as he vies for Casisus’ girlfriend, showcasing his comedic abilities.

7 Character: K in Okja (2017)

A Multilingual Activist

In the critically acclaimed Okja, directed by Bong Joon-ho, Yeun plays K, an activist who serves as a translator for a group dedicated to rescuing a genetically modified super pig. The film revolves around a young girl named Mija who endeavors to save her beloved pet, Okja, from capture by a corporate entity. Yeun’s ability to bridge cultures through his bilingual skills enhances the film’s absurd yet poignant narrative.

6 Character: Skirt in Nope (2022)

A Theatrical Theme Park Proprietor

In Jordan Peele’s horror film Nope, Yeun takes on the role of Jupe, a flamboyant theme park owner with a complicated past tied to a tragic incident from his childhood. The film deals with UFO sightings and the desperate lengths a sibling duo will go to in capturing evidence, with Yeun’s character adding a layer of spectacle and vulnerability, compelling viewers to empathize with his quest for fame.

5 Character: Ben in Burning (2018)

A Sinister Presence in a Psychological Thriller

In the mysterious film Burning, Yeun’s portrayal of Ben—a stranger with an unsettling demeanor—offers a stark contrast to the main characters Lee Jong-su and Shin Hae-mi. The film’s intense exploration of envy and intrigue sets Yeun’s character apart as he exemplifies wealth and mystery, compelling the audience to question his true nature and intentions.

4 Character: Mark Grayson in Invincible (2021-Present)

An Emotionally Charged Superhero

In the animated series Invincible, Yeun lends his voice to Mark Grayson, a teenage superhero confronted with the responsibilities of saving humanity following his father’s betrayal. The character encapsulates the trials of youth, balancing superhero duties with personal and familial dilemmas. Yeun captures the essence of teenage angst and emotional complexity, making Mark a relatable and compelling figure.

3 Character: Danny Cho in Beef (2023)

Intensity and Rivalry in an Explosive Narrative

Yeun’s role as Danny Cho in the Netflix limited series Beef marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his capacity for portraying fiery characters. The series navigates the tumultuous and comedic feud sparked by a chance encounter, where Danny’s rage and determination to retaliate lead to outrageous consequences. Yeun’s chemistry with co-star Ali Wong creates an engaging dynamic, further highlighting his range as an actor.

2 Character: Jacob Yi in Minari (2020)

An Oscar-Nominated Role in a Heartfelt Drama

In the critically acclaimed film Minari, Yeun portrays Jacob Yi, a father trying to carve out a new life for his Korean immigrant family in 1980s Arkansas. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination, illustrating the struggles and aspirations of first-generation immigrants. Yeun’s adept portrayal of familial love, hope, and adversity resonates deeply, making it one of his most celebrated performances.

1 Character: Glenn Rhee in The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

The Essence of Hope in a Grim World

Yeun’s portrayal of Glenn Rhee in The Walking Dead remains a landmark role that etched him into the hearts of fans. Serving as a resourceful scavenger amidst the apocalypse, Glenn’s endearing personality and fierce loyalty provided much-needed levity in the midst of a dark storyline. His profound bond with Maggie and his evolution from a cheeky young man to a mature figure embodies the essence of survival and humanity in the face of despair. Glenn’s shocking death was a pivotal moment in the series, representing both the unpredictability of the world they inhabited and Yeun’s lasting impact on the show.

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