In a candid conversation with Haute Living, the legendary Jackie Chan shared his perspective on the current landscape of Hollywood stunts. Unlike the old-school approach that defined his early career, today’s action sequences heavily rely on computer-generated imagery (CGI) and wirework.
“In the old days, the only [choice we had] was to be there and jump; that’s it,” Chan explained. “Today, with computers, actors can do anything, but there’s always a sense of reality that you feel is missing.” He elaborated on this point, calling it a “double-edged sword,” noting, “On one hand, actors become more and more capable of doing impossible stunts with the help of technology, and yet, on the other hand, the concept of danger and limit gets blurred and the audience is numb [to it].”
Despite his own history of performing incredibly risky stunts, Chan made it clear, “But I’m not encouraging anybody to risk their lives to do the stunts like I did; it truly is too dangerous.”
Even at the age of 71, the Rush Hour star remains committed to his signature style. “Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am,” Chan declared. “That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never! And to be honest, when you’ve done it for 64 years straight, there’s no physical preparation anymore. Everything is in your heart and soul; it is muscle memory.”
Back in the ‘Karate Kid’ Universe
Fans can look forward to seeing Chan back on screen in Karate Kid: Legends, set to release on May 30th. He will reprise his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 Karate Kid remake, this time alongside Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang. Reflecting on his return to the franchise after nearly 15 years, Chan stated “I was for sure super excited! It’s been almost 15 years!”
This new installment brings Mr. Han to New York City, where he teams up with Daniel LaRusso to mentor a new protégé. Chan expressed his enthusiasm for his young co-star, Ben Wang, “To me, he’s a good boy, a really good boy. He learns stuff fast and is always so humble and dedicated to this role.”
More to Come: Pandas and Beyond
Beyond Karate Kid: Legends, Chan has several other projects in the pipeline, including sequels like Panda Plan 2, Rush Hour 4, and New Police Story 2. His enduring energy and passion for his work show no signs of slowing down. As he shared “Maybe one day I’ll stop,” he mused, before shaking his head. “But not yet. I’m still on the road.”
Chan also revealed travel companions: two stuffed pandas named Chan La and Chan Zy. “They see everything,” he said with a grin. “Lazy pandas. They travel the world without lifting a finger — always traveling but never working!”
