Insights from a Legend

In a recent interview with Haute Living, renowned actor and martial artist Jackie Chan shared his observations on the current state of stunts in Hollywood. Unlike in his earlier years, Chan noted that modern stunt work is increasingly reliant on CGI and wire effects.

The Shift in Stunt Work

“In the old days, the only choice we had was to be there and jump; that’s it,” Chan reflected on his early experiences. According to him, while advancements in technology allow actors to perform incredible feats, they often lack a sense of authenticity.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” he continued. “On one hand, actors become capable of doing impossible stunts with technology, yet on the other, the thrill and danger can feel diminished, making audiences numb to the action.” Chan emphasized that he does not encourage others to undertake risky stunts like he has, due to the inherent dangers involved.

A Commitment to Authenticity

With an extensive career that includes iconic films such as Drunken Master, Police Story, and Rush Hour, Chan remains dedicated to performing his own stunts, even at the age of 71. He stated, “Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am. That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never!”

Chan attributed his longevity in the field to years of practice, explaining that after 64 years, the physical preparation has become second nature, relying on muscle memory rather than rigorous training.

Upcoming Projects

Fans can look forward to Chan’s return in the upcoming film Karate Kid: Legends, set to release on May 30. In this sequel, he will reprise his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 remake of Karate Kid, sharing the screen once again with Ralph Macchio and newcomer Ben Wang.