Jackie Chan, 71, Vows to Keep Doing His Own Stunts Forever
Even at 71, Jackie Chan continues to do what he has done for more than 60 years: hurl punches, flip over barriers, and dive deeply into action scenes without blinking. ‘The Karate Kid: Legends’ actor isn’t slowing down, and retirement isn’t, in his opinion, a part of his plan.
Jackie Chan stated unequivocally in a new piece for the April/May edition of Haute Living that he has no intention of ceding control of his stunts. For him, it has always been a way of life rather than a job. He has mastered his craft for 64 years, so he no longer has to prepare for stunt work. Driven by his heart, soul, and years of expertise, it’s ingrained in his muscle memory.
Even though new technology has enabled Hollywood to incorporate stunt doubles and computer-generated graphics, Jackie Chan wishes to keep realism alive and embrace it. He considered how the action genre has changed over time, pointing out that in the beginning, actors were forced to really jump. These days, technology can make seemingly impossible things seem possible. However, in his opinion, those scenes always lack the raw tension, danger, and excitement of knowing the actor actually performed the stunt.
Image Courtesy: Jackie Chan/ Instagram
Jackie Chan views the advancements in film technology as both a boon and a bane. Yes, it pushes boundaries, but it also makes them less clear. He is concerned that viewers are becoming less aware of the actual dangers associated with the activity. He still opposes younger performers putting their lives in danger in the same way that he did.
In the upcoming movie ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, Jackie Chan is going to reprise his role as Mr. Han, the sage martial arts teacher. This time, he’s collaborating with Ralph Macchio, who is making a comeback as Daniel LaRusso, on an intergenerational tale that combines traditional values with contemporary sensibilities. Ben Wang joins the cast as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who moved from Beijing to New York and is attempting to find his place.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
According to Jackie Chan, the movie offers more than just intense battle sequences. Fundamentally, it’s about discipline, friendship, and the unspoken power of teamwork. He praised Wang’s commitment and modesty, stating that the young performer was fast to pick things up and devoted to the part—qualities that Jackie Chan values.
If Jackie Chan could go back in time, he would advise his younger self to put more effort into his studies, particularly in the areas of English and piano. He feels that those abilities may have further enhanced his pictures.
Jackie Chan fans can expect all the iconic moves, adrenaline-rushing actions in ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ when it takes over the theatres on 30th May.
–Farheen Ali
