For decades, Jackie Chan, a legendary actor and martial artist, has captivated audiences around the globe with his breathtaking stunts and captivating performances. He has, therefore, undoubtedly made an impact on the global film industry with his unique blend of comedic timing and cutting-edge stunts.
Thanks to his work as an actor and stuntman in martial arts and action films, Chan became one of Hong Kong’s biggest and most successful film stars, and it seemed inevitable that he would take over Hollywood. He made a significant step toward achieving that goal in 1998 when he scored Rush Hour, his first significant international blockbuster. Following that, he appeared in several American productions, such as The Spy Next Door, the Kung Fu Panda series, and more.
Chan has, however, perhaps become less frequently seen in American films over time. Why?
Jackie Chan’s Conditions to Appear in Hollywood Films
Jackie Chan is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in the world, but he has largely faded from the American spotlight, despite continuing to make movies in his native Hong Kong. He discussed the rationale behind his recent preference for Asian-produced films in an interview with the Brazilian publication Filmelier. He claimed to the outlet that although he has “never left America”, he has not been able to “find the right script” lately. To quote him:
“All these years after The Karate Kid, I received so many scripts, but the role is [always] a Hong Kong policeman. That’s why it took me seven years to accept a role in another Hollywood film, with The Foreigner.”
Chan eventually hopes to play a variety of roles and branch out into more dramatic projects. He admitted to Filmelier that he is currently looking for roles like his ones in The Karate Kid and The Foreigner.
Thus, the Academy Award-winning actor would likely seize the opportunity to star in a Hollywood film if the right script came along. Simply put, that has not happened yet. The Hong Kong actor, 69, further informed Filmelier:
“I want to make sure that every year the audience can see so many different sides of Jackie Chan. I would like audiences to consider me as an actor who can do action, not just as an action star. I don’t like to repeat myself.”
Jackie Chan Realized He Needed To Be More Than An Action Star To Stay In Film Industry
Jackie Chan has devoted the majority of his life to the entertainment business. He became known as an action star thanks to his 1978 movie Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow. He later appeared in Drunken Master that same year, which finally helped him achieve mainstream success.
In his 2017 GQ Magazine profile, the Hong Kong-based actor discussed how he always sought out a “different script, different character, different Jackie Chan” in each film:
“If I’m [to] continue on in the film industry … I have to change. Otherwise, you gone. You see—in Japan. Korea. America. China. Hong Kong. How many action star all gone? Only few can stay. Stallone’s different. He’s a legend. Other action stars already gone.”
Chan also discussed how seasoned actors like Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro had expanded their roles in the film business, moving from acting to directing to producing. The Young Master actor found it intriguing as well as he told GQ :
“So that’s why I’m looking for different script, different character, different Jackie Chan. I want the audience look at Jackie Chan as an actor. Not the action star. Actor who can fight. Look at Clint Eastwood. If he continue to ‘Make my day’? Gone. So he change to directing. He change some other things. Look at Al Pacino. Robert De Niro. I wanna be an Asian Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino.”
Jackie began acting in the 1960s, directed numerous movies throughout his career, performed his own stunts, and suffered injuries as a result. He has nevertheless always had ambition.
His most recent film appearance was as ‘Dragon’ Luo Feng in Scott Waugh’s action-adventure film Hidden Strike. The film also starred John Cena, Ma Chunrui, and Pilou Asbaek.
You can stream Hidden Strike on Netflix.
