One name immediately springs to mind when it comes to breathtaking stunts and epic action sequences: Jackie Chan, who turned 69 this year. The Hidden Strike star has often emphasized the value of realism and authenticity in the film industry while also carrying out his hazardous stunts.
The Hong Kong star talked about computer-generated imagery (CGI) with GQ back in 2017. He talked about how he still trains young stunt performers to do things his way, even though computers are making it less necessary for stunt performers to put themselves in real danger, as Chan did for years. He vocally expressed his dissatisfaction with Hollywood stars, claiming that they rely too much on CGI rather than taking risks with their lives to create realistic stunts.
In addition to mentioning Gal Gadot, Chan made a passing reference to Tom Holland’s depiction of Spider-Man, who played the character in 2017.
Jackie Chan Voiced His Displeasure With Hollywood Stars Who Rely On CGI
With a large global following in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres, Jackie Chan has consistently emphasized the value of authenticity throughout his career, risking his life to produce breathtaking action sequences. During a candid chat with GQ, he stated that relying solely on CGI devalues the art form and limits the audience’s ability to become engrossed in the film’s narrative. He had the impression that
“The new action star, they don’t know how to fight.”
Chan shared his belief that stunt performers are truly exceptional if they push themselves to the absolute limit and overcome these challenges. Then he made a passing reference to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, who played the lead in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming:
“They can use a special effect, like Spider-Man. Everyone can be Spider-Man.”
The Enter the Dragon actor may have made a subtle jab at Holland. He also used the term “doubles” to mock Gal Gadot‘s portrayal of Wonder Woman, which, according to Chan,
“Can be a Superwoman. So many doubles. One of my team members [was] Wonder Woman’s double. They go, pa, pa, pa, pa, pa——then [Gal Gadot] come back, just pretty, just standing here. Ha! Easy.”
Jackie Chan Relies On An Age-Old Method To Pull Off Stunts
There is no denying that Jackie Chan excels at both stunt work and martial arts fighting. He is famous for his agile fighting techniques, which make his stunts visually stunning and incredibly realistic to watch. The Rush Hour actor was said to use yoga, an age-old technique, to perform with the level of authenticity and speed he has attained. He once shared with Metro newspaper (via Female First):
“The moves in yoga are slow, focusing on the softness and flexibility of the body. In their own way, yoga moves are also at full strength: stable and balanced.”
Chan also claimed to practice Kung Fu in addition to yoga to stay mentally and physically fit:
“They are opposites in a sense, but when a martial arts practitioner learns yoga, the training of the mind combines with physical strength to empower his or her willpower. Kung fu and yoga therefore complement each other.”
The action star was questioned about his diet and how he has maintained his fitness over the years in an interview with Access Hollywood. As someone known for eating well, Chan responded:
“I eat everything, if I ate ice cream or steak, okay, 20 more minute run and steak, ok, 100 punches. When I ate ice cream, okay, 20 minutes. Eat everything you want, training is most important.”
Despite being 69, the actor is still active and full of life. On the professional front, we recently saw Chan in Scott Waugh’s action-adventure movie Hidden Strike, playing ‘Dragon’ Luo Feng. Pilou Asbaek, Ma Chunrui, and John Cena were also featured in the movie.
You can stream Hidden Strike on Netflix. Spider-Man: Homecoming is available on Disney Plus, and Wonder Woman can be seen on Amazon Prime Video.
