Jackie Chan starred alongside Jaden Smith in the 2010 martial arts drama film The Karate Kid, a remake of the 1984 version. The movie was a smash hit from Sony and Columbia Pictures, earning $359 million against a budget of $40 million.
Will Smith’s production company, Overbrook Entertainment, also produced the movie. He was very much present in overseeing the project and supervising his son Jaden during the filming.
Jackie Chan Thought He Was The Student In The Karate Kid
During his appearance in Lopez Tonight, Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan shared how he landed the role of Mr. Han in Jaden Smith’s The Karate Kid. He shared:
“A few years ago, I was in a Japanese restaurant. I was sitting in the room. Somebody said, ‘Will is outside.’ [Will said] ‘We have to make a movie together,’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ One year later, he just called my office, ‘Jackie, I want you to do The Karate Kid.’ I said, ‘Okay, who’s the teacher?’”
Chan was clueless about his role in the movie, and he assumed he was the student instead of the kung fu teacher. He continued:
“I already forget how old I am. I still think I’m the kid. He said, ‘No, you’re the teacher. My son’s going to be the karate kid.”
The actor also revealed he sent one of his best stuntmen to look after and train Smith for three months in preparation for the movie. Even after the production has wrapped up, the young actor continues his training, as suggested by Chan so his skills won’t be put to waste. He further shared:
“In the movie, there’s no special effect, nothing. He does all of his own stunts. I do have a stunt double for him, but Will, his father, [says] ‘No, let him do it.’”
The King Richard actor was indeed very hands-on with his son’s training as well as the movie’s progress.
Jackie Chan Was Grateful For Will Smith For The Success Of The Karate Kid
In the same interview with Lopez Tonight, Jackie Chan acknowledged Will Smith’s efforts in bringing the film to the big screen. He admitted that the success of the franchise was all because of Smith. Chan stated:
“Will is great. I have never seen a producer like that. I really, really appreciate what he’s doing for the movie. If the movie’s successful, it’s because of him. He gave me more days, more budget, just more time.”
The Karate Kid was not only a massive hit among viewers but also a victorious franchise. It revived the genre of martial arts films while showcasing the beauty of kung fu.
