Jackie Chan has created some of the best action-packed comedy movies in Hollywood. After starting out in Hong Kong movies, Chan entered Hollywood and first made a mark with his cult film, Rumble in the Bronx. The Accidental Spy actor became America’s favorite with roles in franchises like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon.
Over nearly six decades in the film industry, Jackie Chan’s filmmaking style underwent significant changes. The Academy honored him for his “extraordinary achievements” in film, back in 2016. Chan attributes his success to his fans who influenced him to become a better actor.
Jackie Chan Got A Revelation From Fan Letters
During an appearance on the George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, Jackie Chan explained the reason behind his movies avoiding violent scenes. Chan’s movies are famous for the funny but well-choreographed action sequences, and the humor is derived from physical comedy. Stroumboulopoulos emphasized the fact that Chan’s movies did not have any swear words or gratuitous s*x scenes. Chan shared with Stroumboulopoulos:
“I like action, but I hate violence. All those years, I tried to put a lot of situation comedy with the action. So, I hope the audience see the action and forget all the violent things.”
The host then asked if this decision was business-related or a matter of the actor’s morality. The Police Story actor shared that at the start of his career, he was involved in movies with “dirty words and dirty action”. However, as some of the Kung Fu Yoga actor’s devoted fans became parents, they wrote to him about the inappropriate content of some of his earlier films for family audiences. Chan told Stroumboulopoulos:
“In the old day, when i started action movies, I would do all the funny things. You know, like, kick their balls. But slowly from the audience and the media, especially from the fans, they write these letters, ‘Oh now I have a baby. So I can not see the movie because of dirty words, because of dirty action’. All those years, I change. Without all dirty things, I still can make audience laughing. That’s difficult.”
The Shanghai Noon actor revealed that such letters from his fans and audiences helped him evolve as an actor and filmmaker over the years.
Jackie Chan Realized That He Had A Responsibility As An Actor
George Stroumboulopoulos asked about when Jackie Chan realized his responsibility as an actor. Chan revealed that it was only after participating in a charity that he became aware of his responsibility to his fans. In his twenties, as a successful actor earning millions, The Myth actor was indifferent and did not care about anything much. He spent his time partying and buying expensive things.
The Foreigner actor shared that he was uninterested in charity events. However, once he attended one of the charity events, he was overwhelmed by the outpour of love from his young fans at the hospital. His team distributed gifts on his behalf, and in return, the children presented him with handmade gifts. The Drunken Master actor shared that he felt ashamed at his earlier lack of responsibility.
Chan’s responsibility was reflected in his choice of movies as well. Notably, the Armour of God actor turned down a villain role in Demolition Man, offered by Sylvester Stallone. Chan was also critical of the range of action movies produced in Hollywood, which usually had adult-rated themes.
As for his latest projects, Jackie Chan voiced the role of Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and is set to reprise his voice role as Master Monkey in Kung Fu Panda 4. The fourth installment in the Rush Hour series is also currently in development.
Source: Strombo – YouTube
