Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan are both legendary actors in the world of cinema. While one is known for his exemplary physique and tough guy persona, the other is known for his comical yet precise acrobatic martial arts stunts. Both stars have starred in multiple movies, now being followed by millions of fans for their contribution to the world of action.
While both have collaborated in two movies till now, Around the World in 80 Days and Journey to China: The Mystery of Iron Mask, Chan once referred to his long-time good friend as ‘nothing‘.
Jackie Chan Once Called Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘Nothing‘
Jackie Chan is a superstar in the whole of South Asia. Particularly in his home country China, he is still counted among the most famous stars of all time. However, when he had just entered the Western film industry in the 80-90s, he wasn’t as famous and didn’t even expect to make it big.
In a resurfaced interview from 2001, Chan stated that he won’t be able to achieve the same level of fame in the Western world as his contemporaries, while also calling Schwarzenegger ‘nothing‘.
“Even if I do a film with geniuses like George Lucas or Steven Spielberg, no way will I be famous in America. Look at Jurassic Park. Few people know the names of the main actors; they remember the dinosaurs and that it was a Spielberg film. Take Terminator 2. The director’s good; the special effects are good; Schwarzenegger is nothing. Anyone could have played his part. Take First Blood. Stallone is good. But in Asia, everyone comes to see Jackie Chan in a Jackie Chan film. It doesn’t matter what the title is or what the story is about. Only Jackie Chan can do it.”
The Rush Hour star did not in any way meant to demean Arnold Schwarzenegger, rather he only stated a fact. But he sure was wrong about one thing, which is not being able to get considerable fame and success in Hollywood, for Jackie Chan is now on the list of most popular actors in Hollywood of all time.
Jackie Chan And Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Collaboration Against Common Enemy
Long-time good friends, Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger have only collaborated on two movies yet. Apart from movies, both stars got together in 2005 to fight a common and dangerous enemy, ‘piracy’. The then California Governor was on a visit to Hong Kong in 2005, where both Hollywood legends got together to fight ‘piracy’ and advocate awareness against the dangers of the practice.
They both shot a small commercial so to spread worldwide awareness against the illegal practice. While Chan demanded people take action and help them stop piracy, the Terminator star stated ‘Let’s terminate it.’
Source: YouTube and Bright Lights Film
