At 71 years old, Jackie Chan is still defying gravity, injury statistics, and Hollywood trends. The martial arts icon and action star says he will keep doing his own stunts—“which is never”—even as technology reshapes how fight scenes and daredevil sequences are filmed.
Chan, who has performed dangerous choreography in over 150 films across six decades, spoke to Haute Living in a recent interview. With Karate Kid: Legends hitting theaters May 30, Chan reprises his role as Mr. Han, a character he first played in the 2010 Karate Kid remake. But fans won’t just see him mentor another generation—they’ll see him in action, the old-fashioned way.
Doing stunts is in Jackie Chan’s “heart and soul”
“Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am,” Chan said. “That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never!”
Having performed stunts since his early days in Fist of Fury (1972), Chan describes his approach to action as instinctive. “When you’ve done it for 64 years straight, there’s no physical preparation anymore. Everything is in your heart and soul; it is muscle memory.”
His confidence isn’t misplaced. Whether it’s hanging off a skyscraper, dodging explosions, or executing intricate fight sequences, Chan’s body knows the drill. And his mind trusts the process. For him, action isn’t just entertainment—it’s a language he’s spoken his entire life.
Chan warns against the overuse of CGI in action films
While Chan embraces technology in filmmaking, he remains critical of how CGI has changed stunt work. “In the old days, the only [choice we had] was to be there and jump; that’s it,” he said. “Today, with computers, actors can do anything, but there’s always a sense of reality that you feel is missing.”
He calls it a “double-edged sword.” On one hand, technology allows for safer stunts and more spectacular visuals. On the other, it removes the element of real danger—something Chan believes gave his films Police Story, Drunken Master, and Project A their punch.
“The audience is numb to it,” Chan added. “When there’s no risk, it’s hard to feel excitement. But I’m not encouraging anybody to risk their lives like I did. It truly is too dangerous.”
Jackie Chan’s legacy isn’t just about action—it’s about authenticity
Chan’s name is synonymous with practical effects, creative choreography, and sheer determination. He broke ground by combining comedy with martial arts and insisted on doing every fall, jump, and punch himself—even when it meant getting injured. His dedication paved the way for modern action stars like Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves.
Now, with Karate Kid: Legends, Chan steps back into a franchise that bridges generations. Starring alongside Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang, Chan returns as Mr. Han—this time not just as a mentor, but as a legend who still packs a punch. And yes, he still risks himself for the shot.
What fans can expect from Karate Kid: Legends
The new film isn’t just a nostalgic reunion. It’s a fresh take on the Karate Kid universe, merging kung fu with urban coming-of-age drama. Li Fong (Ben Wang) struggles to find his place in New York City, and Mr. Han steps in to unlock his potential. With Jonathan Entwistle directing and Robert Mark Kamen returning as writer, the film aims to balance emotion with action.
And with Chan on screen—still agile, still daring—Karate Kid: Legends promises to deliver sequences that aren’t just digitally enhanced, but genuinely earned.
Jackie Chan’s final message to the next generation of action heroes
Chan may never retire, but he knows the risks he takes. He doesn’t want young actors to imitate him recklessly. Still, he stands by one belief: real stunts bring real emotion. They connect the performer to the audience in a way nothing else can.
“If you do stunts, do them safely,” he said. “But don’t rely on computers to tell your story. That’s not real filmmaking.”
For Jackie Chan, real filmmaking is alive and kicking. And it looks like it will be that way for as long as he’s still standing.