Jackie Chan expresses that the landscape of stunt work in Hollywood has substantially transformed.
In a recent interview with Haute Living, the iconic actor and martial artist reflected on the evolution of stunts in modern cinema, noting that unlike during his prime, today’s action sequences are heavily reliant on CGI and elaborate wirework.
“Back in my day, our only option was to physically be present and perform the jumps; that was it,” Chan remarked. “Nowadays, thanks to technology, actors can achieve unbelievable feats digitally, but there’s frequently enough a sense of authenticity that feels absent.”
The Changing Face of Stunt Performance
He elaborated further: “It’s a double-edged sword. On one side, technology allows performers to execute increasingly complex stunts; however, this blurs the lines of danger and limits what audiences perceive as thrilling. I’m not advocating for anyone to risk their lives for stunts like I did; it truly is perilous.”
A seasoned stunt performer himself, chan has left an indelible mark on action cinema with memorable roles in films such as “Drunken Master,” “Police Story,” and “Rush Hour.” Even at 71 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Looking ahead, Chan’s upcoming project is titled “Karate Kid: Legends,” set to premiere on May 30. He will share the screen with Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang while reprising his beloved character Mr. Han from the 2010 remake of “Karate Kid.”