At 71 years old, Jackie Chan refuses to let anyone take over his stunts, declaring “retirement is never” while Hollywood goes soft with CGI fakery and wires.
At a Glance
- Jackie Chan, at 71, remains committed to performing his own stunts in films, including his latest “Karate Kid: Legends”
- After 64 years in the business, Chan relies on muscle memory rather than physical preparation for his death-defying stunts
- Despite Hollywood’s obsession with CGI and special effects, Chan maintains that nothing can replace the authenticity of real stunt work
- Chan reprises his role as Mr. Han alongside Ralph Macchio in “Karate Kid: Legends,” scheduled for release on May 30
The Last Real Action Hero Standing
While Hollywood continues its descent into computer-generated fantasy land, one legend remains steadfastly committed to the dying art of authentic action. Jackie Chan, now 71 years old, has made it clear he has no intention of letting stunt doubles take his place or retiring from the physical demands of his craft. In an age where most action stars are being replaced by pixels and stuntmen before they hit 50, Chan’s dedication to his audience is refreshingly old-school and increasingly rare in today’s fake-it-till-you-make-it entertainment culture.
Chan’s commitment to authentic action stands in stark contrast to the CGI-saturated landscape of modern filmmaking, where even basic stunts are now performed with the safety net of computer enhancement. The martial arts master started his career as a stunt double in “Fist of Fury” (1972) and has accumulated over 150 film credits since then. Unlike today’s pampered A-listers who demand cushioned sets and stunt doubles for a light jog, Chan has built his entire brand on the real risks he takes for his audience.
No Retirement in Sight for the Real Deal
When asked about potentially stepping back from performing his own stunts, Chan’s response was both emphatic and refreshing in its simplicity. There’s no retirement plan in sight for this action icon, who seems immune to the Hollywood trend of actors collecting massive paychecks while doing less and less actual work. Chan exemplifies the dying breed of entertainers who believe their audiences deserve authenticity rather than the pre-packaged, risk-free performances that dominate today’s screens.
“Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am. That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never!” – Jackie Chan.
Despite his age, Chan claims he doesn’t need special preparation for his stunts anymore. After more than six decades in the business, his body knows what to do instinctively. While younger actors need months of training and still rely heavily on digital enhancement, Chan’s lifetime of discipline has created a level of physical intelligence most modern performers will never achieve or even attempt to develop. No wonder audiences continue to appreciate his work while growing increasingly bored with CGI spectacles.
Technology: The Double-Edged Sword
Chan doesn’t mince words when discussing how technology has transformed the film industry, and not necessarily for the better. While recognizing the capabilities that modern filmmaking tools provide, he laments how they’ve diminished the impact of action sequences and created unrealistic expectations. Today’s audiences, bombarded with physically impossible stunts enhanced by computers, have become numb to the genuine article – a sad commentary on how authenticity is being eroded across all aspects of entertainment.
“It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, actors become more and more capable of doing impossible stunts with the help of technology, and yet, on the other hand, the concept of danger and limit gets blurred and the audience is numb [to it]. But I’m not encouraging anybody to risk their lives to do the stunts like I did; it truly is too dangerous.” – Jackie Chan.
Chan’s latest project, “Karate Kid: Legends,” which hits theaters on May 30, will feature him reprising his role as Mr. Han alongside Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. The film also introduces Ben Wang as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy adjusting to life in New York City. While Hollywood continues pushing younger stars who can barely perform a convincing screen punch without digital assistance, Chan proves that age is just a number when paired with genuine skill, unwavering dedication, and a sincere respect for audience intelligence.
