Jackie Chan remains committed to performing his own stunts even at 71: 'That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never!'

Action movie icon Jackie Chan, at the age of 71, has emphatically declared his unwavering commitment to performing his own stunts in his films. The legendary star, renowned for his numerous action-packed movies, particularly within the Karate Kid franchise, stated that he has no intention of altering this cornerstone of his filmmaking approach anytime soon. After a significant 15-year hiatus from the Karate Kid universe, Chan is set to reprise his beloved role as Mr. Han in the upcoming installment, The Karate Kid: Legends. "It's Who I Am": Chan's Dedication to ActionDuring a recent interview conducted as part of the global promotional campaign for The Karate Kid: Legends, Jackie Chan passionately affirmed his dedication to performing his own stunts. He stated unequivocally, "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!" Chan further elaborated on his decades-long experience in action cinema, suggesting that physical preparation is no longer a conscious effort. "And to be honest, 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.” This declaration underscores the deep integration of stunt work into his identity as a filmmaker and performer. Balancing Practicality with Technological Advancements in StuntsChan also offered his perspective on the evolving landscape of stunt work in movies, acknowledging the significant role that technology now plays. He reflected on the stark contrast between the filmmaking techniques of the past and the present, noting, “In the old days, the only (choice we had) was to be there and jump; that’s it. Today, with computers, actors can do anything, but there’s always a sense of reality that you feel is missing. 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)." A Word of Caution Regarding Risky StuntsDespite his own legendary commitment to performing dangerous stunts, Jackie Chan also offered a word of caution to others. He emphasized the inherent risks involved and explicitly stated, "But I’m not encouraging anybody to risk their lives to do the stunts like I did; it truly is too dangerous.” This statement reveals a pragmatic awareness of the potential consequences of such work, even as he himself continues to embrace it.The Karate Kid: Legends, featuring the return of Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 30, promising audiences more of the action and charisma that have defined his illustrious career.