Latest news with #HauteLiving
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I Can't Get Enough Of Jackie Chan's Impressive Stunts, And His Latest Comments About Retiring Are Everything I Wanted To Hear
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Jackie Chan has had an incredible career from his origins as a child actor to becoming a worldwide mega-star. He's been in showbiz since he was five, achieving an early background in martial arts and acrobatics, which went a long way in helping him become a stunt-performing icon in films such as The Legend of Drunken Master and Rumble in the Bronx. With so many impressive stunts in his past, one might think his future will be more restful, but his latest comments about retiring are everything I wanted to hear. There's no doubt that Chan has made an artform out of performing his own stunts. From incorporating everyday objects as weapons, a go-to move in many of his best movies to bringing humorous charm to the fisticuffs, Chan's action scenes are the stuff of leged. While the Shanghai actor may be 71 years old, he's still performing impressive stunts like time never stopped, with a new Karate Kid movie on the way. As such, I absolutley loved hearing the Shaolin actor say in his Haute Living interview that retirement hasn't crossed his mind. In his words: 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! 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. I completely understand what Jackie Chan is saying. Since the Rush Hour actor has been performing stunts on screen since he was 17, I'm sure performing these dangerous maneuvers is as easy as breathing for him. If he's in good shape now, why stop? You've gotta give Jackie Chan a lot of credit for not letting a single serious on-set injury stop him from doing what he loves. And believe me, he's had plenty over the years. A couple of examples include sliding down an electrically-lit 70-foot pole in Police Story, where he suffered third-degree burns on his hands, not to mention he almost drowned in Vanguard, which might have caused other actors to avoid stuntwork entirely. Despite every life-threatening injury, Chan says he wouldn't have it any other way, explaining that he's aware how different the action genre is now than when he first started, given the uptick in CGI and wirework in stunt sequences. However, the Hong Kong native believes that true risk is a true reward to make the audience feel the danger and stakes in a scene. If Chan is the man who continues to make us all hold our breaths with each high-risk stunt, all power to him! Not only does Jackie Chan continue to be an onscreen talent, but he also spends his days as a mentor, training the next generation of stunt people through his JC Stunt Team. His 2025 movie release of Karate Kid: Legends also has him reprising his Kung Fu guru role as Mr. Han, where he'll be training a new student looking to compete in a tournament. Chan's also got other sequels he plans to revisit, like Panda Plan 2, Rush Hour 4, and New Police Story 2. With the bankable actor's youthful energy still very much on display in his 70s, there's clearly no stopping him. With all of the love I have for Jackie Chan and his ability to defy gravity with his stunts, I'm so glad the talented actor isn't retiring anytime soon. Considering he helped redefine the action genre, I'd be thrilled to see him continue to shape stunt work with upcoming movies. Make sure to catch his impressive martial arts skills come to life in Karate Kid: Legends in theaters on May 30th, 2025.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Hire Me As The Iron Man': Jackie Chan Talked To Me About Doing Stunts Into His 70s, And Why He's ‘Happy' To Keep Doing Them
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Where did the time go? Jackie Chan just turned 71 in April, but you wouldn't know it considering all the work he's been up to, primarily in Chinese cinema. It's been a little while since the actor has been aroun Hollywood, but he's back for the upcoming 2025 movie Karate Kid: Legends! When CinemaBlend spoke to the actor about his current thoughts on doing his own stunts in movies, he shared with us why he's ready to deliver more punches and kicks now and for years to come. When I spoke to Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang, the leads of Karate Kid: Legends, I had to ask Chan about his stunt work ethic nowadays and how it's changed over the years. In his words: I'm so happy to see the technology coming up and AI, but for me, useless. The audience still likes to see Jackie do the real things, and poor me. I always tell all directors, please hire me as the Iron Man, Spider-Man, Batman [so my character can wear a mask]. And, [that way I can do] more acting than fighting, more story... As Chan pointed out, while the advancement in technology may have had a large impact on Hollywood movies in recent years, it's all 'useless' to his own career because audiences want to see him really fight. The actor quipped that he'd love to play a masked superhero like Iron Man, Spider-Man and Batman so he can focus more on the story aspects of his character. At the same time, though, he cannot deny what he's been famous for since finding his first starring martial arts role in Hong Kong's New Fist Of Fury back in 1976. As Chan continued: But they say 'No, they want to see Jackie do the real things.' I know 20, 40 years ago, you could do a triple kick in the sky, and later on, 40 years later, then you [could] do a double kick. Now, you do one kick. We like to see Jackie do only one kick. Poor me, but I'm happy to do that. In the end, they like it. I will tell all my friends, 'No matter if I still can act, I still can fight. Every year I release one movie for the fans around the world.' Chan got honest about how his limits as a fighter have somewhat declined with age, but that's not going to stop people from loving to see him do stunts. His comments to me come after he told Haute Living he will 'of course' 'always' do his own stunts and that wouldn't change 'until the day I retire, which is never!' He also told the magazine that since he's been doing it for the past 64 years, 'there's no physical preparation anymore,' but it's rather 'muscle memory' for him. I also spoke to Karate Kid: Legends director Jonathan Entwistle, who set out to make a movie likened to an early Jackie Chan movie with the star's return to the franchise for the first time since 2010's The Karate Kid with Jaden Smith. He recalled Jackie Chan getting injured on the first day of shooting, taking it like a champ and going right back into filming the movie. Entwistle also detailed Chan coming on set, and witnessing him choose which different size pans (for a kitchen-set fight scene) he would utilize them for his trademark comedic fighting style. Chan's comments highlight his commitment to fans who've helped make him as successful as he is, while also pointing out the actor's desire to not only be known for fighting. In fact, he recently also told People he wants audiences to know 'I'm the actor who can fight' rather than simply an action star, and doesn't want to 'always do the same character.' You can check out the latest Karate Kid: Legends trailer and see Jackie Chan help train Ben Wang's Li Fong alongside Ralph Macchio's Daniel, only in theaters on Friday, May 30. (And, heads up there's an exclusive popcorn bucket for the release!)
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Ralph Macchio reflects on Karate Kid legacy in new film
Ralph Macchio wanted to "honour the legacy" of the franchise in Karate Kid: Legends. The 63-year-old actor reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso on the big screen in the martial arts franchise for the first time in 36 years and is grateful that the new flick pays homage to the past through the connection between Jackie Chan's character Mr Han and karate master Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita. "(It) feels authentic and honours the legacy of the entire franchise, and I think we do that," Macchio told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's another ecosystem in the grand universe. This franchise doesn't know how to not do it right when we care, and I try to always take great care and protect my character, and I like to believe I've done that again." Macchio's appearance in Karate Kid: Legends comes after he returned to the role of Daniel in the TV series Cobra Kai, and he revealed he had lots of conversations with the studio before committing to the movie. "I was in the middle of Cobra Kai and we were still finishing that story, so I wanted to know where it was landing in Daniel LaRusso's narrative and his evolution," he said. "And once we figured out it was three years later and we landed him in the series (as) kind of the best version of himself through his little midlife crisis of the Cobra Kai soap opera, there's an element of him being more Miyagi in his way and paying that legacy forward to a kid who needs his help." Macchio believes that there is scope for more stories in the Karate Kid franchise, provided the plots remain "truthful" to the characters. Chan returns in the role of Mr Han, a role he first played in the 2010 remake, and explained he still opts to do the majority of his own stunts at the age of 71. "Whatever I can do, I do it myself," the movie legend said. "When I was young I could do a triple triple kick, double double kick; now, if I can do one kick, I do one kick. I think the audience knows we want to see Jackie do the real things." Chan recently expressed concern that the use of CGI trickery in stunts is making viewers "numb" to the danger of action movies. The Rush Hour star told Haute Living: "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." Ralph Macchio wanted to "honour the legacy" of the franchise in Karate Kid: Legends. The 63-year-old actor reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso on the big screen in the martial arts franchise for the first time in 36 years and is grateful that the new flick pays homage to the past through the connection between Jackie Chan's character Mr Han and karate master Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita. "(It) feels authentic and honours the legacy of the entire franchise, and I think we do that," Macchio told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's another ecosystem in the grand universe. This franchise doesn't know how to not do it right when we care, and I try to always take great care and protect my character, and I like to believe I've done that again." Macchio's appearance in Karate Kid: Legends comes after he returned to the role of Daniel in the TV series Cobra Kai, and he revealed he had lots of conversations with the studio before committing to the movie. "I was in the middle of Cobra Kai and we were still finishing that story, so I wanted to know where it was landing in Daniel LaRusso's narrative and his evolution," he said. "And once we figured out it was three years later and we landed him in the series (as) kind of the best version of himself through his little midlife crisis of the Cobra Kai soap opera, there's an element of him being more Miyagi in his way and paying that legacy forward to a kid who needs his help." Macchio believes that there is scope for more stories in the Karate Kid franchise, provided the plots remain "truthful" to the characters. Chan returns in the role of Mr Han, a role he first played in the 2010 remake, and explained he still opts to do the majority of his own stunts at the age of 71. "Whatever I can do, I do it myself," the movie legend said. "When I was young I could do a triple triple kick, double double kick; now, if I can do one kick, I do one kick. I think the audience knows we want to see Jackie do the real things." Chan recently expressed concern that the use of CGI trickery in stunts is making viewers "numb" to the danger of action movies. The Rush Hour star told Haute Living: "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." Ralph Macchio wanted to "honour the legacy" of the franchise in Karate Kid: Legends. The 63-year-old actor reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso on the big screen in the martial arts franchise for the first time in 36 years and is grateful that the new flick pays homage to the past through the connection between Jackie Chan's character Mr Han and karate master Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita. "(It) feels authentic and honours the legacy of the entire franchise, and I think we do that," Macchio told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's another ecosystem in the grand universe. This franchise doesn't know how to not do it right when we care, and I try to always take great care and protect my character, and I like to believe I've done that again." Macchio's appearance in Karate Kid: Legends comes after he returned to the role of Daniel in the TV series Cobra Kai, and he revealed he had lots of conversations with the studio before committing to the movie. "I was in the middle of Cobra Kai and we were still finishing that story, so I wanted to know where it was landing in Daniel LaRusso's narrative and his evolution," he said. "And once we figured out it was three years later and we landed him in the series (as) kind of the best version of himself through his little midlife crisis of the Cobra Kai soap opera, there's an element of him being more Miyagi in his way and paying that legacy forward to a kid who needs his help." Macchio believes that there is scope for more stories in the Karate Kid franchise, provided the plots remain "truthful" to the characters. Chan returns in the role of Mr Han, a role he first played in the 2010 remake, and explained he still opts to do the majority of his own stunts at the age of 71. "Whatever I can do, I do it myself," the movie legend said. "When I was young I could do a triple triple kick, double double kick; now, if I can do one kick, I do one kick. I think the audience knows we want to see Jackie do the real things." Chan recently expressed concern that the use of CGI trickery in stunts is making viewers "numb" to the danger of action movies. The Rush Hour star told Haute Living: "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." Ralph Macchio wanted to "honour the legacy" of the franchise in Karate Kid: Legends. The 63-year-old actor reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso on the big screen in the martial arts franchise for the first time in 36 years and is grateful that the new flick pays homage to the past through the connection between Jackie Chan's character Mr Han and karate master Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita. "(It) feels authentic and honours the legacy of the entire franchise, and I think we do that," Macchio told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's another ecosystem in the grand universe. This franchise doesn't know how to not do it right when we care, and I try to always take great care and protect my character, and I like to believe I've done that again." Macchio's appearance in Karate Kid: Legends comes after he returned to the role of Daniel in the TV series Cobra Kai, and he revealed he had lots of conversations with the studio before committing to the movie. "I was in the middle of Cobra Kai and we were still finishing that story, so I wanted to know where it was landing in Daniel LaRusso's narrative and his evolution," he said. "And once we figured out it was three years later and we landed him in the series (as) kind of the best version of himself through his little midlife crisis of the Cobra Kai soap opera, there's an element of him being more Miyagi in his way and paying that legacy forward to a kid who needs his help." Macchio believes that there is scope for more stories in the Karate Kid franchise, provided the plots remain "truthful" to the characters. Chan returns in the role of Mr Han, a role he first played in the 2010 remake, and explained he still opts to do the majority of his own stunts at the age of 71. "Whatever I can do, I do it myself," the movie legend said. "When I was young I could do a triple triple kick, double double kick; now, if I can do one kick, I do one kick. I think the audience knows we want to see Jackie do the real things." Chan recently expressed concern that the use of CGI trickery in stunts is making viewers "numb" to the danger of action movies. The Rush Hour star told Haute Living: "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."
West Australian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Ralph Macchio reflects on Karate Kid legacy in new film
Ralph Macchio wanted to "honour the legacy" of the franchise in Karate Kid: Legends. The 63-year-old actor reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso on the big screen in the martial arts franchise for the first time in 36 years and is grateful that the new flick pays homage to the past through the connection between Jackie Chan's character Mr Han and karate master Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita. "(It) feels authentic and honours the legacy of the entire franchise, and I think we do that," Macchio told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's another ecosystem in the grand universe. This franchise doesn't know how to not do it right when we care, and I try to always take great care and protect my character, and I like to believe I've done that again." Macchio's appearance in Karate Kid: Legends comes after he returned to the role of Daniel in the TV series Cobra Kai, and he revealed he had lots of conversations with the studio before committing to the movie. "I was in the middle of Cobra Kai and we were still finishing that story, so I wanted to know where it was landing in Daniel LaRusso's narrative and his evolution," he said. "And once we figured out it was three years later and we landed him in the series (as) kind of the best version of himself through his little midlife crisis of the Cobra Kai soap opera, there's an element of him being more Miyagi in his way and paying that legacy forward to a kid who needs his help." Macchio believes that there is scope for more stories in the Karate Kid franchise, provided the plots remain "truthful" to the characters. Chan returns in the role of Mr Han, a role he first played in the 2010 remake, and explained he still opts to do the majority of his own stunts at the age of 71. "Whatever I can do, I do it myself," the movie legend said. "When I was young I could do a triple triple kick, double double kick; now, if I can do one kick, I do one kick. I think the audience knows we want to see Jackie do the real things." Chan recently expressed concern that the use of CGI trickery in stunts is making viewers "numb" to the danger of action movies. The Rush Hour star told Haute Living: "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."
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Ralph Macchio reflects on Karate Kid legacy in new film
Ralph Macchio wanted to "honour the legacy" of the franchise in Karate Kid: Legends. The 63-year-old actor reprises his role as Daniel LaRusso on the big screen in the martial arts franchise for the first time in 36 years and is grateful that the new flick pays homage to the past through the connection between Jackie Chan's character Mr Han and karate master Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita. "(It) feels authentic and honours the legacy of the entire franchise, and I think we do that," Macchio told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's another ecosystem in the grand universe. This franchise doesn't know how to not do it right when we care, and I try to always take great care and protect my character, and I like to believe I've done that again." Macchio's appearance in Karate Kid: Legends comes after he returned to the role of Daniel in the TV series Cobra Kai, and he revealed he had lots of conversations with the studio before committing to the movie. "I was in the middle of Cobra Kai and we were still finishing that story, so I wanted to know where it was landing in Daniel LaRusso's narrative and his evolution," he said. "And once we figured out it was three years later and we landed him in the series (as) kind of the best version of himself through his little midlife crisis of the Cobra Kai soap opera, there's an element of him being more Miyagi in his way and paying that legacy forward to a kid who needs his help." Macchio believes that there is scope for more stories in the Karate Kid franchise, provided the plots remain "truthful" to the characters. Chan returns in the role of Mr Han, a role he first played in the 2010 remake, and explained he still opts to do the majority of his own stunts at the age of 71. "Whatever I can do, I do it myself," the movie legend said. "When I was young I could do a triple triple kick, double double kick; now, if I can do one kick, I do one kick. I think the audience knows we want to see Jackie do the real things." Chan recently expressed concern that the use of CGI trickery in stunts is making viewers "numb" to the danger of action movies. The Rush Hour star told Haute Living: "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."
