In a lighthearted yet poignant interview with Remi Burgz on BBC 1Xtra, Rush Hour actor Jackie Chan opened up about fame, authenticity, and why he’ll never don the spandex of a superhero. Decades into his career, the Rush Hour legend is still throwing punches, literally and figuratively, at the green screen era of modern action films.
After I got famous, then I knew, that’s a special effect. That’s green screen,” Jackie says, casually waving off Hollywood’s cinematic shortcuts with a grin. But the audience, they don’t like it. They just want to see Jackie Chan doing real things.
Jackie Chan: No Green Screens, Just Grit
It’s a philosophy that’s shaped Jackie Chan’s career. Known globally for doing his stunts, Chan has scaled buildings, leapt between rooftops, and broken dozens of bones, all in the name of authentic action. In a time when most stars rely on CGI and stunt doubles, Chan remains a rare breed.
The whole world audience, they don’t want Jackie Chan becoming an awkward man or a Spider-Man, he says with a wink. They want me doing it directly.
For Chan, realism has always mattered more than perfection. His fans don’t expect him to fly; they expect him to fall, get back up, and try again. That commitment has made him one of the most respected action stars in cinema history.
Slower Kicks, Stronger Spirit
Now in his late 60s, Jackie Chan acknowledges the wear and tear. The man who once delivered triple spinning kicks admits that time has caught up with him.
I used to do triple kick. Later, double. Now maybe just one kick. Okay? he laughs. “And the audience, they accept it. They say, ‘Alright, Jackie, you paid your dues. One kick is enough.
Age may have slowed his limbs, but not his passion. His dedication to realism hasn’t dimmed. Each stunt—even the simpler ones- is a badge of honor. For Chan, real pain brings real joy to the audience.
More Than a Legend—A Real Human
Despite his legendary status, Jackie Chan remains grounded. He speaks with warmth and self-deprecating humor, poking fun at his quirks and celebrating the people who continue to support him.
I still steal my own things, he says, referencing his signature moves and style. And you know what? The people love me for it.
That kind of honesty is rare in an industry driven by fantasy. While many actors aim for Marvel roles or digital avatars, Jackie Chan stays committed to showing the bruises and the bloopers. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s his identity.
Real Action Still Matters
In a cinematic world overwhelmed by special effects, superhero suits, and motion-capture magic, Jackie Chan’s stunts feel more vital than ever. The Rush Hour actor is a living proof that action doesn’t need to be animated to be impactful.
I want them to see the real me,” Chan says sincerely. “Because the real things—they still matter.
As the Karate Kid legend continues to push boundaries, he reminds us all of the power of vulnerability, physicality, and heart. Whether it’s one kick or three, Jackie Chan shows us that real action, like real heroes, never goes out of style.
