The legendary martial arts star made the announcement at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he talked about his upcoming projects and a 60-year film career in front of a crowd of fans who regularly went into raptures including interrupted Questions Congratulate him on his honorary Oscar and ask him to sing. (He was more than happy to agree to a quick blast of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” explaining that he learned the song so he could do something for his fans that involved fighting moves not be).
Chan talks about his humble beginnings, earning 80 cents a day as a jobbing stuntman. It was in this capacity that he first met Bruce Lee after the superstar hit him during a stage fight. Chan says Lee was in shock, and Chan faked his injury to gain sympathy. “Being a stuntman, you can get hit every day,” Chan said. “Never mind. I pretend I’m hurt. Then he comes to my aid. ‘I’m sorry,’ he says. All day and all night, whenever I turn around, I see Lee I’m fine or not. I wanted him to hit me again.” Chan got extra work as a result.
When Lee died, Chan recalled how he was groomed to be his successor. “I said: I’m not Bruce Lee. So, if Bruce kicks high; I kick low. That’s how Bruce fights. I do the opposite. He’s Jackie Chan. I do it myself. Going to Hollywood, they told him to slow down. Tone down his fighting style.” Like Clint Eastwood – boom – make my day! It’s that simple.” Chan was on his feet for most of the conversation, bouncing with his moves, his fighting style, and unbridled enthusiasm as he introduced the story. Despite the fact that this isn’t his first foray into Hollywood, was a success, and the audience’s enthusiasm emphasized that Chan was a global star.
What has become of the “Jackie Chan style” combination of action and comedy? He said, “You can’t do any more action because what? Punching? Kicking? Things like that… boring. So I slowly mix action with comedy and use all the props around me. And when I can’t use it anymore, I do dangerous stunts, and high jumps, believe it or not, this year is my 60th year in the film industry.
Jackie Chan says “Rush Hour 4′ is in the works”
Chan speaks with unusual enthusiasm and affection. He’s the king of the humble brag: He dominated cinema in Hong Kong, then Japan, and finally in Hollywood with “Rush Hour,” which paired him with Chris Tucker, finally allowing him to exercise his busy style. He originally thought the film would flop, but, “I got a call. Brett Ratner and Chris Tucker called me from New York. They’re crazy. We were $70 million in the first weekend. For me, I don’t know. That’s how it is. But he enthuses: “We’re talking about ‘Rush Hour 4’ right now.”
When it comes to the secret of his popularity and success, Chan insists that he controls his films at every level. “There are many good action stars. My acting is better than some others, not because I am really good, but because I write scripts that suit me. I can use the camera angle to improve my action. At night, I go home and edit myself and use such things to improve my work.
Chan has several new projects underway to add to his 150 credits – 300 if you include his stunt work, Chan is quick to correct the operator. He appealed to his audience not to pirate movies by going to theaters. Chan also talked about playing a doctor in “Never Let the Rain Stop,” a new project that will be shot in Saudi Arabia, to rapturous applause from the local crowd. He lists a series of scripts he wants to do, including just Chan and a bird; In another, Chan plays a grandfather who takes care of a panda. Who doesn’t want to see that?
Chan is still full of new ideas and ambitions. He said, “In the old days we used to go partying but now I want to be a good Jackie Chan.” Before exiting to thunderous applause, he concluded with a promise to make fewer action films and more films with love.
