Jackie Chan Planned To Transform Himself Into “Asian Robert De Niro” After Decades of Being in Comedy Action Films
When we hear the name, Jackie Chan, the first thing that pops into our minds is the acclaimed actor’s performances in the action-comedy films for which he is most lauded.
However, it might come as a surprise to many that Jackie Chan planned to transform into an Asian Robert De Niro. He revealed that he desires to be an incredible actor like De Niro who slays both acting and fighting. Similarly, Chan changed himself to get roles that would enhance his acting skills.
Jackie Chan Wanted to Become Asian Robert De Niro
Jackie Chan has indisputably captivated fans and audiences through his acting and slapstick acrobatic fighting style with a mix of humor in his roles. Thanks to the Academy Awards winner Robert De Niro whose acting skills and personality motivated Jackie Chan to be an actor who can fight well instead of being a fighter who acts well.
While appearing on the Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, the Hidden Strike star explained that he’s tired of jumping off the building doing stunts and limited dialogues in movies. Chan even mentioned his desire to sing slow-motion songs in movies portraying calm and gentle characters just the way De Niro is lauded for slaying a range of characters in his movies.
The Bleeding Steel actor has generally landed on action-comedy films which could be one reason why Jackie Chan is mostly asked to flaunt his slapstick comedy blended with martial arts. The actor mentioned that even if he’s slowed down to a point in acting, he’s still up to get a role that allows him to portray a character that indulges in fewer stunts.
Jackie Chan Turned Down a Role Alongside Nicole Kidman
Who wouldn’t want to do a movie with Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman? Well, action star Jackie Chan almost starred with her in a movie that he eventually turned down. This might sound quite startling to witness that Chan refused to play an incredible role in The Interpreter which had Kidman in its cast. However, the truth is that the Kung Fu Yoga star was unaware of the Bombshell actress’ involvement in Sydney Pollack’s project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chan shared that:
“I got the script, but I told my manager, ‘No — [there’s] too much dialogue.”
The script might haunted the martial artist as his English during the initial years wasn’t strong enough to handle the dialogue-heavy role. He added: “I told her, ‘I almost made a movie with you! One, I’m glad I didn’t make the movie, but two, I’m sad I didn’t make the movie — because of you.” Recalling that he let Nicole Kidman know that they almost collaborated in The Interpreter. The actor also mentioned: “I want to prove to my audience that I’m an actor — I’m not just an action star.” Indicating that he’s open to roles that offer less stunts and action.
