“Schwarzenegger is nothing”: Jackie Chan Believes Even Working With George Lucas and Steven Spielberg Can’t Change His Life
Jackie Chan took a leap of faith when he entered the world of Western cinema. As an already-established superstar in his home country China, the Rush Hour star was used to being the prime reason for his movies’ success.
With his move to Hollywood, certainly an ambitious step Chan never had any hope of much success. Chan made his Hollywood debut in the 80s-90s. At the time, the public perception of people who looked like Chan wasn’t very welcoming. The actor was convinced that he would never reach that level of stardom in a foreign land.
However, the actor never thought it had anything to do with his looks.
Jackie Chan Never Thought he would make it in Hollywood
Jackie Chan is known for his exquisite comic timing and swift acrobatic action sequences. These are the two things that helped him win the hearts of millions of Americans in previous decades.
Chan is the most popular star in China. Working since his childhood, the actor earned a reputation that his name alone ensured sold-out shows in his home country. Even though he was quite comfortable in that setting, Chan, like the true fighter he is, challenged himself by trying a hand in Hollywood movies.
Known for his humility, the actor was convinced that the fame he enjoyed in China would never be replicated in America. He had assumed that working with greats like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas might not bring him great success.
As he mentioned in one of his older interviews (via Bright Light Films):
“Even if I do a film with geniuses like George Lucas or Steven Spielberg, no way will I be famous in America. Look at Jurassic Park. Few people know the names of the main actors; they remember the dinosaurs and that it was a Spielberg film. Take Terminator 2. The director’s good; the special effects are good; Schwarzenegger is nothing. Anyone could have played his part. Take First Blood. Stallone is good. But in Asia, everyone comes to see Jackie Chan in a Jackie Chan film. It doesn’t matter what the title is or what the story is about. Only Jackie Chan can do it.”
The actor’s thought process now seems bizarre considering his impact on Hollywood is lasting and the mark he left on a generation of Americans is indelible. But Chan’s perspective of fame, especially for action stars, was rooted in reality. His conclusion was an analysis of the American audience and the success of stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Jackie Chan was Proven Wrong
Jackie Chan was confident of not making it big in the Western media. But my, was he proven wrong. His work in stunt choreography brought him global recognition and several accolades. He wooed audiences with his martial arts and the stunt sequences he choreographed became iconic through films like Kill Bill and The Matrix.
Chan was awarded an honorary Academy Award for his contribution to American cinema. He also has a star to his name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Safe to say, not only did he get famous in America, but was awarded the highest honor a film artist could get.
Source: Bright Light Films
