Action star Jackie Chan, known for his daring stunts and martial arts prowess, has recently admitted to harboring fears about his safety while performing on set. The 71-year-old actor, who began his career as a stuntman, confessed that he often worries about the possibility of dying during a dangerous action sequence.
During an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, Chan revealed his anxieties, stating, "I'm no Superman. I am scared. Before a stunt, I go: 'Am I going to die this time?'". Despite his age, Chan insists that he is still capable of performing his own martial arts scenes and wants to deliver the best possible movies to his audience.
Chan reflected on his commitment to his craft, explaining that audiences are generally unaware of the behind-the-scenes challenges, such as weather conditions, producer demands, or budget constraints. According to Chan, viewers simply want an entertaining film, and he strives to make every scene perfect. He also expressed his belief that older movies were superior to many contemporary films, lamenting the shift towards a business-oriented approach in the film industry. "Now, these big studios, they are not filmmakers – they are business guys. It's very difficult to make a good movie these days," Chan stated.
The actor's concerns are not unfounded, as he has faced dangerous situations on set in the past. A particularly frightening incident occurred during the filming of his 2020 movie, Vanguard, where he became trapped underwater while filming a Jet Ski chase scene. Behind-the-scenes footage captured Chan emerging from the water, visibly shaken, exclaiming, "Wow, this scared me to death". Stanley Tong, the director of Vanguard, recounted the event, stating that Chan was pinned underwater by a rock and that he feared for the actor's life. Tong added that Chan later confessed to being genuinely scared by the experience.
In April 2024, fans expressed concern over Chan's health after photos circulated showing him with grey hair. Chan addressed these concerns, explaining that the photos were related to a film role that required him to look older. He reassured fans that he was in good health and that he embraces new challenges for his roles.
Despite his fears and past mishaps, Chan remains dedicated to performing his own stunts. He has stated that he will continue to do so until the day he retires, emphasizing that it is an integral part of his identity. Chan acknowledged that while CGI offers a safer alternative, it often lacks the sense of reality that audiences appreciate.
Chan's dedication to action and stunts comes from years of discipline instilled in him as a child at the China Drama Academy. He has embraced the physical demands of his career, treating his body like a "crash test dummy". Despite a long list of injuries, including broken bones and near-electrocution, Chan continues to push himself, stating that muscle memory and a passion for filmmaking drive him.
