Entertainment

Jackie Chan, 71, does his own stunts in new 'Karate Kid' featuring first Asian American lead

Jackie Chan returns as Mr. Han in Karate Kid: Legends, highlighting real stunts and cultural milestones.

Jackie Chan actually does his own stunts at 71 for the new Karate Kid movie. Photo: GLR Composition/Deadline/Reddit
Jackie Chan actually does his own stunts at 71 for the new Karate Kid movie. Photo: GLR Composition/Deadline/Reddit

Legendary action hero Jackie Chan makes a comeback in theaters with Karate Kid: Legends, dives back into his role of mr. Han, kung fu master and mentor. At 71 year of age, Chan still does all his own stunts, and insists that martial arts films require live action, not computer generated action.

"There’s no CGI for me," Chan said in an interview with NBC News. "People definitely don't want to see Jackie Chan with CGI." In addition to bringing Chan back as Mr. Han, the movie also is noteworthy in that it introduces the first Asian American Karate Kid, who's played by American Born Chinese actor Ben Wang.

A legacy of real stunts and martial arts

Chan still carries on self-performing his own fight scenes, as evidenced in this most recent film which director Jonathan Entwistle described as a salute to Chan's early career. The film's mix of choreographed action and heartfelt emotion is a combined element of both the spirit of the Franchise and Chan's style of cinema.

Chan acknowledged that decades of training have made performing stunts second nature to him. "It's all muscle memory," he said. Chan acknowledges that his passion for real martial arts choreography is still present at his age.

Cultural milestones and a new generation

Karate Kid: Legends also sets a precedent in representation, offering an Asian American lead character m entored by Mr. Han, who is also an Asian American, alongside Daniel LaRusso. According to Chan, this representative casting brings the film's narrative full circle and allows viewers to see a deeper view of the Asian culture.

Chan praised Ben Wang saying he is "humble and have a good work ethic," referring to Wang's commitment to the role and talent. Chan noted that reflecting on these films and franchise, that the early films did not feature diversity, but did help to pave the way for more cultural understanding in Hollywood.

The most recent

Pam Bondi raises alarm over illegal Iranian immigrants after Iran–U.S. escalation

Pam Bondi raises alarm over illegal Iranian immigrants after Iran–U.S. escalation

Jun 24 2025 | 2:52 h

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Benfica vs Bayern Munich?

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Benfica vs Bayern Munich?

Jun 24 2025 | 2:28 h

Trump announces “complete and total” Israel‑Iran ceasefire after Middle East escalation

Trump announces “complete and total” Israel‑Iran ceasefire after Middle East escalation

Jun 24 2025 | 1:29 h

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Flamengo vs Chelsea?

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Flamengo vs Chelsea?

Jun 24 2025 | 1:10 h

McDonalds will face a boycott over DEI programs rollback

McDonalds will face a boycott over DEI programs rollback

Jun 24 2025 | 0:52 h

Trump downplays Iran strike on U.S. base in Qatar, thanks Tehran for advance notice

Trump downplays Iran strike on U.S. base in Qatar, thanks Tehran for advance notice

Jun 23 2025 | 23:25 h

US strikes on Iran push airlines to reroute flights as Middle East airspace shrinks

US strikes on Iran push airlines to reroute flights as Middle East airspace shrinks

Jun 23 2025 | 21:55 h

Oil plunges 4% after Iran's attack to U.S. bases

Oil plunges 4% after Iran's attack to U.S. bases

Jun 23 2025 | 20:53 h

Why did Iran target this U.S. Base in Qatar? inside Al‑Udeid Air Base

Why did Iran target this U.S. Base in Qatar? inside Al‑Udeid Air Base

Jun 23 2025 | 19:25 h

Iran attacks US military base in Qatar

Iran attacks US military base in Qatar

Jun 23 2025 | 18:58 h

JD Vance: "We will respond with overwhelming force"

JD Vance: "We will respond with overwhelming force"

Jun 23 2025 | 18:49 h

‘Make Iran great again’: Trump hints at regime change after U.S. strikes

‘Make Iran great again’: Trump hints at regime change after U.S. strikes

Jun 23 2025 | 18:42 h