In the heart of New York City, beneath the lights of the SVA Theatre, Jackie Chan made a radiant appearance on the red carpet at the premiere of Karate Kid Legends on Tuesday, May 27. At 71 years old, the cinematic icon opened up to PEOPLE about a lifetime of action, pain, and the quiet resilience that continues to define his career.
“Everybody gets hurt,” he shared candidly, his words calm but laced with wisdom born from decades of pushing the limits. Having spent sixty four years immersed in the world of filmmaking, Chan spoke as a man who has quite literally grown up on set. “When I’m filming, I don’t register the pain. But once I go home, I might be limping,” he said, lifting his pant leg slightly to reveal a fresh bruise on his shin. “I just injured myself last week.”
Still, there was no complaint in his voice just acceptance. “It’s part of the trade,” he admitted, his tone both grounded and gracious.
Though action movies have long been his realm, Chan emphasized that he never disappeared from Hollywood. “It’s not really a return,” he explained. “I’ve always been here. I just didn’t want to repeat myself.” For Chan, the lure of meaningful stories outweighs any urge to stay in the spotlight. “I want to explore new roles, like I did in The Foreigner or the first Karate Kid I appeared in. That’s why I joined this franchise again. It gave me something different.”
He paused thoughtfully, then added with a hint of humor, “I don’t want to keep being cast in the same fight scenes. Maybe one day, something romantic.” His eyes sparkled with the charm that has made him beloved worldwide.
Despite countless stunt-related injuries over the years, Chan remains deeply committed to performing his own sequences. In a recent interview with Haute Living, he said plainly, “That’s not going to stop. Not until I retire and I’m not planning on that any time soon.” Sixty four years in the business have left preparation behind, he explained. “At this point, it’s just in me. Muscle memory, heart, and soul.”
In Karate Kid Legends, Chan reprises the role of Mr. Han, a character first introduced in 2010. This time, he shares the screen with Ralph Macchio, who returns as Daniel LaRusso. Together, they welcome a new generation through the eyes of Li Fong, a kung fu student played by Ben Wang, who must navigate the complexities of cultural transition after moving from Beijing to New York.
The film is more than just a continuation. It is a merging of legacies, old and new, a celebration of mentorship and perseverance.
As fans around the world prepare for its theatrical release on May 30, Chan’s presence remains a steady anchor in an ever changing cinematic landscape. “I want people to see me as more than just the guy who fights,” he said softly. “I want to be remembered as someone who told stories that mattered.”
