Jackie Chan Says CGI Stunts Are a ‘Double-Edged Sword,’ Safer for Actors But ‘Missing’ a ‘Sense of Reality’: ‘The Audience Is Numb’ to the Danger

Jackie Chan says Hollywood stunt work isn’t what it used to be.

In a recent sit-down with Haute Living, the legendary actor and martial artist shared his thoughts on the current state of Hollywood stunts, which, unlike in Chan’s heyday, is dominated by CGI and wirework trickery.

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“In the old days, the only [choice we had] was to be there and jump; that’s it,” Chan said. “Today, with computers, actors can do anything, but there’s always a sense of reality that you feel is missing.”

He continued, “It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, actors become more and more capable of doing impossible stunts with the help of technology, and yet, on the other hand, the concept of danger and limit gets blurred and the audience is numb [to it]. But I’m not encouraging anybody to risk their lives to do the stunts like I did; it truly is too dangerous.”

Chan, a master stuntman, has seen his fair share of big-screen action in movies “Drunken Master,” “Police Story” and “Rush Hour.” And, even at 71 years old, he has no plans to slow down.

“Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am,” Chan said. “That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never! And to be honest, when you’ve done it for 64 years straight, there’s no physical preparation anymore. Everything is in your heart and soul; it is muscle memory.”

Chan’s next project is “Karate Kid: Legends,” releasing May 30. Starring alongside Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang, Chan will reprise his role of Mr. Han from the 2010 “Karate Kid” remake.

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