Jackie Chan says CGI stunts are a "double edged sword" and actors are "missing" a "sense of reality"

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The martial arts master weighs in on the CGI stunt debate

Jackie Chan and Ben Wang in Karate Kid: Legends
(Image credit: Sony Pictures)

Martial arts legend and actor Jackie Chan has weighed in on the use of CGI in stunt work, saying that it is making us as an audience "numb" to danger.

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

"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]," continued Chan. "But I’m not encouraging anybody to risk their lives to do the stunts like I did; it truly is too dangerous."

Jackie Chan in First Strike

(Image credit: Orange Sky Golden Harvest)

However, despite modern advancements, Chan, who is now 71 years old, doesn't plan to slow down in the stunt department. "Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am," said Chan. "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."

The Rush Hour star will soon make his return to the big screen in the highly anticipated sequel, Karate Kid: Legends. The movie sees Chan reprise his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 Karate Kid remake as he teams up with Karate Kid (1984) star Ralph Macchio to train a kung fu prodigy (Ben Wang) to fight in a prestigious competition.

Karate Kid: Legends hits thatres on May 30. For more, check out our list of the best Jackie Chan movies, or keep up with upcoming movies heading your way.

Megan Garside
Megan Garside
Junior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.

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