It's a double-edged sword: Jackie Chan on use of CGI in Hollywood stunts

ANI May 13, 2025 244 views

Jackie Chan reflects on how CGI has transformed Hollywood stunts, calling it a double-edged sword that enables impossible feats but sacrifices realism. He warns that excessive effects numb audiences to real danger, though he still prefers performing his own stunts. The legendary actor is set to return in 'Karate Kid: Legends' and will receive a lifetime achievement award at Locarno Film Festival. Even at 71, Chan remains committed to authentic action, proving his enduring passion for the craft.

"It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, actors can do impossible stunts, but the concept of danger gets blurred." – Jackie Chan
It's a double-edged sword: Jackie Chan on use of CGI in Hollywood stunts
Washington DC, May 12: Actor and martial artist Jackie Chan believes that the CGI has improved Hollywood's stunts, but at the cost of realism, Variety reported.

Key Points

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Jackie Chan critiques CGI for dulling stunt realism

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Warns audiences grow numb to danger

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Still insists on doing his own stunts

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Upcoming role in 'Karate Kid: Legends'

In a recent sit-down with Haute Living, as quoted by Variety, the legendary actor and martial artist shared his thoughts on the current state of Hollywood stunts, which is dominated by CGI and wirework trickery.

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

The actor calls CGI a "double-edged sword" as it helps the actors perform impossible stunts, but at the same time, he also believes that with special effects, the audience becomes numb to the "concept of danger".

"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," said Jackie Chan as quoted by Variety.

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. 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," said Jackie Chan.

The actor will be next seen in 'Karate Kid: Legends,' which is set to release on May 30. He will be starring alongside Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang while Chan will reprise his role of Mr. Han from the 2010 'Karate Kid' remake.

Meanwhile, Legendary actor Jackie Chan will be honoured at the Locarno Film Festival.

According to Variety, the festival organisers will honour Jackie Chan with a lifetime career award, recognising the martial arts master who helped define Hong Kong action cinema before becoming a Hollywood mainstay.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Jackie Chan is absolutely right! I grew up watching his real stunts in Bollywood-style action films. Today's CGI-heavy movies feel like video games. There's no thrill when you know everything is computer-generated. Respect to the OG stuntman! 🙌
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Priya M.
While I love Jackie Chan's dedication, we must acknowledge CGI helps create stories that would be impossible otherwise. Imagine Baahubali without VFX! But yes, overuse does make action sequences feel less special. Balance is key.
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Arjun S.
️Jackie Chan at 71 still doing stunts is more inspiring than any CGI! Indian action heroes should learn from him - our stars use too many body doubles. Real stunts create real legends. #Respect
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Sneha R.
Interesting perspective! In India, we've seen both extremes - from the raw action of 70s-80s films to today's over-the-top CGI in movies like RRR. Maybe we need a middle path where technology enhances but doesn't replace real skills.
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Vikram J.
I disagree slightly. CGI allows more people to enjoy action safely. Not every actor can be Jackie Chan! But I do miss the authenticity of old-school action sequences where you could feel the effort behind every move.
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Neha P.
Jackie Chan's movies were part of my childhood! Remember how we used to imitate his stunts in school? 😅 Today's kids won't have that connection because they know it's all digital. There's magic in real human achievement that CGI can't replicate.

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Tags:
Jackie Chan CGI in Hollywood Karate Kid Legends stunt realism action movies
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