Jackie Chan says CGI stunts missing a sense of reality

ANI May 12, 2025 182 views

Jackie Chan believes CGI stunts sacrifice realism despite their safety advantages. He reflects on his career of performing dangerous stunts without digital assistance. While acknowledging CGI's benefits, he warns it dulls audience excitement. The action legend continues doing his own stunts, proving his dedication to authenticity.

"Today, with computers, actors can do anything, but there's always a sense of reality that you feel is missing." – Jackie Chan
Los Angeles, May 12: Veteran star Jackie Chan shared his views on the use of Computer-generated imagery (CGI) for filming action scenes.

Key Points

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Jackie Chan calls CGI stunts safer but less authentic

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He recalls old-school practical stunts with real risks

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Admits CGI enables impossible feats but numbs audiences

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Still performs his own stunts at 71

As per Variety, in a candid interview with Haute Living, Jackie Chan said CGI-based stunts are safer for actors but miss a "sense of reality."

"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. 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," he added.

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."

Meanwhile, Jackie is gearing up for the release of 'Karate Kid: Legends', which is scheduled to hit the theatres on May 30. It also stars Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Jackie Chan is absolutely right! I grew up watching his real stunts in movies like "Police Story" and nothing today compares. CGI may look flashy but lacks that raw energy. Indian action films should learn from this - too much wire work and VFX makes everything feel fake. 🙏
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Priya M.
As someone who studied filmmaking, I think Jackie makes valid points but CGI has its place. Many Indian stuntmen have suffered serious injuries doing practical stunts. Maybe the solution is balance - use CGI where absolutely dangerous but keep simpler stunts real for authenticity.
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Amit S.
Jackie Chan is a legend! No CGI can replace the excitement of knowing the actor actually did that crazy jump. Remember the clock tower stunt in Project A? My heart still races watching it! Today's actors are too pampered with green screens.
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Sunita R.
While I respect Jackie's views, I disagree slightly. CGI allows more creative freedom - look at Baahubali's epic scenes! Also, safety should come first. Not every actor can be a martial arts expert like him. But yes, overuse of CGI does make action sequences forgettable.
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Vikram J.
Jackie Chan's dedication is inspiring! At 71, still doing his own stunts - that's true passion. In Bollywood, we need more stars who respect the craft like this rather than relying on body doubles and VFX for everything. Salute to the original action hero! 👊
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Neha P.
Interesting perspective! I think younger audiences who grew up with CGI might not miss the "reality" factor as much. But for us 90s kids, Jackie's movies were special because we knew those were REAL jumps and falls. Maybe filmmakers should indicate which stunts are practical vs CGI?

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Jackie Chan CGI stunts action movies Karate Kid Legends Hollywood stunt safety