Jackie Chan is a well-known name in the entire world due to his action-comedy films. Having impressed fans of around all ages, he has successfully established an unattainable legacy. Though this achievement is a grand feat for the actor, he always wanted to explore much more in the acting industry.
Hong-Kong artist, Jackie Chan.
Being restricted to the tag of action star would perhaps have bothered him which is why he once opened up about becoming an influential personality like Tom Cruise.
Jackie Chan Expressed His Desire to Be Like Tom Cruise!
American actor, Tom Cruise
The 60-year-old actor, Tom Cruise is among the leading personalities in the entertainment world who has continued to entertain fans with his blockbuster films. Due to his massive fan following, it is fair to say that his films always end up positively. However, this legacy was not built overnight as he has worked in several films and eventually cemented his legacy in the film industry.
This is why even world-renowned actor, Jackie Chan looks up to him. Back in a 2001 interview with Blackfilm for promoting his then-film, Rush Hour II, the latter opened up about how his action-star personality became tiring. It was because he had to make two films in a year according to his fanbase, one being his Asian fans and the other being American fans.
He explained that his Asian films which were more about action garnered the fans’ attention internationally, however, the American films didn’t interest the fans in his own country, giving an example of Rush Hour. He continued,
“It is hard to make two movies a year, one for Asian fans and one for American fans. So now I am very glad because I am slowly changing my character.”
He added,
“Change, not only an action star, but I want to be a star. So now, I am making movies based on acting. I want to have one audience like Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks.”
Jackie Chan basically wanted his fans to see him as a star who would bring his fan community together rather than having a distinct division. Not just his fans, but Chan even revealed that he was not much happy with the first installment of the Rush Hour franchise.
Jackie Chan’s Take on His First Rush Hour Film
Actor, Jackie Chan
The 69-year-old actor opened up about not liking his first Rush Hour film as he was not convinced whether it would do well in the market or not.
Speaking to the outlet, he said,
“When I made Rush Hour I, I looked at the film and I didn’t really like it. Another one of my films that is not appealing to the American market. I thought Rush Hour could do well in the American market, but I don’t think so at that time.”
He further opened up about being unaware of American humor, which is why when he watched the film, he was unsure about its success.
He continued,
“Then I return to Asia to make my own film and boom, Rush Hour is a big success. I just don’t understand why. Then at the premiere everybody is happy and it is a success.”
Jackie Chan shared that the film was not made for the Asian market as they would not be able to understand the humor. This is how he started working in two movies a year, one for the Asian market and the other for the American market.
