Jackie Chan has pledged that he will continue to perform his own stunts and has no intention of retiring, even after turning 71 in April. Speaking in May 2025, the renowned actor and martial artist declared his commitment to action filmmaking, emphasizing his refusal to slow down or step away from the work that defines his legendary career.
In an interview with Haute Living magazine, Jackie Chan stated,
“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!”
Despite his age and decades in the industry, Chan’s dedication to performing his own stunts has not wavered, fueling both his enduring reputation and the excitement surrounding his projects.
Jackie Chan, known globally for pushing the boundaries of action cinema, explained that the need for preparation before action scenes has faded after more than six decades of work.
“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 reflected, underscoring the depth of his experience.
The actor also commented on changes in the film industry, noting how technology has altered filmmaking.
“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,”
Jackie Chan observed, suggesting that authentic stunts continue to hold unique value for audiences and performers alike.
Born in Hong Kong, Jackie Chan has achieved international acclaim as one of cinema’s most influential martial artists, but he revealed some regrets. When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Chan replied,
“[I would have told me] learn as much as you can and don’t waste time. I’d probably tell my younger self, ‘Jackie, you should study English harder, and don’t give up on learning that piano!’ I could have used those skillsets to make my movies better.”
In a previous interview, Jackie Chan expressed his desire to be recognized as an actor beyond his action roles.
“If I’m [to] continue on in the film industry, I have to change. Otherwise, you gone,”
he said, referencing the challenges faced by action stars in maintaining longevity. By embracing diverse characters and scripts, he hopes that audiences will view Jackie Chan as a versatile actor who can fight, not just as a martial arts icon.
Jackie Chan’s determination to do his own stunts and avoid retirement highlights a personal philosophy of resilience and authenticity. As technological advances reshape action films and many action stars step back, Chan’s stance may inspire new generations, ensuring his legacy endures and signaling that his presence in cinema remains far from over.
