Jackie Chan, now 71 years old, is back as Mr. Han in “Karate Kid: Legends,” showcasing his ongoing dedication to performing his own stunts and reflecting on his longstanding training history. This latest entry reaffirms the theme of Jackie Chan training and stunts in Karate Kid Legends, with Chan mentoring both on-screen characters and his new co-star.
Jackie Chan Returns to Guide a New Generation
“Karate Kid: Legends” sees Jackie Chan reprise his role as Han, helping a young Kung Fu prodigy, Li Fong, navigate a new environment, develop meaningful friendships, and face a formidable karate opponent. With guidance from both Han and Daniel LaRusso—played by Ralph Macchio—the film follows Li’s transformative experiences of self-discovery and resilience.
Director Jonathan Entwistle highlighted the unique distinction between fighting styles, stating,
“I feel like this film understands a really specific and fundamental difference between Hong Kong martial arts, which is all about the choreography and the moves, and American martial arts, where it’s all about basically punching,”
—Jonathan Entwistle, Director.
Decades of Experience Behind Every Stunt
Jackie Chan, a cornerstone in action cinema since the 1960s, emphasized that his years of relentless training meant he did not require special preparation for this role. Chan explained,
“I don’t need to anymore. I’ve been training every day for 64 years. I’ve been fighting, fighting, fighting.”
—Jackie Chan, Actor and Filmmaker.
Although Chan admits his physical prowess has changed with age, he continues to perform his own stunts in the new film. Reflecting on his current limits, he said,
“I’m not liked I used to be when I was 20, and could do a triple kick in the sky. Now, I do one kick.”
—Jackie Chan, Actor and Filmmaker. He makes it clear, however, that every move on screen remains his own effort.
Mentorship and Expectations for New Stars
Jackie Chan also serves as a mentor behind the scenes, giving practical advice to his young co-star. He recalled telling Ben Wang,
“I said, ‘Ben, we do have a double for you, but you should do your own thing. The audience respects you more. When you use a double, you become lazy.’”
—Jackie Chan, Actor and Filmmaker.
Intensive Preparation for Ben Wang
In contrast to Chan’s natural approach, Ben Wang, who portrays Li Fong, faced a demanding training schedule. Wang described the preparation with,
“We kept going. It was five days of formal training, from morning to night, and then, I trained by myself on the weekend.”
—Ben Wang, Actor. He had around three months to prepare for authentic fight scenes alongside Jackie Chan and gradually built the skills needed for the demanding role. Wang credited much of his development to the support he received, noting,
“When Jackie showed up, he was nothing but helpful.”
—Ben Wang, Actor.
For Chan, watching Wang’s progress was deeply meaningful. He shared,
“He’s like my young Jackie Chan.”
—Jackie Chan, Actor and Filmmaker.
The Ongoing Impact of Jackie Chan’s Approach
Jackie Chan’s continuous dedication to authentic fight choreography and his insistence on real stunts continue to inspire both audiences and younger actors. His influence remains visible in the new chapter of the Karate Kid franchise, blending his unique training philosophy with the evolving dynamics of modern martial arts films. As “Karate Kid: Legends” introduces fresh talent while keeping Chan’s legacy at its core, fans and newcomers alike can expect a blend of tradition, innovation, and heartfelt mentorship on and off the screen.
