Effortless as it may have seemed, the road to Hollywood stardom for Jackie Chan was never an easy journey. The iconic actor initially struggled to establish the same level of recognition with his debut in North American cinema as he had achieved in the Hong Kong film industry. It was only after several tumultuous endeavors that the actor could finally find his footing in the Western market with the release of Rumble in the Bronx (1995).
However, before the fruition of his Hollywood aspirations, Chan grew rather wary of the trends that persisted within the industry. In an interview that was conducted just a year before his breakout success in the Western hemisphere, the renowned martial artist expressed a strongly critical viewpoint he had of his now long-time friend, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Jackie Chan Believed Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Replaceable In Terminator 2
Jackie Chan has always been open about expressing his candid viewpoints on various matters. His perspective on the Hollywood endeavors of the early 90s was a subject on which the actor was more than willing to offer his honest judgment. Furthermore, he justified his belief that achieving fame or prominence in America would continue to be an unattainable pursuit for him, even if he were associated with notable figures like George Lucas or Steven Spielberg.
Following is what he stated in a resurfaced profile that was initially published in 1994:
“Even if I do a film with geniuses like George Lucas or Steven Spielberg, no way will I be famous in America. Look at Jurassic Park. Few people know the names of the main actors; they remember the dinosaurs and that it was a Spielberg film. Take Terminator 2. The director’s good; the special effects are good; Schwarzenegger is nothing. Anyone could have played his part.”
Read also: Michelle Yeoh Shuts Up Jackie Chan for Good With Historic Oscar Win
Besides his bluntly straightforward remark towards Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Rush Hour superstar revealed the differences between his then-stature in the West as compared to the one he enjoyed in Asia:
“But in Asia, everyone comes to see Jackie Chan in a Jackie Chan film. It doesn’t matter what the title is or what the story is about. Only Jackie Chan can do it.”
Keep in mind that the context within which Chan spoke about his Hollywood status was at a time when his efforts to achieve American stardom fell flat. Matters must’ve felt bleak for the action hero. In a twist of fate, with 1995’s Rumble in the Bronx, the Hong Kong actor was able to disprove his own beliefs. Soon, a cult following became synonymous with Chan’s success in North America. Subsequent ventures would only cement the star’s positioning within the industry.
Despite the actor’s searing remark aimed at Schwarzenegger, the two eventually forged a strong bond over time. Having collaborated on a few occasions, the duo came to admire and respect each other—the extent of which was unveiled in 2016 after the FUBAR alum posted a heartfelt message directed to his dear friend, Jackie Chan.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Considers Jackie Chan His “Great Friend”
In 2016, the esteemed actor known for his martial arts prowess was awarded an honorary Oscar. Marked as a historic and memorable occasion, Jackie Chan, who was 62 years old at the time, was recognized for his “extraordinary accomplishments” in the realm of cinema. Not only did the actor’s fans believe that this honor was long overdue but so did his close friend, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Taking to Facebook, the Commando alum had the following to say:
“Congratulations to my great friend Jackie Chan on his fantastic honor – after 200 movies, you certainly deserve this Oscar. You always inspire.”
The dream-come-true moment for Chan would stand as a testament to his relentless endeavors and his impact on not just Asian cinema, but also on the American film industry.
Hence, regardless of Chan’s earlier convictions, the Hong Kong actor was able to conquer Hollywood and also befriend the Terminator alum, whom he had previously critiqued. From this, we can affirm that Jackie Chan has truly embodied what is commonly referred to as the American dream.
Source: Bright Lights
