Jackie Chan is one of the most iconic, influential, and talented actors of all time. Starring in massive projects like the Rush Hour franchise, Shanghai Noon, Drunken Master, and the Karate Kid franchise, Chan has shaped what we call the action movie genre. Outside of this, he is also a filmmaker, martial artist, and stuntman, defying the lines of what an actor can do.
Another renowned celebrity in the world of film and fighting is John Cena, best known through his WWE days as well as his work in the DC Universe as the Peacemaker. Cena and Chan worked together on the recent film, Hidden Strike. What was it like for Cena to work with the legendary actor?
John Cena Joined Hidden Strike Because Of Jackie Chan
During an interview for Hidden Strike, John Cena talked about the true reason why he joined the project, Jackie Chan. The actor explained that like many actors, he usually has to completely read a project’s script to be invested in it. This, however, was not the case for this film as Cena wanted to be part of it the moment he found out that Chan would be a part of it.
“It was enlightening and it was one of the best experiences in my life. It’s f***ing awesome … He has taught me and helped me in more ways than he will ever know in one experience… Usually I say I have to read a project to be riveted by it. That is one name where if it’s like, ‘Hey, Jackie wants to do this’, I’m sold. It’s that effective.” He said.
Cena explained that he has been a massive fan of Chan for years and the actor has helped him more in so many ways that could help but want to work with him. He added that the experience was one of the best of his life. He then went on to talk about how much learned from the Karate Kid actor.
John Cena Thinks That Jackie Chan Is Underappreciated in Hollywood
John Cena went on to add that Jackie Chan would guide him a lot, having experienced so much as an actor. He would share his wisdom regularly, which Cena described as awesome and extremely helpful. Cena then explained that Chan was a very physical storyteller, explaining this by bringing up WWE. The actor mentioned that in the sport, stories are told physically rather than through words, which is why one does not listen to understand who the good and the bad guy is.
“Jackie is once-in-a-generation, maybe, possibly the last, just because of the way things are done and the way entertainment is skewing. He is certainly our generation’s great physical storyteller.” he mentioned, “You talk Keaton and Chaplin and Chan is in that conversation and his process is just … dude, I have goosebumps. It’s awesome and at his age; he defies age. He defies time. He is always creative. No job is too small. He will sweep the floor. He treats his crew like family. I could waste every minute you have saying the praises of Jackie Chan and I believe he’s underappreciated in America.”
Cena compared Chan’s storytelling to this, adding that he is possibly one of the only and last people like him, comparing the actor to cinema legends like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Talking about his acting process, his age does not affect any of his fighting capabilities and his creativity, Cena explained that being as talented as he is, he believes that Chan is being severely underappreciated in America.
Source: Landmark Cinemas
