There is no denying the fact that Jackie Chan is the undisputed King of stunts. The Hong Kong star who made the jump into mainstream Hollywood has always been heralded for his unique style of action that includes a mix of Asian martial arts. The Rush Hour films that the star did with Chris Tucker cemented his place as an action hero who possessed brilliant comic timing as well. The 3 installments of the franchise featuring the famous Detectives Lee and Carter went on to become massive hits at the box office. But it is interesting to note that Jackie Chan was not always satisfied with his experience in Rush Hour.
Jackie Chan and the problem with Rush Hour
Though Rush Hour went on to become a huge success, it was not always smooth sailing between Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker and the director Brett Ratner during the filming of the movie. According to sources, the Karate Kid star hated the sensibilities of the film along with struggling to find chemistry between himself and Chris Tucker. To add to his woes, language also was a barrier, with the actor claiming that the american comedian’s signature fast style of speaking was completely lost on him.
Despite opening to big numbers in America, Rush Hour failed to make an impact in the asian market even with Jackie Chan’s name attached to it. With the film making just 12 million in Asia, the Vanguard actor was extremely disappointed at the result and said,
“Yeah! Only 12 million! My movie? I make a Hong Kong film, and it make 50 million! You see the difference? If ‘Rush Hour’ not starring Jackie Chan, I think it only make half million in Hong Kong. That’s all!”
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker ultimately went on to share a great rapport, doing 2 more films in the franchise, but not before the asian star almost decided to take a major decision about his career.
Jackie Chan wanted to quit Hollywood for good
It is common knowledge that the Rush Hour franchise starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker is one of the most popular mainstream franchises in Hollywood. Both actors have also gained recognition for their unique partnership. But there was a period when Jackie Chan wanted to have no part in the films and the industry as he wasn’t on board with the aesthetic of the film following its failure in Asia. But the actor was pleasantly surprised to see that Rush Hour opened to stupendous reviews in America. This made the Police Story star realise that he was unaware of the cultural ethos and language of english films when compared to their asian counterparts. He stated,
“I slowly realize: Okay, I still have Chinese mind. I have ‘hometown’ mind. I don’t get American culture, American dialogue. So now from that time on, I really listen to whatever Owen [Wilson] tell[s] me to say, whatever Chris Tucker tell[s] me to say. I realize, okay, anything I think not funny means, it’s funny.”
The action star subsequently went on to do 2 more sequels with Chris Tucker, both of which raked in the big bucks. According to reports coming in, there are talks about both actors signing up for Rush Hour 4. The stars tempted fans with a recent picture together on social media. Both camps though, are yet to confirm this.
Source: The Things
