2017 was a kick-ass year for Jackie Chan, as the martial arts legend not only won an honorary Oscar but also used a break from his stunts to appear in the drama movie, The Foreigner. While the actor was previously offered mostly action roles, despite his experience in drama movies from China, Chan was super excited about his 2017 opportunity.
During an interview, following the release of The Foreigner, Jackie Chan reflected upon the discrimination he faced in Hollywood. Discussing how the entertainment industry almost crushed his potential in different genres, Chan mentioned being often sidelined in action films. Thus, he admitted his gratitude for finally receiving the opportunity to star in a drama film.
Hollywood Almost Stole Jackie Chan’s Acting Potential
Martial arts legend Jackie Chan, who rose to fame through the Chinese film industry, eventually navigated his career into Hollywood, for better opportunities and global popularity. Starting his career in the American film industry with The Big Brawl in 1980, Chan gradually earned his fame as the greatest action star of all time.
However, Chan’s fame turned into a bane for him, as he often started getting sidelined as an action hero. Jackie Chan soon began losing potential opportunities in Hollywood, because of his action star title. Despite his years of experience in Chinese cinema, as both an action and drama star, the 69-year-old was refused movies other than the action-packed projects.
However, after more than three decades in Hollywood, Jackie Chan was finally offered his big break in a dramatic role, in Martin Campbell’s 2017 action thriller, The Foreigner. That’s when he realized how Hollywood perpetually held back opportunities from him and nearly stole his acting potential.
Jackie Chan Was Grateful For His 2017 Opportunity
Getting his breakthrough dramatic role in Martin Campbell‘s The Foreigner, Jackie Chan reflected upon his acting timeline. Following the release of the 2017 hit, Chan appeared for an interview, where he reflected upon how Hollywood stole his opportunities to explore and strengthen his potential.
Upon being asked what was his initial attraction to this role, Chan opened up with honesty and mentioned how he had been deprived of opportunities before The Foreigner happened. “As I look at the history…I wanted to be an actor, but how? Because Hollywood always treated me as action star.” Chan revealed.
“In Hollywood, I received so many scripts, police from Hong Kong, police from China, super police from Hong Kong, super police from China. I always look at so many American movies and feel, that’s suitable for me…but why nobody hire me to do this kind of movies?”
Thus, eventually discussing how his manager handed him the script for The Foreigner, Jackie Chan mentioned being overwhelmed with his dream opportunity. Expressing how he had always craved such roles, Chan mentioned grabbing the opportunity in Martin Campbell’s movie, without further ado.
The Foreigner is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV.
Source: CineMovie
