Jackie Chan’s reputation as a legendary global phenomenon has left behind an unprecedented legacy. The skilled martial artist has been revered for his action comedies and Hollywood blockbusters. Having starred in over 150 films, the Hong Kong actor’s dedication to his craft has shaped generations’ worth of popular culture.
Throughout his exalted career, the renowned global star has collaborated with eminent celebrities and iconic figures of the entertainment world. One such partnership was observed between Chan and fellow martial artist and film actor, Jet Li.
For years, several impediments prevented the two from joining forces. The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) ultimately brought forth an opportunity for both Chan and Li to star in an endeavor together. However, before the world could witness their on-screen magic, a past occurrence between the duo had seemingly soured things for a while.
Why Jackie Chan And Jet Li Couldn’t Work Together For Years
Fans of both performers had anticipated a joint project featuring the two stars for a long time. Despite their acquaintance spanning decades, the two artists couldn’t manage to bring to fruition a collaborative endeavor that would allow audiences to experience their on-screen synergy. In an interview with MTV News, Jackie Chan revealed that he had attempted to share the screen with Jet Li but the prevailing circumstances hindered their ability to work together:
“We’ve known each other for more than 30 years, and 20 years ago we tried to work on a movie together. I called him, and we sat and talked, and he agreed, and I wrote the script and he agreed to the script. I told my company to do it, then somehow it [didn’t come together].”
Elucidating the reality behind the situation, Chan disclosed:
“I said ‘Why?’ and they said, ‘Because they want to own the rights.’ ‘Who owns the rights?’ ‘Golden Harvest wants to own the rights.’ ‘China Star wants to own the rights.’ ‘Who owns the DVD rights?’ ‘Who owns the video rights?’ I said, ‘No! Who cares? Just make the movie!'”
Owing to matters of legal ownership, the two martial artists couldn’t engage in a cinematic team-up. However, things changed for movie-going audiences when news broke of Jackie Chan and Jet Li starring together in the 2008 Rob Minkoff-helmed pursuit, The Forbidden Kingdom.
The Hollywood blockbuster, which felt like a homage to martial arts cinema as a whole, went on to amass $128 million at the worldwide box office against a budget of $55 million. It’s safe to say that the film was a grand success.
While the on-screen partnership between the two stars was rather historic, it came after years of obstructions and delays. There was also an occasion when Jet Li’s participation in a film, known for its parodical representation of the Bleeding Steel alum, displeased Chan greatly. Although the latter held no reservations against Li, he did reveal that following the critically panned film’s release, Jet Li found it difficult to meet Jackie Chan’s eyes.
Jet Li’s 1995 Film High Risk Offended Jackie Chan
Film director Wong Jing is known for having worked with both Jackie Chan and Jet Li. With the former, he made City Hunter (1993), while the latter starred in a leading role in High Risk (1995).
As per reports, the director did not have a great experience collaborating with the Vanguard star. It is also said that Chan’s negative remarks towards the 1993 film had additionally agitated Wong Jing.
It was then in High Risk that the director incorporated the character of Frankie Lone, portrayed by Jacky Cheung. This role was meant to be a parodic representation of Jackie Chan. This endeavor, as one would assume, did not sit well with the legendary action star, who had the following to say in an old interview:
“Wong Jing always want to make quick money, everything quick. Of course, I’m not happy, but what can I do? I cannot say ‘Stop! Don’t do it.’ Naw, let them do it, let it be. People will know what happened. And later I found out I am right, nobody sees [the movie].”
Read also: Jackie Chan Says He Sounds Nothing Like Arnold Schwarzenegger
Subsequently, he disclosed that Jet Li himself experienced a sense of embarrassment for being involved in the movie:
“A lot of people ask Jet Li and Jackie Cheung ‘Why you doing this?’ I think they very embarrassed, even now they look at me they like this [Jackie pretends to bow head in shame]. I’m so happy. Before they look at me ‘Yes, yeah!’ But now they look at me like this [bows head again].”
The film’s failure to appeal to the audience brought some sense of satisfaction to Chan. While the situation has since been resolved with Li and Chan eventually managing to fulfill their dream of working together, it’s reasonable to infer that there was a time during which a possible team-up appeared impossible due to interpersonal and legal factors.
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) is available for streaming on Max.
