Jackie Chan, one of the most beloved global action stars, was skeptical about his potential for success in Hollywood early on in his career.

Coming from the Chinese film industry, he felt that Hollywood action stars were often overshadowed by special effects in movies like The Terminator, Rambo, and Jurassic Park.

In an interview with Variety, Chan explained, “In Hollywood, they believe that they have special effects. But in Asia, we have something special, the audience still believes that Jackie Chan is doing it for real.”

Chan went on to say that actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone could be easily replaced in their iconic roles in The Terminator and Rambo, respectively. However, his own star power was unique to the Asian market.

As Chan put it, “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.”

Despite his initial doubts about his career in Hollywood, Chan found inspiration from his friend Sylvester Stallone.

After a disappointing experience on the set of Demolition Man, Chan saw the respect that Stallone commanded from the crew and cast.

This moment served as a turning point for Chan’s career, as he wrote in his autobiography, “My burgeoning friendship with Stallone—now twenty-five years strong—gave me the inspiration to try one more time.”

In the years that followed, Jackie Chan would become a Hollywood success story, starring in hits like Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, and Kung Fu Panda.

He also formed close relationships with both Schwarzenegger and Stallone, whom he had once doubted could be easily replaced on screen.

In 2016, Chan was honored with the Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement, cementing his place as one of the most beloved action stars of all time.

While Chan’s comments about Hollywood’s reliance on special effects may have been controversial at the time, they reflect a larger conversation in the film industry about the balance between practical effects and CGI.

Some argue that practical effects, which rely on real props and stunts, can lend a sense of authenticity to a film that CGI cannot replicate.

Others believe that CGI allows for greater creative freedom and can save time and money during production.

In any case, Chan’s career stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of hard work.

Despite early setbacks and doubts, he remained dedicated to his craft and ultimately found success on the world stage.

Chan’s comments about the value of star power in the Asian market also highlight the cultural differences between Hollywood and other film industries.

While Hollywood may rely on big-budget productions and special effects to attract audiences, other countries may place greater emphasis on the reputation of a particular actor or director.

This can lead to different types of storytelling and filmmaking techniques across cultures.

Overall, Jackie Chan’s journey from a Chinese action star to a Hollywood icon is a story of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of excellence.

His unique perspective on the film industry and his unwavering commitment to his craft have made him a beloved figure around the world.