A Living Legend’s Continued Impact

Jackie Chan, the renowned Hong Kong martial artist, actor and filmmaker, continues to be one of the most iconic and influential martial artists in cinema history. His remarkable career spans more than sixty years, with his films grossing over $5.8 billion worldwide.

Recent Achievements and Honours

In August 2025, Chan will be presented with the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera award at the Locarno Film Festival, recognizing personalities whose artistic contributions have redefined cinema and collective imagination.

Earlier this year, Chan made his first Hollywood appearance in over five years at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, where he presented the Best Foreign Language Film prize. The film legend received a standing ovation as he appeared on stage in an all-black Chinese Tang suit.

Upcoming Projects and Innovations

Chan is set to be part of a groundbreaking initiative announced at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival. The China Film Foundation launched two major AI-driven projects under the Kung Fu Film Heritage Project, including the restoration of 100 classic martial arts films using artificial intelligence, and the development of a new animated feature. The restoration project aims to enhance image, sound, and production quality while preserving the storytelling and aesthetic of the originals.

Additionally, Chan is returning to one of his classic franchises with New Police Story 2 in 2025. The project, announced at Filmart in Hong Kong, will be directed by his longtime collaborator Nicholas Tse, with Chan likely reprising his role as Chief Inspector Chan Kwok-wing.

Speaking Out on Modern Cinema

During a Q&A session at the Locarno Film Festival, Chan shared his candid thoughts about contemporary Hollywood productions, stating that they have “lost quality” due to major studios prioritizing profit over creative filmmaking. He noted that modern studios are run by “business guys” rather than filmmakers, making it increasingly difficult to create quality movies.

Recently celebrating his 70th birthday, Chan reflected on his career with characteristic humility, sharing on Instagram: “Every time I hear this number, my heart would stop for a second – I’m 70 years old already?” He referenced his colleague Sammo Hung’s wisdom about aging being “a fortunate thing,” especially for stunt performers.