Jackie Chan talks about Bruce Lee after accepting Career Leopard award

The martial arts global film icon Jackie Chan accepted a Career Leopard award at the 78th Locarno Film Festival on Saturday night, Aug. 9, in Switzerland.

Following the festival, the Hong Kong legend, talking about his career, recalled working with Bruce Lee during a talk at the event.

Remembering his time as a young stuntman with Lee on Fist of Fury, Chan shared, “Bruce Lee tapped my shoulder [and said] ‘great’,” after several takes of a scene full of pain, he told the audience.

The action legend said that after Lee’s death, he was asked to remake Fist of Fury, but he felt it was “wrong script, wrong character. The film just didn’t make any box office.”

The filmmakers were adamant about making Chan the new Lee.

“They even made the poster saying, ‘the new Bruce Lee’ [in big letters] ‘Jackie Chan’ [in very small print],” the star said. “The director wanted me to do everything like Bruce Lee. I am not Bruce Lee.”

Chan also joked while sharing tips for industry longevity.

Always be open to change and evolution, he advised. For example, he said he learned to sing because whenever he showed up for TV interviews, hosts would ask him to do a fight sequence with them.

“Singing is easier,” Chan said, laughing.

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