Legendary action star Jackie Chan has voiced his concerns about the current state of Hollywood cinema, stating that big studios today prioritize profit over creativity. The 71-year-old global icon was speaking at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, where he was honored with the prestigious Career Leopard award for his exceptional contributions to the film industry.
During an engaging session with festival director Giona Nazzaro, Jackie reflected on his decades-long career and contrasted the filmmaking approach of the past with today’s industry practices. He expressed his belief that older films had more authenticity and artistic vision, while modern big-budget productions are increasingly shaped by corporate decision-makers rather than creative filmmakers.
“I believe movies from the past were better than what we often see today,” Jackie remarked. “Many big studios are no longer run by filmmakers but by business executives. They think about how to recover a $40 million investment before the film is even made, which limits creativity and makes it harder to create truly great movies.”
The conversation also saw Jackie reminiscing about his early days in Hong Kong cinema, where he started as a stunt performer before rising to stardom in the 1970s. By the 1980s, he had redefined action comedy in Asia with his inventive fight choreography and daring stunts—many of which he performed himself. In the 1990s, Jackie made his Hollywood breakthrough with international hits such as Rumble in the Bronx, Rush Hour, and Shanghai Noon.
Today, with a film career spanning over five decades and box office earnings of nearly $6 billion worldwide, Jackie Chan remains a celebrated figure in both Eastern and Western cinema. Yet, his candid remarks serve as a reminder of the growing tension between artistic storytelling and the commercial pressures of the modern film industry.
