If you're a fan of action and comedy, then we can guarantee that you've seen your share of Jackie Chan movies.
The star has had smash hit movies, legendary cameos, and has been able to make a fortune with his acting. It's been an amazing ride for the legendary star, and while he's not as active as he used to be, his legacy in the business remains firmly intact.
Jackie Chan has many famous friends, including Jet Li. While Li and Chan are close, there was once a point when there were problems between the two.
Let's take a closer look at their friendship, and see what happened between them!
Jackie Chan Is A Legend Of The Film Industry
The action genre is one that has been home to many notable stars, and few have been as loved and as impactful as Jackie Chan.
Chan had humble beginnings, which saw him work with the likes of Bruce Lee.
Jackie Chan's ability to become a crossover global star was truly incredible to see, and once he broke out, he forged a career that saw him conquering the box office, while starring in films that showcased his amazing stunt work, as well as his legitimate comedy chops.
He starred in countless hit films, had his own animated show, and inspired legions of young performers to chase their big screen dreams.
As one of the most successful and likable guys in Hollywood, it makes sense that Jackie Chan has plenty of friends. One such friend is fellow acting legend, Jet Li.
He Was Close Friends With Fellow Action Star, Jet Li
Much like Jackie Chan, Jet Li was able to excel in films that allowed him to showcase his martial arts and stunt skills, and over time, Li and Chan became close friends.
For years, fans wanted to see the duo shine together on the big screen, but there were other factors that kept this from happening for quite some time.
"We’ve known each other for more than 30 years, and 20 years ago we tried to work on a movie together,” Chan said. “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]. 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,'" Chan once said.
Eventually, the duo linked up for The Forbidden Kingdom, a film that went on to make nearly $130 million at the global box office.
These two icons have a unique friendship, but at one point, Chan was none to pleasd with Li.
Chan Took Exception To Li's Movie, Which Poked Fun At Him
Jet Li's 1995 film, High Risk, saw the actor parodying Jackie Chan with his character.
According to The AV Club, "The jokes made at Frankie’s behest sometimes draw on Bruce Lee parodies (a clip of him yelping in fear at a cockroach is used for a movie fight scene’s combat dub), but the Chan-specific jokes are more pointed. And pointedly mean."
Jackie Chan wasn't exactly thrilled with Li and Leung for their work in the film.
"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]," Chan said.
He also dished on how Li was embarrassed by the movie.
I’m so happy. 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].” he added.
Given the time that the movie premiered, we're sure you've come to the conclusion that these two were able to patch things up, eventually remaining friends and making movies with one another.
Jackie Chan and Jet Li's friendship was able to endure a movie like High Risk, and this gave fans some awesome collaborations.
