Action legend Jackie Chan, who has worked in both Eastern and Western cinema for decades, has voiced his disappointment over the current state of Hollywood filmmaking. The veteran actor, known for his iconic martial arts stunts and globally beloved action-comedies, believes that major American studios have shifted their focus away from creativity and storytelling — and are now being driven primarily by business interests.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Rush Hour star said that Hollywood films today lack the magic and originality they once had. In his view, the industry’s biggest problem is that decision-making power has moved from passionate filmmakers to corporate executives who prioritize box office returns above all else.
“Earlier, films were made by people who loved cinema,” Jackie explained. “The directors, the producers — they cared about the art. Today, in many big studios, the decision-makers are not creative people, they are business guys. Their main focus is on numbers, marketing strategies, and maximizing profit, not on telling a great story.”
Chan, who has balanced a career in Hollywood with a thriving film industry in Asia, pointed out that the change is not just about money — it’s also about risk-taking. He recalled a time when studios would back fresh ideas, unique scripts, and daring action sequences, even if they didn’t seem like guaranteed blockbusters. “Now, it’s all about playing safe,” he said. “They keep making sequels, reboots, or following trends because it’s less risky. But in doing so, they are losing originality.”
The actor, who has worked under various filmmaking systems around the world, contrasted Hollywood’s current approach with the more director-driven model he has often experienced in Asian cinema. “When the creative people are in charge, the films have soul,” he said. “You can feel that passion on screen. When the business people take over, everything becomes a product — polished, but without heart.”
Jackie also expressed concern about the growing reliance on visual effects over practical stunts and authentic performances. Known for doing his own death-defying action scenes, he feels that too much CGI has made modern blockbusters visually spectacular but emotionally hollow. “Technology is amazing, but you can’t replace real human connection and physical performance,” he noted. “That’s what audiences remember and feel.”
Despite his criticism, Chan acknowledged that there are still talented directors and writers working in Hollywood, but believes they often struggle to get full creative freedom in big studio environments. “Some people are still making great films, but they are fighting against a system that’s driven by quarterly profits and shareholder reports,” he said.
The legendary star, who has inspired generations of action fans, emphasized that his comments come from a place of love for cinema. “I grew up watching Hollywood films. They shaped my career and my dreams. I just want to see that spirit of filmmaking come back,” he added.
Jackie Chan’s candid remarks have sparked discussions among fans and industry professionals, with many agreeing that the balance between art and commerce in Hollywood has tilted too far toward the latter. Whether the industry will take such feedback to heart remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — for icons like Chan, the heart of filmmaking lies in passion, not profit.
