Jackie Chan worked with a lot of talented actors and actresses throughout his career. Although Chris Tucker is always associated with Chan, he was inspired by lots of others, including Bruce Lee. He still remembers his experience alongside Bruce, one that stuck with him till this day and basically nudged him towards the stunt field;
“At that time, I was just a young guy and he was a really big star,” Chan said, talking about working on Fist of Fury. “He would talk with the stuntmen, but not me, as I was just a kid. But suddenly, somehow, I got the chance to be on stage with him. After watching stuntmen double for Lee, I decided from then on that I would do everything myself and let people know that it was me. You can always tell when it’s a stunt double. So I make sure that audiences can always see my face.” We all know by now, Chan would become a huge star. He expanded from stunt work, making the transfer into lead roles. Perhaps his most iconic breakthrough came in Rush Hour, matched alongside Chris Tucker. Although their chemistry seemed to be a dream on the big-screen, surprisingly, the chemistry wasn’t as obvious at the start, at least according to Chan!
The First Impression.
“I didn’t like him at the beginning.” Those were Chan’s exact words during An Academy Salute to Jackie Chan. Chan did mention that they would create a strong friendship eventually, though things weren’t exactly at its finest early on. They met prior to the shooting of the Rush Hour film and let’s just say that Chan was extremely confused by Tucker, as they actor rambled on and on during their first encounter – the major problem was the fact that Chan couldn’t pick up on everything Tucker was saying due to how fast he was speaking – looking back, Tucker’s excitement might’ve taken over during their first meeting. Chan recalls being exhausted after the encounter – particularly given all the info and words from Tucker throughout their first meeting. They say first impressions are everything but, in this case, that wasn’t the truth as they would grow into an iconic pair on the big-screen while creating a special bond away from the cameras as well.
Growing Close To One Another.
Throughout the iconic franchise’s history, the two would grow quite the history together, as a close friendship would also be born; “The movies work for one simple reason: the chemistry between me and Jackie,” announces Tucker during an interview in Los Angeles. “It’s like a culture clash between the two of us on screen. People are curious about seeing us interact.” Chan agrees, adding, “The first movie was like, “Who cares? We’re making a film.’ But Chris and me and [returning director] Brett [Ratner] became buddies on the set this time. Chris trusts me with the action-comedy, and I trust him with the verbal comedy. We’re a perfect team.”
Tucker would also make mention that the only reason he decided to return for the sequel was because of his close friendship and chemistry alongside Chan;
“Being offered $20 million,” he says, laughing. (Tucker earned $20 million while Chan was paid $15 million for the sequel.) No, I’m just kidding. What changed my mind was working with Jackie again. I knew that people would want to see us together again in this movie.”
So, with all that being said and given their chemistry and closeness, is a fourth installment in the works?
Are They Reuniting?
Both Chan and Tucker spoke optimistically in regard to making a return for Rush Hour 4, though fans are still waiting for confirmation. Tucker made some bold claims, leading fans to believe the production was taking place; “It’s not in pre-production. We’re working on a few things [for] the script. Jackie wants to do it. I want to do it. The studio wants to do it.” Despite the excitement, Chan’s management group would issue a statement, basically turning down the rumors; “We have noticed that false information that Mr. Chan would act in the
motion pictures Rush Hour 4 and The Karate Kid 2 is spreading through multiple social media platforms, and that certain apparently infringing parties have misappropriated the personal WeChat and email accounts of Mr. Esmond Rend, a motion picture industry professional, to release false information concerning the hiring of the crew, casting, audition and other matters in connection with the pictures Rush Hour 4 and The Karate Kid 2.”
The rumors persist and the hope is that the dynamic duo makes a return sooner rather than later!