Jackie Chan Says Hollywood Films Have Declined, Blames ‘Obsession With Money’

Action legend Jackie Chan believes Hollywood movies aren’t what they used to be, criticizing big studios for stifling creativity in their chase for profits.

Speaking at the 78th Locarno Film Festival — where he received the Career Leopard award — Chan said, “I think the old movies are better than today. Right now, a lot of big studios, they’re not filmmakers, they’re business guys. They invest 40 million and think, ‘How can I get it back?’ And you can’t go over. It’s very difficult to make a good movie now.”

In an engaging conversation with festival head Giona Nazzaro on Sunday, the 71-year-old reflected on his decades-long career — from early background roles in Fist of Fury, to becoming a superstar in 1980s Chinese action comedies, and finally breaking into Hollywood with hits like Rumble in the Bronx, Rush Hour, and Shanghai Noon.

Known for his death-defying stunts and comic timing, Chan remains one of the world’s most beloved action stars, with his films grossing nearly $6 billion worldwide.