Internationally known kung fu megastar Jackie Chan stars in a new comedy-action film featuring China's treasured giant panda while advocating for the beloved species.

Kung fu star Jackie Chan interacts with the audience at the premiere of "Panda Plan" in Beijing, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Maoyan Entertainment]

The new film "Panda Plan," directed by Zhang Luan, stars Chan as himself alongside actors Wei Xiang, Shi Ce, Andy Friend and Temur Mamisashvili. The story follows Chan as he's invited to adopt a panda cub at an island wildlife zoo, only to discover a Middle Eastern tycoon has hired mercenaries to kidnap the bear for a $100 million bounty. Chan enlists his agent and the cub's caretaker in an outrageous adventure to outsmart the villains.

Chan has long been passionate about giant pandas, often carrying panda plush toys at events, including the Oscars red carpet. Since 2009, he’s served as a panda ambassador for the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base, adopting two pandas and advocating for their protection. He was also previously associated with pandas in Hollywood's iconic franchise "Kung Fu Panda," where he voiced the character Monkey in the first three installments. However, he had long hoped to be involved in a Chinese panda film but didn't know where to start until this project emerged.

A poster for "Panda Plan." [Image courtesy of Emei Film Group]

Initially, Chan refused the role. "The director asked me to play myself in the film. I don't want to be myself in a film; I want to be somebody, a character, not me," Chan revealed at a premiere held in Beijing on Sept. 28. However, after reading the script, he agreed, understanding it as family entertainment with interesting ideas.

"And also, now I do movies with purpose," Chan said. "I want to make this film to promote this animal, our national treasure, and the culture associated with it. I want more children around the world to know about pandas and discover their cuteness. If you look at it, the giant panda is very Chinese, representing love and peace. This is what the world needs right now."

Chan is known for action comedies like "Project A" (1983), its sequel "Project A II" (1987) and "Rob-B-Hood" (2006). "Panda Plan," initially titled "Project P," returns to Chan's classic kung fu comedy roots with nostalgic stunts and hilarious actions. No real pandas were harmed during filming; the panda cub was created using CGI.

Kung fu star Jackie Chan and the cast and crew pose for a group photo at the "Panda Plan" premiere in Beijing, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Maoyan Entertainment]

Playing himself at 70, Chan delivers a heartfelt line in "Panda Plan."

"When I was young on set, as soon as I heard the word 'Action!' I felt an inexplicable excitement and endless energy throughout my body," he says in the film. "Later, this 'Action!' became my signature, my rallying call, my starting gun. Before I heard 'Action!', I was just like you — afraid, feeling pain, and tired. But as soon as I heard 'Action!', I became that invincible hero who could conquer the heavens and the earth. Wow, just like that, decades have passed, like a dream. What should I do when I wake up from the dream? I’d just turn over and continue dreaming."

"Panda Plan" opened in Chinese theaters nationwide during the weeklong National Day holiday, starting Oct. 1.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)