Chan critiques money driven studios

At Locarno, Jackie Chan argues that profit hungry studios threaten artistic quality while sharing how he built a long career.

Jackie Chan Criticizes Money Driven Studios Impact on Film Quality

At the Locarno Film Festival, Jackie Chan told a Q and A that big Hollywood studios are stifling contemporary filmmaking with a profit mindset. He argued that many studios are now run by business people who invest large budgets and chase returns, making it harder to take creative risks. Chan cited his own experience, noting that older films felt more original and linked that to budget pressures and risk aversion. He recalled learning every role on a set from stunts to sound as part of his craft.

Chan also spoke about his Asia rooted career path, saying only two directors can handle multiple roles and naming Sammo Hung and himself. He described learning to sing to extend his career beyond stunt work and said his goal has been to stay active and versatile. He called Rush Hour a turning point in Hollywood exposure and a chance to build cross cultural bridges. He appeared at Locarno to receive the festival’s career achievement award and to share stories from a long career.

The remarks highlight a familiar tension in cinema between artistic risk and budget discipline. They show how money matters shape what studios green light and which stories reach audiences. Chan frames his own path as evidence that diversification and craft can coexist with fame, even when markets favor franchises. The festival setting underscores cinema as a global conversation about culture and craft, not just box office numbers.

Taken together, his comments point to broader trends in which investors and budgets steer creative decisions, potentially at odds with artistic ambitions. If more filmmakers push for technical fluency and cross cultural storytelling, the industry may see richer collaborations and films that travel beyond the usual markets.

Highlights

The debate over art and money will outlive any festival.