Chan Complains of Limited Roles for Asians

Article from Associated Press

Fri Sep 24, 8:07 AM ET Movies - AP

SINGAPORE (AP) - Martial arts legend Jackie Chan (news) claims Hollywood limits roles for Asians and says it's time he became a "real actor" by taking on roles other than as a kung fu fighter, a local newspaper reported Friday.

"It's all the same, cop from Hong Kong, cop from China. Jet Li, Chow Yun Fat (news - web sites) and I all face the same problem, our roles are limited," said Chan, 50, referring to other Chinese action stars who have sought roles in Western movies.

" Yes, I get treated like a king over there but I'm not happy. I get frustrated when I see them doing things the wrong way but I can't say anything," he told The Straits Times.

The acrobatic, high-flying action hero was in the city-state to promote "New Police Story," a sequel to the 1985 movie that catapulted him to international stardom.

Chan's latest Hollywood film, an adaptation of the Jules Verne classic "Around the World in 80 Days," was a summer dud. Three others - "The Medallion," "The Tuxedo" and "Shanghai Knights" with Owen Wilson - also received lukewarm responses at the box office.

Although Chan returned to the United States this year for the filming of "Rush Hour III," he said he wants to move away from action movies.

" I've always wanted to change, to become a real actor, like (Oscar winner) Robert DeNiro. I don't want to be seen as an action hero anymore."