China critics pan AI ‘rejuvenation’ of Jackie Chan in new film ‘A Legend’

The real Jackie Chan dressed in armour before the intervention of artificial intelligence. Photo: Bona Film Group

• Film goers say 70-year-old movie icon looks more like his son than his younger self, critics pile on the agony with stunt double claims

Jackie Chan's new movie has become mired in controversy for using artificial intelligence face-swapping technology to make the ageing action film icon appear younger.

The use of AI has also prompted concerns about the potential overuse of stunt doubles.

A Legend, which has been touted as a sequel to the 2005 film The Myth, stars Chan and Zhang Yixing. The film premiered in China on July 10.

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It tells the story of an archaeology professor, played by Chan, who discovers mysterious antiques which transport him back to the Western Han dynasty (206 BC- 9), where he battles to protect his country and embarks on a romantic journey.

A major selling point and significant technological leap in the film is the use of AI technology to digitally alter Chan's face, presenting him as the 27-year-old version of himself.

The film's director, Stanley Tong Kwai-lai hailed the technological advancements.

"AI technology has broken the limitations of traditional special effects, bringing infinite possibilities to filmmaking, it allows actors to relive their youthful days."

Yu Dong, the film's producer and CEO of Bona Film Group said the use of AI makes the story more realistic and engaging.

"It is the perfect combination of technology and cinema," said Yu.

The producer also claimed that A Legend would be the best Jackie Chan film in a decade.

Chan, 70, is a globally recognised Chinese movie icon and a martial arts master. He has a string of accolades, including an honorary Oscar which he won in 2016, under his belt.

However, his recent films have not been met with critical acclaim and recent photos on social media have led some to comment on his age.

The attempt at rejuvenation using AI technology in A Legend has similarly failed to impress.

Some online observers said that the "rejuvenated" Chan looked more like his son, Jaycee Fong Jo-ming, than his younger self.

Many say the technology makes Chan appear unnatural and unable to properly convey emotions, sometimes inadvertently turning serious scenes into comedy.

"Sorry, but this AI is too distracting. When Zhang Yixing dies in the ancient setting, Jackie Chan with the AI face looks like he is smirking. It made the entire movie theatre laugh," said one commenter.

The film's heavy reliance on AI has also raised suspicions about the overuse of stunt doubles.

Some people defended Chan by sharing behind-the-scenes footage of him wearing armour and riding a horse, demonstrating his active participation in the movie.

Others, however, provided images of doubles used for distant shots as evidence of his "laziness".

"An elderly actor using a stunt double for dangerous scenes is acceptable, but if audiences buy tickets expecting to see the 70-year-old Jackie Chan performing stunts, only to be presented with a double with a digitally altered young face, they will feel cheated," said one critic.

The film's Chinese distributor declined to comment on the controversy when approached by the Post.

Meanwhile, the production continues to face criticism.

"Not only is there an AI Jackie Chan, but also a plastic surgery-enhanced Zhang Yixing. With the female character choosing Chan over Zhang in the romantic love line the film really illustrates that AI is replacing humans," said one critic.

While another added: "This is a failed AI movie experiment and proves that AI cannot replace real acting. It lacks any sense of vitality."

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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