Experts say Chan, 63, is one of China’s most successful cultural exports, and that his stardom has played well as the world’s second-largest economy pushes itself to rival Hollywood. Chinese firms have spent billions buying up U.S. companies, like Legendary Entertainment, in recent years.
“Between people like him and companies like Wanda and all this overseas investment … it’s clear China is trying to exert a lot more intangible soft power force on the world,” said Ben Cavender of China Market Research Group. “With (President Donald) Trump coming into power, it’s created a massive opportunity for China to sort of rebrand itself.”
Building up China’s entertainment industry can also support other sectors, from retail to advertising, which is a crucial move as the government works to maneuver an economic growth transition away from manufacturing and exports.
“It used to be very difficult for China’s movie industry to go abroad,” Chan said. “Now, China has the capital and the ability to start purchasing foreign companies … this kind of cooperation will lead us to learn more, and allow us to spread Chinese culture overseas to help more people understand China.”
Chan says he’s happy to use his influence to introduce China to the world, and that falls in line with next steps for his new animation. There are plans to roll out internationally, and eventually make a feature film over the next few years.
But he has become so ubiquitous — showing up on commercials for everything from shampoo to energy drinks — that consumers sometimes feel “he’s in it for a paycheck because [it seems] he doesn’t care about the product,” Cavender said.
In reality, Chan probably doesn’t need a few extra bucks: He is one of the world’s highest paid actors, raking in US$61 million last year, according to a Forbes ranking.
Chan’s star seems yet to fade. And if he has his way, that legacy will continue.
(wait for it)