Jackie Chan thought the son of Will Smith has what it takes to be the next great martial artist superstar because the youngster is so dedicated to his new fighting skills.
- June 18, 2010
AceShowbiz - Jackie Chan is convinced his "The Karate Kid" co-star Jaden Smith has what it takes to be the next great martial artist superstar - because the youngster is so dedicated to his new fighting skills. Chan sent an expert from his own personal stunt team to train Will Smith's son for three months before the movie started shooting last year - and the "Rush Hour" star was so impressed when he eventually started working with the 11 year old himself.
The martial arts star says, "After the movie, I told Will, 'Don't waste his talent; he's just so good.' He's (Jaden) still training every day." And Chan has his suspicions that his young star's father, who is a producer of the hit new film, always wanted to turn his son into a martial arts star.
He explains, "In the movie, there's no special effects... He did all his own stunts. I do have a stunt double, but Will, his father, (said), 'No, let him do it. Send his mom [Jada Pinkett Smith] away.' We were doing the splits and he was crying; his mom turned round, go away. He's gonna be a big action star for the future - five years later (sic)."
