Did You Know? Jackie Chan's stunt team is the secret behind the action in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'
By Neil Ramos
If you thought the action in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" felt different, you're not alone.
The film's fight scenes are faster, more fluid, and packed with practical martial arts choreography that stands out from the usual superhero spectacle.
The reason? Director Destin Daniel Cretton enlisted the legendary Jackie Chan Stunt Team to help design and execute many of the movie's street-level action sequences.
And yes, Jackie Chan himself was involved.
Speaking to Hong Kong media outlet HK01, Chan revealed that he visited the film's London set while production was underway.
"I went to London and visited the set. My Jackie Chan Stunt Team was busy filming 'Spider-Man,' and I was the action director for the team. I went to watch their rehearsals, and the director was so excited when he saw me. I made sure he understood that they are part of my team," Chan said.
While Chan clarified that he wasn't personally choreographing every fight scene, he served as action director for his renowned stunt team, which worked closely with the filmmakers on the movie's practical action.
The Jackie Chan Stunt Team has built a global reputation for combining martial arts, acrobatics, practical stunts, and inventive choreography in creating action sequences that are dynamic, fluid.
Chan also praised Spider-Man star Tom Holland for his commitment to performing physically demanding scenes.
"I heard this young man pays homage to my films, performing many of his own stunts in numerous action sequences. He is incredibly dedicated," Chan said.
This isn't the first Marvel collaboration for the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. The group also contributed to the acclaimed fight choreography in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," which was widely praised for bringing Hong Kong-style martial arts to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
So if you found yourself wondering why the action in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" felt more grounded, more creative, and more exciting than expected, now you know.