Why Jackie Chan Turned Down a Role in Everything Everywhere All at Once
Jackie Chan was originally considered for the lead in Everything Everywhere All at Once, but the part ultimately went to Michelle Yeoh. The reasons behind this casting change have sparked renewed debate online.
Everything Everywhere All at Once made quite the impression during awards season, earning a reputation as one of the standout films of recent years. Yet, a lesser-known detail about its casting has been making the rounds again. The original script was crafted with Jackie Chan in mind for the central role, only for Michelle Yeoh to step in after a significant reimagining of the character.
Social media has been abuzz with speculation, particularly after a tweet suggested, "Asking Jackie Chan to play a character that ends up loving and accepting his lesbian daughter is unreal. It feels like a prank." The film’s focus on a parent’s acceptance of their queer child has led some to draw parallels with Chan’s own family life, especially his strained relationship with his daughter. But is there any substance to these theories?
Behind the Casting Change
Despite the conjecture, there’s nothing to indicate that Chan’s personal circumstances influenced his decision to pass on the project. Michelle Yeoh has addressed the matter, explaining that the choice was down to practicalities and creative direction, rather than any ideological stance.
So it was completely [role-reversed]. And I remember Jackie texted me and said, ‘Congratulations. You realize that your boys came to see me first? and I’m like, ‘Thank you, bro. You did me a huge favor.’
Chan’s schedule was already packed, making it impossible for him to commit. Once he was out of the running, the filmmakers opted to flip the character’s gender, which not only resolved the casting issue but also opened up new emotional territory for the story. The shift to a mother-daughter dynamic brought a fresh perspective to the narrative.
Family Ties and Public Scrutiny
While the rumour mill has been busy, the reality is a bit more mundane. Chan’s relationship with his daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, has long been complicated. Born from an affair, Etta has spent much of her life estranged from her father. In his memoir, Chan reflected on the fallout:
When the news broke about an affair I’d had that resulted in a child, the media frenzy was like a bomb going off. I wanted to phone Joan, but I didn’t know what to say. I wouldn’t be able to explain this. It wasn’t a mistake I could fix just by saying ‘I’m sorry.’
Etta has spoken openly about their fractured relationship, at one point revealing she had been homeless, citing a lack of support from her family. However, recent reports suggest that Chan has begun to offer assistance, both financially and in support of her career in design. It’s a tentative step towards reconciliation, though the past remains a heavy presence.
The Film’s Impact and Legacy
For those unfamiliar, Everything Everywhere All at Once is directed and written by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, with a cast featuring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film runs for 139 minutes and has been well received by critics and audiences alike, boasting a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Although Chan never portrayed the on-screen parent who comes to terms with his child’s identity, his real-life journey appears to be inching in a similar direction. The film, meanwhile, has found its own resonance with viewers, particularly through its exploration of the mother-daughter relationship at its heart.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is currently available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ in the US.