Demolition Man star Sylvester Stallone had the perfect actor in mind to play the role of Simon Phoenix in the 1993 movie. He pitched Jackie Chan for the part – but the martial arts legend turned it down, paving the way for Wesley Snipes to step in as the film’s unforgettable villain.
Why did Jackie Chan reject Demolition Man?
Back in the early 1990s, Chan was busy making action films in Hong Kong. Known for playing heroic and often humorous characters, Chan was hesitant to take on a villainous role. Despite Stallone’s enthusiasm for casting him as Phoenix, Chan declined the offer, unsure about portraying a character so far removed from his usual on-screen persona.
Chan’s reluctance made sense. His brand has long been associated with likable, comedic heroes – often martial artists with a heart of gold. While he did play antagonistic roles early in his career, such as a thug in Police Woman during the 1970s, those performances were exceptions. Over time, Chan carved out a niche blending high-octane action with slapstick humor, a formula that became his signature.
What is Demolition Man about?
Demolition Man is a sci-fi action film that tells the story of Simon Phoenix, a ruthless killer sentenced to cryogenic imprisonment. Decades later, he’s thawed out into a futuristic society that’s eerily peaceful – and completely unprepared for his brand of chaos.
To stop him, authorities revive John Spartan (played by Stallone), the cop who originally brought Phoenix down in 1996. But Spartan has his own baggage: he was wrongfully convicted and frozen for a crime he didn’t commit.
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