Reality TV > Jackie Chan Searches For "The Disciple"
April 7, 2007
Via:
Just when you think there isn't one more facet of society that can be mined in to some sort of ratings-worthy reality competition, Jackie Chan reels you right back in. On Saturday, Chan premiered his new Chinese TV competition, "The Disciple", where martial arts experts fight (probably not literally) to see who'll be the next kung fu master. After one day, 100,000 contestants have already signed up to prove their worth for the 53-year old martial arts master, each fighting for one of ten spots in a movie to be produced by Mr. Chan himself.
The show will air from March to October on Chinese Network BTV, with the finished movie being released before the start of 2008 Beijing Olympics.
It seems a little sad that Chan is relegating himself to the world of reality television as he is easily the best known international martial arts star presently, possibly of all time, and this seems a little desperate. But, c'mon, the man just turned 53 and his entire job centers around getting the shit kicked out of him on a daily basis. He hates using stuntment, so he can either find other avenues to exploit his fame, or just fade in to a brittle, broken, arthritic retirement. Is there really even a choice for someone of his fame and fortune?
