Jackie Chan reveals farewell song planned for release after death

Kung fu film icon Jackie Chan has revealed that he has recorded a song intended to be released after his death, describing it as his final message to the world. The disclosure was made during the Beijing premiere of his new drama film Unexpected Family on Dec. 28, according to China.org.cn.

Speaking emotionally to audiences, the 71-year-old actor said that the loss of close friends and loved ones in recent years has reshaped his perspective on life. Chan explained that these experiences encouraged him to express his thoughts openly and live more fully in the present.

“I feel that whatever I want to say, I should say now; whatever I want to do, I should do immediately,” Chan said, as quoted by China.org.cn. He added that he has placed his final reflections into a song already recorded, though it remains unreleased at the request of his family and management. Chan stated that while the song will stay private for now, it must be made public on the day he passes away.

When audience members asked him to sing part of the song at the premiere, Chan declined, joking that it would make people cry. He also reflected humorously on his past mindset, noting that he once imagined dying young while performing dangerous stunts to achieve legendary status, but said he no longer holds that obsession.

Chan’s latest film marks a departure from his long-established action-hero image. In Unexpected Family, he plays an elderly man living with Alzheimer’s disease, who mistakes his tenant for his son and forms an unconventional household with several strangers. Chan said the role represents his desire to be recognized as a serious actor beyond martial arts cinema.

“I want to show the world I’m an actor who knows kung fu, not just an action star,” he said.

The actor also shared a professional regret, recalling that he was once interested in appearing in Chen Kaige’s 1993 classic Farewell My Concubine. He said the idea was rejected by his company at the time due to strict brand limitations placed on his on-screen image, restrictions that no longer apply today.

Chan described aging as a privilege, referencing a recent news clip of a child in Gaza who said children in the region cannot grow up. “We old people are really lucky and happy,” he said.

According to China.org.cn, Chan was drawn to Unexpected Family because its story was inspired by director Li Taiyan’s grandmother, which reminded him of his own mother. To prepare for the role, he spent time observing patients in a hospital. He expressed hope that the film will raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and encourage greater compassion toward those affected when it is released on Jan. 1, 2026.

Chan also confirmed upcoming projects, including the Spring Festival kung fu comedy Panda Plan 2 and a sequel to the action film The Shadow’s Edge, which is scheduled to begin production at the end of 2026.

The actor concluded by thanking fans for their continued support, stating that as long as he is able to act, he hopes to continue making at least one film each year across different genres.