Jackie Chan Thought Michael Cera Was a Winner When They Met

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It is often said, “never meet your idols,” and it seems like Michael Cera might agree after his recent encounter with the iconic Jackie Chan. On a promotional tour for Wes Anderson’s film The Phoenician Scheme, Cera found himself face-to-face with Chan, who was promoting his new movie Karate Kid: Legends. However, the meeting didn’t go as smoothly as Cera had hoped. During an interview with NME, he shared a funny and awkward tale of the encounter, confessing that Chan may not have recognized him and likely thought he was just a lucky contest winner eager to meet him.

In simpler terms, “[The photographer] inquired if I knew Jackie Chan, which I didn’t, so she invited me to meet him,” Cera explained, painting the picture of the encounter that took place at BBC Radio 2 where both actors coincidentally had a press stop. “Upon meeting him, he seemed puzzled, asking ‘Who is this person, what’s going on?’ We took a photo together, but I think he mistook me for a contest winner. He said, ‘Alright, let’s take a quick picture.’ It wasn’t rude, but I felt like I was interrupting his private time with his team before he went on the radio. So I was taken aback and wondered, ‘What am I doing here?’ But everyone was friendly, and I got to meet Jackie.

Cera and Chan have not acted together on the silver screen as of yet, but their latest movies coincidentally hit theaters simultaneously. Specifically, “The Phoenician Scheme,” where Cera portrays Bjørn Lund, and “Karate Kid: Legends” with Chan in the role of Mr. Han both premiered on May 30 across the United States and Canada. This date marked the conclusion of a busy month for film enthusiasts, as it also welcomed an array of highly anticipated releases such as “Thunderbolts,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” and “Lilo & Stitch,” to name a few.

‘The Phoenician Scheme’ and ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Fight It Out at the Box Office

Initially released on a limited basis, “The Phoenician Scheme” is set to expand nationwide on June 6th. On its opening weekend at six cinemas, it grossed an impressive $570,000 per screen, making it the top limited debut of 2025 before its full release. As reported by Variety, this movie will compete for audience attention with other blockbusters when it goes nationwide. Simultaneously, “Karate Kid: Legends” collected $21 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada, debuting at number 3 behind “Lilo & Stitch” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” While it fared slightly better overseas ($26 million), its global total currently stands at $47 million.

Titled “The Phoenician Scheme“, this movie boasts an impressive ensemble, with Cera making his debut in a Anderson production. It’s essentially the tale of a family and their business. The narrative revolves around Zsa-zsa Korda (played by Benicio del Toro), a wealthy tycoon nearing the end of a long, influential career project that has made him a high-profile target. With scheming rivals, foreign terrorists, and relentless assassins hot on his trail, he unexpectedly designates his sole daughter, who is a nun, as his estate’s sole heir. Currently, it enjoys a 78% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

In this sixth installment of the cherished martial arts series known as “Karate Kid: Legends,” I step back into the shoes of Mr. Han, a role I last donned in 2010 alongside Jaden Smith in “The Karate Kid.” The storyline echoes the original 1984 movie, where we follow a talented young kung fu practitioner who moves to New York City and sets off on an adventure to compete in the ultimate karate tournament. Under the guidance of my wisdom and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), our protagonist learns the true essence of martial arts. Although critics have given it a 59% score, audiences seem to adore it more with a 91% rating.

Sources: NME, Variety

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2025-06-03 19:02