Jackie Chan reveals he recorded farewell song for release after his death

At the premiere of his new drama film "Unexpected Family" in Beijing on Dec. 28, kung fu icon Jackie Chan revealed that he has recorded a song bidding farewell to the world, which will be released on the day he dies.

Jackie Chan meets the audience at the premiere of "Unexpected Family" in Beijing, Dec. 28, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

Chan became emotional at the event, stating that frequent losses of loved ones in recent years, which he often commemorates online, have changed his outlook on life.

"Gradually, I came to feel it doesn't matter. I feel that whatever I want to say, I should say now; whatever I want to do, I should do immediately. I want to let go of everything, become happy, and no longer dwell on the unknown," he said.

The star, now 71, said that he has put all his final words into a song he has recorded. Many fans in attendance became tearful when they heard Chan saying this, with some prompting him to sing a little of the song. "No, you'll cry when I sing a few lines," he responded.

His management and family do not want it released now, but Chan told them that while they can keep the song under wraps for now, it must be made public on the day he passes away.

"I thought about how I will die in my 40s; maybe I can do a stunt so dangerously and I die, then I will become a legend," he joked, but now he is no longer obsessed with being a kung fu superhero.

His new film is proof that he has moved beyond simply action and fight scenes, instead portraying an elderly man with Alzheimer's disease. The story follows an elderly landlord who mistakenly confuses his tenant for his own son and forms a makeshift household under the same roof with a health product salesperson, a real estate agent and a neighbor, leading to a series of heartwarming and unexpected events.

"I want to show the world I'm an actor who knows kung fu, not just an action star," Chan said. "I want you to accept my transformation."

He even recalled a regret: not starring in Chen Kaige's classic "Farewell My Concubine" (1993), where he wanted to play the role portrayed by Zhang Fengyi. His company rejected the idea, however, citing brand restrictions at that time dictating that "Jackie Chan" should not die, have a girlfriend or share kissing scenes in a film. But now, everything has changed.

"People will get old eventually, and it is a happiness to age gradually," he said, recalling a recent news video clip in which a child in Gaza was asked what he wanted to do when he grew up. The child responded that children in that region cannot grow up. "My tears immediately streamed down," he said. "So you know, we old people are really lucky and happy."

A still from "Unexpected Family." [Image courtesy of China Film Group]

Chan joined "Unexpected Family" because its story, inspired by the director Li Taiyan's own grandmother with Alzheimer's, reminded him of his own mother. While he was apprehensive at first about taking the role, he immersed himself in a hospital before filming. He hopes the film can raise awareness about the disease and motivate people to show greater care and compassion toward those with the condition when it releases on Jan. 1, 2026.

"Previously I said, if I can still fight ― now I say, if I can still act, I will bring at least one movie a year to you, in different genres, for fans who love cinema. Thank you for your support over the years," he added. 

The star revealed his next projects include the kung fu comedy "Panda Plan 2" for the Spring Festival, and the sequel to this year's highly acclaimed action film "The Shadow's Edge," which will start production at the end of 2026.