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Jet Li
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=== International career === In 1998, he made his international film debut in ''[[Lethal Weapon 4]]'' which also marked the first time he had ever played a villain in a film. He agreed to do ''Lethal Weapon 4'' after the producer [[Joel Silver]] promised to give him the leading role in his next film, ''[[Romeo Must Die]]'' (2000), alongside singer [[Aaliyah]]. The film became a box office hit. Though Li spoke very little English at the time of production, his performance as Chinese mafia hitman Wah Sing Ku was praised.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/lethalweapon4osullivan.htm |title = Another Day, Another 'Lethal Weapon' |last = O'Sullivan |first = Michael |newspaper = [[The Washington Post]] |publisher = [[Jeff Bezos|Nash Holdings LLC]] |date = 10 July 1998 |access-date = 25 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305005616/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/lethalweapon4osullivan.htm |archive-date = 5 March 2016 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url = https://www.ew.com/article/1998/07/17/lethal-weapon-4 |title = Lethal Weapon 4 |last = Schwarzbaum |first = Lisa |author-link = Lisa Schwarzbaum |magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher = [[Time Inc.]] |date = 17 July 1998 |access-date = 25 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161106114501/http://www.ew.com/article/1998/07/17/lethal-weapon-4 |archive-date = 6 November 2016 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> Li turned down [[Chow Yun-fat]]'s role in ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]'' (2000) because he promised his wife that he would not make any films during her pregnancy.<ref>Burr, Martha. "Kiss of the Dragon." ''Kung Fu Magazine'' June 2001 [http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=311 KungFuMagazine.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904060129/http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=311 |date=4 September 2007 }}, 13 February 2007</ref> He also turned down the role of [[Seraph (The Matrix)|Seraph]] in ''[[The Matrix]]'' trilogy, based on his belief that the role was not one which required his skills and that the films were iconic and stunning enough without adding his name to the cast list. Li was also cast as [[Kato (The Green Hornet)|Kato]] in ''[[The Green Hornet (2011 film)|The Green Hornet]]'' when the film was still in development in 2000. In 2001, it was moved to another studio. When the film was moved on again and released in 2011, the role of Kato was portrayed by [[Jay Chou]]. In 2001, he appeared in two more films: ''[[The One (2001 film)|The One]]'', which was the first of his films with [[Jason Statham]], and ''[[Kiss of the Dragon]]'' opposite [[Bridget Fonda]] which did moderately well at the box office. In July 2001, Li agreed to produce and star in an action film with [[Jackie Chan]] which was to be released in 2002 or 2003, but no further news of their collaboration surfaced until 2006. In 2002, the period martial arts epic film ''[[Hero (2002 film)|Hero]]'' was released in the Chinese market. This film was both a commercial and critical success and became the highest-grossing motion picture in [[Cinema of China|Chinese film history]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2009/09-067.html |title = Special Screening of Historic Movie "Hero" at the Library Promotes Cultural Understanding |publisher = [[Library of Congress]] |access-date = 30 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160816110902/http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2009/09-067.html |archive-date = 16 August 2016 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> In 2003 he reunited with producer Joel Silver for the action thriller film ''[[Cradle 2 the Grave]]'' where he starred alongside rapper [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]] and fellow martial artist [[Mark Dacascos]]. In 2004, Li lent his likeness, voice and provided motion capture work for the video game ''[[Jet Li: Rise to Honor]]''. Li was presented the Visionary Award by East West Players, the oldest [[Asian Americans|Asian American]] theatre in the United States,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://china.usc.edu/behind-curtains-evolution-and-impact-asian-americans-theatre|title=Behind the Curtains: The Evolution and Impact of Asian Americans in Theatre {{!}} US-China Institute|website=china.usc.edu|language=en|access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref> in 2002 by contemporary [[John Woo]]. The award recognizes "artists who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific American community through theater, film and television."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aatrevue.com/Old/EWP0206b.html|title=East West celebrates 40th Anniversary|website=aatrevue.com|access-date=2019-07-24}}</ref> He delivered his acceptance speech in his native language of Mandarin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://v1.asianconnections.com/entertainment/interviews/2002/05/08/ewp.visionary.awards/|title=AsianConnections: Coverage of East West Players Visionary Awards (Amy Hill, John Cho, Jet Li, John Woo)|website=v1.asianconnections.com|access-date=2019-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724204935/http://v1.asianconnections.com/entertainment/interviews/2002/05/08/ewp.visionary.awards/|archive-date=24 July 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> Li took on a more serious role in the 2005 film, ''[[Unleashed (2005 film)|Unleashed]]'' (a.k.a. ''Danny the Dog''), where he portrayed an adult with the mentality of a child who has been raised like an animal. Although his martial arts skills were used extensively, it was a somber film with more depth than had been previously seen in Li's films, and co-starred dramatic actors [[Bob Hoskins]] and [[Morgan Freeman]]. In 2006, the [[martial arts film]] epic ''[[Fearless (2006 film)|Fearless]]'', was released worldwide. Although he will continue to make martial arts films, ''Fearless'' is his last wushu martial arts film.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.slashfilm.com/848100/why-jet-li-wanted-fearless-to-be-his-last-martial-arts-movie/ | title=Why Jet Li Wanted Fearless to be His Last Martial Arts Movie | date=29 April 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/17/movies/17raff.html# | title=Exit Kicking: Jet Li's Martial Arts Swan Song | work=The New York Times | date=17 September 2006 | last1=Rafferty | first1=Terrence }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://outlawvern.com/2006/09/28/jet-lis-fearless/ | title=Jet Li's Fearless | VErn's REVIEWS on the FILMS of CINEMA | date=28 September 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Jet Li – Fearless |url = https://www.dvdtalk.com/interviews/jet_li_fearless.html |website = DVD Talk |access-date = 19 January 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304214449/http://www.dvdtalk.com/interviews/jet_li_fearless.html |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> In ''Fearless'', he played [[Huo Yuanjia]], the real-life founder of [[Chin Woo Athletic Association]], who reportedly defeated foreign boxers and Japanese martial artists in publicised events at a time when China's power was seen as eroding. Together with the film ''[[Fist of Legend]]'', Li has portrayed both Chen Jun, the student and avenger of Huo Yuanjia (a.k.a. Fok Yun Gap), as well as Huo Yuanjia himself. ''Fearless'' was released on 26 January 2006 in Hong Kong, followed by a 22 September 2006 release in the United States where it reached second place in its first weekend. {{blockquote|I stepped into the martial arts movie market when I was only 16. I think I have proved my ability in this field and it won't make sense for me to continue for another five or 10 years. Huo Yuanjia is a conclusion to my life as a martial arts star.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001472/bio |title = Jet Li |work = IMDb |access-date = 30 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160403205812/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001472/bio |archive-date = 3 April 2016 |df = dmy-all }}</ref>}} Li has stated in an interview with the ''Shenzhen Daily'' newspaper that this will be his last martial arts epic, which is also stated in the film's television promotions. However, he plans to continue his film career in other genres. Specifically, he plans to continue acting in epic action and martial arts films dealing more with religious and philosophical issues.{{citation needed|date=January 2016}} Li's 2007 Hollywood film, ''[[War (2007 film)|War]]'', was released in August of that year, and re-teamed him with actor [[Jason Statham]], who previously starred with him in ''The One'', and action choreographer [[Corey Yuen]]. ''War'' raked in a disappointing {{US$|23{{nbsp}}million|link=yes}} at the box office, becoming one of Li's lowest grossers in America; however, it was a hit on video, accumulating nearly {{US$|52{{nbsp}}million}} in rental revenue, more than doubling its box office take.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=homevideo&id=war07.htm |title = War Rental Revenue |publisher = Boxofficemojo.com |access-date = 2 October 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120127060626/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=homevideo&id=war07.htm |archive-date = 27 January 2012 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> With the exception of ''[[Romeo Must Die]]'' and the worldwide release of ''[[Hero (2002 film)|Hero]]'', most of Li's American/Western films have been only modest hits like ''[[Kiss of the Dragon]]'', ''[[The One (2001 film)|The One]]'', ''[[Unleashed (2005 film)|Unleashed]]'', ''[[Cradle 2 the Grave]]'', and the worldwide release of ''[[Fearless (2006 film)|Fearless]]''. {{blockquote|quote=He has a very good control of the strength of every fist and kick. In the past, he used too much strength, those that get hit would be in great pain. He's the archetype of power. […] Yes, he's still the best.|source=[[Yuen Woo-ping]] martial arts choreographer<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/526-Yuen-Wo-Ping-Interview-Jet-Li-Approaches-Mastership;-Jackie-Chan-Maintains-His-Standard.html |title = Yuen Wo Ping interview |publisher = The Bund |date = 6 May 2008 |access-date = 19 August 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090605035033/http://wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/526-Yuen-Wo-Ping-Interview-Jet-Li-Approaches-Mastership;-Jackie-Chan-Maintains-His-Standard.html |archive-date = 5 June 2009 |df = dmy-all }}</ref>}} Li was appointed by the Chinese Wushu Association as the "Image Ambassador of Wushu" (or [[International Wushu Federation|IWUF]] ambassador) at the [[2007 World Wushu Championships]] in Beijing. In late 2007, Li returned again to China to participate in the China/Hong Kong co-production of the period war film ''[[The Warlords]]'' with [[Andy Lau]] and [[Takeshi Kaneshiro]]. This film, with its focus on dramatics rather than martial arts, netted Li the [[Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor]]. Li and fellow martial arts veteran [[Jackie Chan]] finally appeared together onscreen for the first time in ''[[The Forbidden Kingdom]]'', which began filming in May 2007 and was released to critical and commercial success on 18 April 2008. The film was based on the legend of the [[Monkey King]] from the Chinese folk novel ''[[Journey to the West]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://jackiechan.com/blog/207242--Shooting-Begins |title = Shooting Begins |publisher = Jackiechan.com |date = 1 May 2007 |access-date = 2 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110726072542/http://jackiechan.com/blog/207242--Shooting-Begins |archive-date = 26 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.disney.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422204531/http://movies.go.com/forbidden-kingdom/d922700/action|url-status=dead|title=Disney.com | The official home for all things Disney|archive-date=22 April 2008|website=Disney Home}}</ref> Li also starred as the lead villain Emperor Han in the fantasy action film ''[[The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor]]'' with actors [[Brendan Fraser]], [[Isabella Leong]] and [[Michelle Yeoh]].<ref>Chung, Philip W. (1 August 2008). [http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/01/jet-li-and-michelle-yeoh-from-tai-chi-master-to-the-mummy/ "Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh: From ‘Tai Chi Master’ to ‘The Mummy’"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917133632/http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/01/jet-li-and-michelle-yeoh-from-tai-chi-master-to-the-mummy/ |date=17 September 2008 }}. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on 4 August 2008.</ref> In 2009, he launched his own fitness program, Wuji<ref>{{cite web |title=Jet Li Promotes 'Wuji' Exercise |url=http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/08/06/1261s507090.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308132721/http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/08/06/1261s507090.htm |archive-date=8 March 2011 |access-date=16 August 2010 |publisher=crienglish.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref>—which consists of elements of martial arts, [[yoga]] and [[pilates]]—and [[Adidas]] launched a special clothing line for it that bears the initials of "JL".<ref>{{cite web |last=Gan |first=Tian |date=26 June 2009 |title=The Glory of Wu Ji |url=http://chinadaily.cn/life/2009-06/26/content_8327504.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110806014008/http://chinadaily.cn/life/2009-06/26/content_8327504.htm |archive-date=6 August 2011 |work=China Daily}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wuji |url=http://www.adidas.com/wuji |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030210305/http://www.adidas.com/wuji |archive-date=30 October 2015 |access-date=16 August 2010 |publisher=adidas.com |language=zh}}</ref> After a one-year hiatus from filmmaking, Li returned to acting in 2010, portraying a mercenary in the film ''[[The Expendables (2010 film)|The Expendables]]'', teaming up with action stars [[Sylvester Stallone]], [[Jason Statham]], [[Dolph Lundgren]], [[Mickey Rourke]], [[Eric Roberts]], [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]], [[Terry Crews]], and [[Randy Couture]]. It was the third time he had teamed up with Statham. In 2012, he reprised his role briefly in the sequel ''[[The Expendables 2]]'' and returned for the third film ''[[The Expendables 3]]'' in 2014. Li was initially stated to be appearing with [[Vin Diesel]] in ''[[XXX: Return of Xander Cage]]'', but according to a Facebook post by Diesel, Li was replaced by [[Donnie Yen]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://twitchfilm.com/2016/01/tony-jaa-jet-li-and-deepika-padukone-join-vin-diesel-in-xxx-the-return-of-xander-cage.html |title=Tony Jaa, Jet Li and Deepika Padukone Join Vin Diesel In XXX: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE |publisher=Twitch |last=Brown |first=Todd |date=1 January 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121193204/http://twitchfilm.com/2016/01/tony-jaa-jet-li-and-deepika-padukone-join-vin-diesel-in-xxx-the-return-of-xander-cage.html |archive-date=21 January 2016 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/VinDiesel/photos/a.101465923312.101581.89562268312/10154038717698313/?type=3&permPage=1 |title=Vin Diesel / photos |publisher=[[Facebook]] |access-date=17 February 2016 |date=12 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116203008/https://www.facebook.com/VinDiesel/photos/a.101465923312.101581.89562268312/10154038717698313/?type=3&permPage=1 |archive-date=16 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/donnie-yen-takes-over-jet-lis-xxx-the-return-of-xander-cage-role-156 |title=Donnie Yen Takes Over Jet Li's ''XXX: The Return of Xander Cage'' Role |date=12 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218082548/http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/donnie-yen-takes-over-jet-lis-xxx-the-return-of-xander-cage-role-156 |archive-date=18 February 2016 |df=dmy-all |access-date=12 February 2016}}</ref> Li plays the Emperor of China for the 2020 live action movie, ''[[Mulan (2020 film)|Mulan]]''.<ref name="LiCast" />
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