DistantNews
Support us
🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

When Jackie Chan came to the Australian Alps and left with hypothermia

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Thirty years ago, Jackie Chan filmed scenes for "First Strike" in Australia's Victorian Alps, specifically at Falls Creek resort.
  • The production required snow that resembled Eastern Europe and involved stunts, including a helicopter jump into a frozen lake.
  • Chan experienced hypothermia during a challenging stunt where he spent approximately 30 minutes in the icy water without a wetsuit.

Thirty years ago, the Australian Alps became an unlikely filming location for Jackie Chan's blockbuster "First Strike," the fourth installment in his "Police Story" series. The production crew sought snow conditions that could double for Eastern Europe, ultimately choosing Falls Creek in Victoria for its dramatic slopes and mountainous terrain.

Because I had a business to run and what they were offering financially wasn't worth it I wasn't interested. But I asked what they would have paid the Canadian guys to do the main stunts and that was worth it!

— Steve LeeThe former Olympian explained his initial reluctance and eventual decision to participate in the filming of 'First Strike'.

Falls Creek, known for its winter sports, hosted the Hollywood crew for scenes involving a James Bond-inspired snow chase. The resort's landscape around Mount McKay and Pretty Valley provided the backdrop for the action. Steve Lee, a former World Cup skier and three-time Winter Olympian based in Falls Creek, was instrumental in facilitating the shoot after being recommended by Canadian Ski Hall of Fame member John Eaves.

Jackie had broken his ankle making Rumble in the Bronx, so First Strike director Stanley Tong stepped in. He'd do that whenever Jackie was injured. It had been happening for years and years.

— Steve LeeLee described how director Stanley Tong often performed stunts for Jackie Chan when the star was injured.

During filming in the winter of 1995, the production pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking. Canadian stunt skiers were involved, but when some sustained injuries, Lee was asked to step in. He recalled that while he initially declined due to business commitments, the financial offer for performing the main stunts was significant. The film's director, Stanley Tong, often stepped in for Chan when the star was injured, including performing a daring 100-foot fall from an exploding helicopter into a frozen lake.

Stanley had to do the 100-foot-plus [30-metre] fall off an exploding helicopter into a frozen lake.

— Steve LeeLee recounted one of the most dangerous stunts performed during the filming of 'First Strike'.

Jackie Chan himself endured harsh conditions for the film, notably suffering from hypothermia. During a close-up shot, Chan spent about 30 minutes in the freezing lake, submerged beneath an ice sheet, without a wetsuit. He had to be pulled from the water and received medical treatment to warm up, a testament to his dedication and the demanding nature of his stunts. Lee described Chan as a "tough character" who was also interested in learning about Australian winter sports.

Jackie didn't have a wetsuit on and spent about 30 minutes in the lake climbing up and under an ice sheet trying to get 'the' shot. He had to be pulled from the water and had medical treatment to warm up. Yes, it was hyperthermia. He's a tough character.

— Steve LeeLee described Jackie Chan's ordeal with hypothermia during a challenging stunt in the frozen lake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog