Jackie Chan to film story of 256-year-old man
Chinese martial arts legend Jackie Chan is reportedly preparing to produce a film based on the extraordinary life of Li Ching-Yuen, a man who is said to have lived an astonishing 256 years.
Born in China’s Sichuan province, Li was believed to have begun collecting herbal medicines at the age of ten, a practice that would later lead him to become a healer. His travels took him across many regions, and by the age of 72, he had settled in the Kaixian area. Records claim that in 1749, Li joined the Chinese army, where he also trained soldiers in martial arts. By 1927, he returned to Sichuan, having already gained a legendary reputation.
Li’s life was as colourful as it was mysterious. He reportedly married 24 times and fathered around 500 children, witnessing 11 generations over the course of his life. When he died in 1933, his age was recorded as 256, a claim that has sparked debate among historians and scholars ever since. While many question the authenticity of these records, the story has remained one of the most fascinating legends in Chinese history.
Jackie Chan, intrigued by Li’s mythical lifespan and incredible adventures, has now taken it upon himself to tell this story on the silver screen. Sources suggest that Chan’s production company has already begun early development, with the actor himself actively involved in researching the narrative.
Reportedly, Chan and his writing team have been working on the project for over two years, meticulously collecting stories, manuscripts, and references related to Li from around the world. Translating these accounts from various languages and scripts has been a time-consuming process, but the team is determined to ensure accuracy and depth.
In pursuit of authenticity, Chan’s team is scouring libraries and archives globally to piece together a script that balances historical detail with cinematic storytelling. This ambitious undertaking is expected to be one of the most challenging projects of Jackie Chan’s career. How the star will bring this extraordinary tale to life remains to be seen, but expectations are already sky-high.
