Why Jackie Chan Turned Down Everything Everywhere All at Once

Everything Everywhere All at Once took the film world by storm, earning critical acclaim and dominating awards season. Yet, a lesser-known fact about the movie has recently come back into the spotlight: the original script was crafted with Jackie Chan as the lead before Michelle Yeoh stepped in to take on the reimagined role.

Jackie Chan Was the First Choice for the Lead

When the film was first conceived, the creative team envisioned Chan in the central role. The story, which centers on a parent coming to terms with their daughter's sexuality, sparked conversation online, especially given Chan's real-life relationship with his estranged daughter. Some fans found the idea of Chan portraying a father who embraces his lesbian daughter almost surreal, with one social media user remarking,

Asking Jackie Chan to play a character that ends up loving and accepting his lesbian daughter is unreal. It feels like a prank.

Despite the speculation, there’s no evidence to suggest that Chan’s personal life influenced his decision to pass on the project. Michelle Yeoh clarified that the choice was based on scheduling and creative direction, not personal beliefs. She shared that after Chan was unable to commit, the filmmakers decided to flip the character’s gender, which opened up new emotional territory for the story. Yeoh recalled,

So it was completely [role-reversed]. And I remember Jackie texted me and said, ‘Congratulations. You realize that your boys came to see me first? and I’m like, ‘Thank you, bro. You did me a huge favor.’

Creative Shifts and a New Direction

Chan’s packed calendar made it impossible for him to join the project, prompting the directors to rethink the narrative. By switching the lead to a female character, they not only solved their casting dilemma but also unlocked a deeper, more nuanced dynamic between mother and daughter. This change ultimately became one of the film’s defining strengths, resonating with audiences and critics alike.

While rumors swirled about Chan’s reasons for declining, Yeoh’s comments make it clear that the decision was rooted in logistics and creative vision, not controversy. The film’s success with Yeoh at the helm suggests the shift was a blessing in disguise.

Jackie Chan’s Relationship With His Daughter

Although the narrative about Chan rejecting the film for personal reasons doesn’t hold up, his relationship with his daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, has been a topic of public interest. Etta, born from an extramarital affair, has been estranged from Chan for much of her life. She has spoken openly about their strained relationship and the challenges she’s faced, including periods of homelessness. In his memoir, Chan reflected on the fallout from his affair, writing,

When the news broke about an affair I’d had that resulted in a child, the media frenzy was like a bomb going off. I wanted to phone Joan, but I didn’t know what to say. I wouldn’t be able to explain this. It wasn’t a mistake I could fix just by saying ‘I’m sorry.’

Recent reports indicate that Chan has been making efforts to reconnect with Etta, offering support not only financially but also for her career in design. This development suggests a possible shift in their relationship, even if it’s happening quietly and away from the public eye.

About the Film

Everything Everywhere All at Once is directed and written by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. The cast includes Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film runs for 139 minutes and holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 79% audience score. It’s available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ in the United States.

While Chan didn’t end up playing the on-screen parent who embraces his daughter’s identity, his real-life journey seems to be moving in a similar direction. The film’s focus on a mother-daughter relationship, however, has become one of its most celebrated aspects.