Chan Now Steps Aside For Stand-Ins

Renowned for performing his own daredevil stunts, and breaking many bones in the process, Hong Kong's action movie star Jackie Chan has started using body doubles — but only when he has to.

"I will use stunt doubles if you ask me to ride an F-16 jet fighter, or to jump over a series of hurdles with a crazy horse, or to perform two 720-degree somersaults," Chan said in remarks that his manager e-mailed to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

"But one somersault, I'll do it myself," said the 48-year-old Chan. "I will do what I could do and I won't do anything that is out of my capability."

Chan was responding to a reporter's inquiry about a recent story in the South China Morning Post newspaper that said Chan used at least seven stunt doubles in his recent film, "The Tuxedo."

The Post quoted Chan as saying it wasn't his decision and the director and studio officials "call the shots."

The Hong Kong native made his mark in international film with his stunts and dance-like martial arts choreography, but he said recently he wants to move on to dramatic roles.

Chan said in 2001 he could only do his own martial arts stunts for another five years.