Jet Li makes his first crossover into short-form dramas, calls himself a newcomer and willingly plays a supporting role, boldly responding to claims it’s a “step down.”

(Beijing, Feb 1) At 62, kung fu superstar Jet Li has largely stepped away from the big screen in recent years. Last year, he sparked widespread concern after sharing a photo from a hospital bed, which led to online rumors claiming he had undergone a heart transplant or even a blood replacement procedure to reverse aging. Jet Li later addressed the speculation directly in a video, firmly denying the false claims.

Recently, Jet Li made a public appearance in Chongqing, attending the opening ceremony of the short-form drama Source Power: Jianghu (Yuan Li Jiang Hu). Appearing as a “special guest,” the project marks his first foray into the short drama format and has quickly become a hot topic online.

According to overseas media reports, Jet Li humorously described himself as a “newcomer to short dramas” and positioned himself as a supporting figure rather than the spotlight. He emphasized that his participation is not driven by commercial interests, but by a desire to mentor young performers and contribute to the preservation and evolution of Chinese martial arts culture. “My greatest dream,” he said, “is to help young people understand the true spirit of martial arts through a kung fu short drama.”

The production is being filmed in Bishan District, Chongqing, and is jointly produced by the local Culture and Tourism Development Committee, reflecting official support for promoting traditional martial arts. Jet Li will also personally guide action choreography on set. Many Chinese netizens believe the involvement of an international star signals an effort to elevate short dramas to higher-quality productions, challenging the stereotype of the genre as low-budget and low-quality.

Despite reports that Jet Li’s net worth exceeds HK$2 billion, his decision to appear in a short drama has drawn skepticism from some quarters. In response, his team clarified that the project represents a commitment to cultural inheritance rather than a career downgrade. By collaborating with the “Dream Builders Project,” Jet Li is participating without pay, supporting rising talents such as martial arts all-round champion Sun Linya and skilled actor Du Yafei, with the goal of helping them gain international exposure.