Movies

Jackie Chan’s Secret 7-Movie Franchise Revealed

BBG News

Despite being a trilogy, the “Lucky Stars” series is generally less recognized as a significant part of Jackie Chan’s career. While many of Jackie Chan’s kung fu films are standalone movies, some have expanded into full-fledged franchises like “Rush Hour” and “Police Story.” Notably, films such as “Drunken Master” and “Armour of God” have also spawned sequels.

It’s true that many Jackie Chan movies are well-known and successful enough to warrant sequels. However, this isn’t always the case for “Winners and Sinners,” which is often overlooked in his filmography but still managed to spawn two more installments featuring Chan. Interestingly, there were also numerous follow-ups produced even after he stopped being involved.

Jackie Chan’s Role In Winners & Sinners Explained

Jackie Chan Played Cop #7086 In Winners & Sinners

In the year 1983, Jackie Chan took on a supporting role in the Hong Kong martial arts comedy film titled “Winners & Sinners.” Notably, Sammo Hung, one of Jackie Chan’s frequent collaborators, was the creator behind this movie. The plot revolves around a group of men who cross paths in prison and later bond outside, establishing the Five Stars Cleaning Company as their unique friendship blossoms.

As a movie reviewer, I’d say: “In ‘Winners & Sinners’, I found myself immersed in a tale that seamlessly blends martial arts mayhem with laugh-out-loud comedy. The humor primarily stems from the antics that ensue when the quirky group known as ‘the Five Stars‘ share living quarters and vie for the affection of one sister. It’s a hilarious ride, full of mishaps and misadventures!

Certainly, There’s also activity involved, as a bag filled with fake money unintentionally lands in their hands. This is when Jackie Chan’s character makes an appearance; instead of being one of the primary characters, Chan plays “Officer #7086“, a policeman who momentarily becomes embroiled in the chase for the bag.

In a surprising twist from what fans of Jackie Chan, a major star in the 1980s, might typically anticipate, the film Winners & Sinners offers something different for Chan’s character, as he is neither central nor pivotal to the climactic action scenes. However, given his exceptional martial arts abilities and endearing clumsiness, Chan’s portrayal remains intriguing and appealing to Jackie Chan enthusiasts.

Jackie Chan Received Bigger Roles in Winners & Sinners’ Two Sequels

Jackie Chan Played Muscles In My Lucky Stars & Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars

After the release of Winners & Sinners, there were two follow-up movies, starting with My Lucky Stars. This film got its name from the cleaning company operated by the five main characters, and it became the title used for the entire franchise. Ever since then, the central group of friends in this series is often referred to as the “Lucky Stars”.

In the 1985 sequel of “My Lucky Stars,” Jackie Chan’s character, Muscles, deepened his bond with the group, but he remained an unofficial ally rather than a full member due to his outside status as a martial artist and police officer.

In “My Lucky Stars,” Chan is given a substantial role rather than being relegated to the sidelines. He initiates the storyline and plays a crucial part in the climactic events, all while respecting the primary characters. The film smartly capitalizes on Chan’s rising fame in 1985 without eclipsing other key characters.

In the third installment of the series titled “Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars“, the same approach is used. Just as before, Jackie Chan reprises his character Muscles and teams up with the Lucky Stars to combat the film’s antagonists. He delivers some impressive scenes and action sequences, yet much like his role in “My Lucky Stars,“, it doesn’t fully embody a classic Jackie Chan movie.

The Lucky Stars Had 4 More Installments After Jackie Chan’s Exit

The Lucky Stars Franchise Lasted Between 1983 & 1996

While it’s commonly considered that the three “Lucky Stars” movies Jackie Chan starred in concluded the series, this isn’t entirely accurate. The “Lucky Stars” franchise continued for many years beyond these films, with martial arts legend Sammo Hung, the creator, staying on as the main actor until the end of its run. However, after the trilogy, the creative direction of the series underwent a significant shift, as Hung remained involved but was no longer the primary decision-maker.

In the sequel titled “Lucky Stars Go Places“, the escapades of the Lucky Stars crew unfolded. This movie served as a blend, bringing together the characters from the Lucky Stars cast and those of the Aces Go Places, another well-known Hong Kong comedy series back then.

In 1989, the series went back to a classic structure with “Return of the Lucky Stars,” a format that was also seen in its final two episodes, “Lucky Stars Ghost Encounter” and “How to Meet the Lucky Stars.” Released in 1996, “How to Meet the Lucky Stars” marked the conclusion of Sammo Hung’s series.

The Lucky Stars Series Has A Great Ensemble Cast Full Of Recognizable Actors

Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, and Andy Lau Have All Made Guest Appearances

Over the course of a seven-part series that runs for 16 years, the “Lucky Stars” collection showcases a changing lineup of performers. Initially, Sammo Hung, John Shum, Richard Ng, Stanley Fung, and Charlie Chin form the main group, as indicated by the franchise’s title. However, in the film titled “My Lucky Stars“, John Shum is replaced by Eric Tsang.

Among them, Hung, Ng, and Fung were the ones who featured in all seven movies. Tsang made an appearance in every film starting from his debut. At times, certain Lucky Stars members took on lesser roles, allowing other supporting characters to take on significant roles instead.

Besides the main cast of Lucky Stars, the franchise featured a variety of well-known actors from Hong Kong’s film industry. Jackie Chan stood out as the series’ most frequent guest actor, but over the years they also managed to attract even greater star power, including Andy Lau, Michelle Yeoh, Rosamund Kwan, Yuen Biao, and others.

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2025-07-06 00:48

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