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| Jet Li Steps Into Short-Form Drama to Pass On Kung Fu Spirit to the Next Generation (Photo: Sohu) |
Jet Li is a name forever tied to cinema screens, packed theatres, and an era when kung fu films ruled popular culture. That’s why his latest move has quietly surprised the industry. Instead of returning with another blockbuster, the legendary action star has chosen a short-form drama — not for hype, not for money, but to speak directly to younger audiences who live in a very different media world.
On January 31, Jet Li shared a video from the opening ceremony of the short-form drama Source Power: Jianghu. Appearing in Chongqing for the launch, he kept things low-key in a black padded jacket, red scarf, and cap, standing among the crew without the usual superstar distance. The project marks his first ever involvement in a short-form drama, where he joins as a special guest rather than the main lead.
For many fans, the format alone raised eyebrows. Jet Li has spent decades shaping martial arts cinema on the big screen, so why step into short episodes designed for mobile viewing? His answer was simple and unusually sincere.
He explained that his biggest dream is for a kung fu short-form drama to help young people truly understand martial arts — not just the moves, but the values behind them.
Rather than positioning himself at the centre, Jet Li described his role as a “green leaf”, a term often used in Chinese entertainment to describe someone who supports others to shine.
He openly said he was happy to stand behind newcomers, using his experience to help young actors build confidence and chase their own dreams. For him, the project is about passing on culture, not collecting another credit.
Source Power: Jianghu focuses on traditional martial arts spirit through a modern short-drama format, blending action training, discipline, and character growth.
The cast includes young performers with real martial arts foundations, and Jet Li has hinted that he will be personally involved in guiding action scenes to ensure authenticity.
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The aim is clear: make kung fu accessible, shareable, and relevant in an age dominated by fast content and short attention spans.
The announcement also sparked discussion online, especially around rumours questioning whether a short drama is “beneath” a star of his stature.
Jet Li addressed this head-on, stressing that his decision has nothing to do with commercial value.
He framed the project as part of a long-term cultural responsibility, choosing a format that today’s youth actually watch rather than clinging to old prestige labels.
Netizen reactions have been split but passionate. Supporters praised his humility, saying that if someone of his calibre is willing to support short-form storytelling, it could raise the entire genre’s standards.
Many welcomed the idea of younger viewers learning real kung fu principles rather than stylised action alone.
On the other side, some viewers admitted they were surprised, questioning whether short dramas can truly carry the depth of martial arts philosophy.
Still, even critics acknowledged that Jet Li’s involvement alone brings credibility and curiosity.
What’s clear is that Source Power: Jianghu isn’t trying to replace cinema. It’s testing a different path — using shorter episodes to keep traditional culture alive where younger audiences actually spend their time. Whether it succeeds or not, Jet Li’s choice signals a shift in how veteran artists see legacy in the streaming era.
So what do you think? Is short-form drama the right way to introduce kung fu values to a new generation, or should martial arts stay rooted in full-length storytelling?