Hong Kong movie icon Jackie Chan said he expects to stop starring in action films in five years time, but he'll keep himself busy by producing and directing.

The 51-year old Hollywood star said he still considers martial arts roles relatively easy, noting that Hollywood veterans such as Clint Eastwood have continued to appear in action thrillers despite their age.

Chan was at a news conference on Monday in Malaysia to promote his latest film, The Myth, in which he plays an ancient general reincarnated as a modern-day archaeologist.

Chan said he plans to produce more action movies even when he's no longer the leading man. But he also wants to make small-budget films and National Geographic-style documentaries and help train young directors and stunt actors.

The Myth, which also features South Korean actress Kim Hee-sun and Hollywood screen siren Mallika Sherawat, will be released in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia on September 23rd and later in other Asian countries.

Chan said he is taking a break from Hollywood after his most recent film, Around the World in 80 Days, was a box-office flop last year.

Chan said he will return with a kung fu project to be shot late next year or in early 2007, probably with the makers of the Rush Hour action-comedy series, which has marked Chan's biggest international success to date.

(CRI September 14, 2005)