Did you know that “Nicky Larson and Cupid’s Perfume”, the comedy by and with Philippe Lacheau, was not the only live action adaptation of the famous manga? In 1993, a version with Jackie Chan was indeed released in theaters!
The feature film Nicky Larson and Cupid’s perfume, broadcast this Friday evening on M6, is the live adaptation of the famous manga City Hunter (which gave birth in the 80s to a remarkable cartoon). To acquire the rights and realize his dream, Philippe Lacheau, director and main actor of the comedy, encountered a lot of difficulties but finally seduced Tsukasa Hōjō, the creator of the work.
Philippe Lacheau therefore had the honor of being able to adapt this cult manga into live action with great public success (nearly 1.7 million spectators attended). But did you know that he was not the only one to have embodied in flesh and blood the character of Nicky Larson?
In 1993, a version led by a certain… Jackie Chan was released in theaters! Titled Niki Larson (with a “k”), the feature film stars the Asian star as private detective Ryo Saeba, aka Niki Larson. Alongside his assistant, he investigates the disappearance of the daughter of a great press mogul. His investigations then take him to a ship taken hostage by savage criminals.
What to remember from this Nicky Larson worn by Jackie Chan? There is logically humor, action and an obsessed hero, but also a parody of the video game street fighter 2 which notably sees the Asian actor slipping in the guise of Edmond Honda and Chun-Li.
Note, for completeness, that another live version of CityHunter appeared on the big screen. Called Mr Mumble, the feature film was released in theaters in 1996.
The trailer for “Nicky Larson and Cupid’s Perfume”: