THERE WAS NO way Jackie Chan was going to let Real Madrid take the shine off the long-awaited premiere of his movie, The Medallion.

The movie commanded a budget of $35 million, making it the most expensive film produced in Hong Kong. Originally dubbed Highbinders, the film suffered numerous delays after production began more than two years ago. Despite the hiccups, Hong Kong's star rose to the occasion, bringing with him more than 2,000 guests.

About 300 of those were fans from Japan, Austria, Britain and North America. Press from neighbouring countries also stood among the throng happily gazing at the megastar on a custom-made $5 million stage. Below the bright lights and camera flashes, murmurings could be heard about the whereabouts of fellow cast members Julian Sands and Claire Forlani, who were mysteriously missing in action. But the staggered arrival of the Emperor artists kept the fans at bay, with Eason Chan Yick-shun, Nicholas Tse Ting-fung, and the ubiquitous Twins making the biggest stir.