Though he didn't achieve mainstream stardom Stateside until the release of the 1998 action-buddy comedy "Rush Hour" opposite Chris Tucker, Chan was without a doubt the most successful action-movie star in his native Hong Kong beginning in the late 1970s, wowing audiences with his superhuman stunt work and breaking box-office records set by predecessor Bruce Lee. While he may have said he's retiring from action movies at this year's Cannes Film Festival (wait, what's that I'm hearing about a "Rush Hour 4"?), even a glorified cameo appearance in "The Expendables 3" would do much to appease franchise fans and complete another piece of the "missing action star" puzzle.

-Chris Eggertsen

Pictured: "The Karate Kid" (2010)