Jet Li’s 2001 Sci-Fi Film Featuring 9 Characters Predicted Major Franchise Trends of the 2020s

In the realm of science fiction cinema, Jet Li’s 2001 film The One stands out not just for its action-packed sequences but also for its early prediction of significant trends that would later flourish in the 2020s franchises. Known for his impressive martial arts skills, Jet Li’s filmography is filled with iconic titles like Hero and Fearless, which showcase his exceptional physicality and dramatic range. However, his contributions extended beyond traditional action films, particularly as he ventured into various storytelling domains during the early 2000s.

During this period, Jet Li sought to carve out a niche in the science fiction genre with his performance in The One. Although this film did not achieve the same acclaim as some of his other works, it nonetheless highlighted his unique wushu fighting style and allowed for creative experimentation with film concepts that would later gain traction. This pioneering approach ultimately positioned Jet Li’s film at the forefront of tropes that are prevalent in modern superhero narratives.

Jet Li’s The One and Its Multiverse Concepts Relevant to Today’s Franchises

The Narrative: Jet Li’s Character Navigates Diverse Universes

America Chavez, Wong, and Doctor Strange

The One is rich in concepts that have become common in today’s superhero films, particularly those related to multiverse narratives. The plot revolves around Jet Li’s character, Gabriel Yulaw, an agent of the Multiverse Authority (MVA) who relentlessly pursues the goal of becoming “The One.”This transformation can only be realized by eliminating his parallel counterparts across various universes. This multiversal quest not only sets him on a path of violence but also places him in opposition to his own variant, who is struggling to maintain his existence.

The parallels between Yulaw’s journey and contemporary Marvel storylines are striking. For instance, the multiverse travel depicted in The One closely resembles that seen in the second Doctor Strange film. Additionally, the dynamics of variants and temporal authorities developed in this film have been further explored in both seasons of Loki, where heroes are equipped with distinct abilities to navigate their own unique challenges. Such self-combative scenes recur throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and series like The Umbrella Academy; however, The One limited its exploration of these themes, missing the opportunity to delve deeper into the narrative complexities they offer.

The Missed Potential of The One’s Multiverse Concept

Lacking Depth in Exploring Multiversal Themes

Scarlet Witch and Earth-838's Wanda Maximoff

Despite its intriguing premise, The One ultimately did not fully capitalize on its potential to explore complex multiverse concepts. While the film showcased Jet Li’s talent through innovative fight sequences—featuring elements like zero gravity and mirrored combat techniques—the narrative itself glossed over the foundational principles of the multiverse. This oversight resulted in a lack of depth in world-building and did not leverage the broader implications of the tropes it engaged with.

As the multiverse concept has gained popularity, it has evolved to encompass themes such as identity, fate, and individuality. These narratives encourage characters to confront their inner struggles and desires within increasingly intricate universes. Unfortunately, The One skirted these rich thematic explorations, leaving it as an otherwise excellent action flick that did not adequately fulfill its narrative potential. While Jet Li’s film remains a classic in the action genre, it stands as a missed opportunity for a more profound examination of what multiverse storytelling can offer.

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