Sony Pictures has pulled back the curtain on a brand-new trailer for Karate Kid: Legends, unveiling a high-intensity preview of the beloved franchise’s next chapter. The trailer first made waves during the studio’s CinemaCon presentation, building anticipation among fans of both the classic films and the more recent expansions of the Karate Kid universe. Now, viewers worldwide have the opportunity to glimpse the fresh storyline and dynamic action sequences that await.
Karate Kid: Legends brings together two iconic figures from the franchise: Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), the mentor introduced in the 2010 reboot, and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the original “Karate Kid” whose journey first captivated audiences in 1984. This time around, the two senseis pool their distinctive martial arts styles and personal philosophies to train a promising newcomer named Li Fong (Ben Wang). While earlier entries in the series have tackled everything from high school drama to international competitions, this latest installment aims to unify the essence of kung fu and karate against the bustling backdrop of modern-day New York City.
As described in the synopsis, Li Fong and his mother relocate to the Big Apple so he can attend a prestigious school. Initially, Li feels like an outsider, grappling with a new environment and the typical challenges of adolescent life. Yet he soon finds solace in a blossoming friendship with a classmate and her father. However, Li’s relative peace does not last long. He garners unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion, whose unrelenting pursuit and taunts threaten Li’s newfound sense of security. Motivated to defend himself and his family, Li decides to enter the ultimate karate tournament—an event that demands both skill and unwavering resolve.
To prepare for this high-stakes competition, Li enlists the guidance of two martial arts legends. Mr. Han offers his trademark kung fu expertise—an approach steeped in discipline and defense—while Daniel LaRusso brings a lifetime of experience from decades spent honing his karate skills. Daniel’s own story includes his formative years under the tutelage of the late Mr. Miyagi and subsequent success as a dojo owner in the Cobra Kai series. In Karate Kid: Legends, the combination of Mr. Han’s patient, introspective teaching style and Daniel’s more aggressive, tournament-tested approach forms a new hybrid of martial arts, carefully tailored to Li’s strengths and personality. The question is whether these two storied mentors can adequately prepare their young protégé for the pressure cooker of modern competitive fighting.
A stellar cast supports the trio of Chan, Macchio, and Wang. Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek; Fringe; Fatal Attraction) steps into the narrative, potentially lending gravitas and intensity to the conflicts at hand. Sadie Stanley (Kim Possible; The Goldbergs; Cruel Summer) plays a significant role, possibly as Li’s new friend or someone closely tied to his unfolding journey. Meanwhile, the accomplished Ming-Na Wen (The Mandalorian; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; Mulan) appears in an undisclosed capacity, adding another layer of star power and experience to the ensemble.
Behind the camera is Jonathan Entwistle, known for his work on The End of the F**ing World, I Am Not Okay with This, and Vanity Fair. Entwistle’s knack for blending drama, offbeat humor, and emotional depth could be a fitting match for the Karate Kid brand, which has always balanced heartfelt storytelling with riveting fight choreography. The screenplay comes from Rob Lieber, whose writing credits include Peter Rabbit, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween, and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. His penchant for youthful energy and comedic timing may offer a lively counterbalance to the more serious martial arts elements.
With Karate Kid: Legends, Sony Pictures aims to broaden the cultural tapestry of the franchise, merging East and West, past and present, and kung fu with karate. This new installment not only pays homage to the legacy left by Mr. Miyagi and the original 1980s classic, but also carves out an identity of its own. Fans eagerly await more details on how the story will unfold and whether Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso can truly bridge their distinct martial arts philosophies to guide Li Fong toward victory—both in the ring and in his personal life.
Karate Kid: Legends hits theaters on May 30!
Check out the new trailer below:
Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.