A new behind-the-scenes teaser for Karate Kid: Legends has been released, which seemingly makes it clear that Ben Wang is the star of the upcoming pic.
One interesting component of the film will be how it balances the karate of Daniel LaRusso and the kung fu of Mr. Han. Given their distinct martial arts styles, it will be interesting to learn how Mr. Han knew Mr. Miyagi. Perhaps they were rivals?
Karate Kid: Legends currently has a release date of May 30, 2025.
The film will be competing at the box office against Disney's live-action Lilo & Stich (May 23), Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (May 23), From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (June 6), and Universal's live-action How To Train Your Dragon (June 13) at the domestic box office.
While initially reported as a reboot, the upcoming Karate Kid film will actually see Jackie Chan return as Mr. Han from the 2010 movie, which starred Jaden Smith. Adding to the excitement, Ralph Macchio is also confirmed to reprise his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso from the original Karate Kid series and Netflix's Cobra Kai.
It seems the film is set to introduce a new teen that will take up the titular mantle as Ben Wang will portray "a teen from China who moves to the East Coast and finds strength and direction via martial arts from a mentor."
Rounding out the cast are Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen in undisclosed roles.
Jonathan Entwistle is directing from a script written by Rob Lieber.
The new Karate Kid film currently has a release date set for December 13, 2024.
The inclusion of Macchio and Chan suggests the new film will connect the original 'Karate Kid' trilogy from the '80s with the 2010 film, which featured a change in martial arts style to kung-fu.
It's also worth noting that all five existing 'Karate Kid' films, including the 1994 film with Hilary Swank, as well as Netflix's Cobra Kai series, are set within the same continuity. This opens the door for a ton of unexpected surprises and cameos.
Back in 2024, Sony launched a global search for the next lead character of the franchise, implying that a newcomer would likely land the role.
However, it seems Ben Wang, who just starred in the Disney+ American Born Chinese series was too charismatic for Sony to pass up.
Karate Kid: Legends Official Synopsis: In Karate Kid: Legends, after a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. Li struggles to let go of his past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates, and although he doesn't want to fight, trouble seems to find him everywhere.
When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren't enough. Li's kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.