Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan star in 'Karate Kid: Legends', a thrilling continuation of the beloved franchise. The film, directed by Jonathan Entwistle, introduces a new generation to martial arts drama. Set to release in theaters on May 30, 2025, the movie promises action, nostalgia, and a blend of karate and kung fu.
- Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan unite
- The new cast and storyline are revealed
- A release date is set for May 2025
New Faces and a Familiar Storyline
Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan are back in action in the first trailer for 'Karate Kid: Legends', a revitalization of the iconic series that began in 1984. Macchio, now 63, reprises his role as "Daniel LaRusso", while Chan returns as "Mr. Han".
The movie introduces a fresh narrative featuring Ben Wang as "Li Fong", a kung fu prodigy navigating life in New York City after a family tragedy. The film's storyline explores Li's struggle to adapt to his new environment and the challenges he faces as he gets drawn into a karate competition.
The film boasts a talented cast including Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen.
"After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Wang, 24) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother," reads an official synopsis. "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," the synopsis adds. "Li's kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Chan, 70) enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown."
The film promises a unique blend of karate and kung fu, culminating in a martial arts showdown that pays homage to the original series.
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, known for his work on Netflix's 'The End of the F***ing World', and written by Rob Lieber, 'Karate Kid: Legends' aims to capture the essence of the original films while introducing new elements.
The film's production was announced in September 2022, with Macchio and Chan confirmed to reprise their iconic roles a year later. Macchio, who also stars in the TV series Cobra Kai, transitioned directly from filming the series to working on the movie in Montreal.
"I went straight from 'Cobra Kai' — basically the wrap party, saying goodbye to everyone for the moment — to Montreal and jumped in and shot a couple of weeks straight," he said. "It's exciting."
Macchio was shy about sharing any specific details about the plot of the film, but added, "To me, this was just about carrying the honesty and truth of Daniel LaRusso and what Miyagi, his mentor, meant to him, and paying it forward."
'Karate Kid: Legends' is set to hit theaters on May 30, 2025, following the conclusion of Netflix's 'Cobra Kai'. The film is produced by Karen Rosenfelt and promises to deliver a mix of nostalgia and fresh excitement for fans of the franchise. As Macchio reflects on his role, he emphasizes the importance of staying true to "Daniel LaRusso's" character and the legacy of his mentor, "Mr. Miyagi".
With its star-studded cast and engaging storyline, 'Karate Kid: Legends' is poised to captivate audiences once again.
Beyond films, Jackie Chan has become more involved in philanthropic efforts, including his work with children's charities and education. He is also heavily invested in various businesses, particularly in the entertainment and restaurant industries. Macchio has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to the 'Cobra Kai' series, a Netflix continuation of the beloved 80s franchise.
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Both of these actors have embraced their past legacies while expanding their roles in different genres and platforms, demonstrating their lasting appeal and continued influence in popular culture.
Fans everywhere are absolutely looking forward to more action!
