‘Karate Kid: Legends’ – Everything to Know About the Sixth Film Starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio
A new chapter in the ‘Karate Kid’ brand is being introduced for a new generation of fans. In September 2022, Sony Pictures revealed that ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, the sixth instalment in the franchise, was in development, some forty years after the first movie’s release. The movie, which is slated for release on 30th May 2025, will combine exciting new features with traditional elements, showcasing both known and new characters.
Starring as Li Fong, a teenage kung fu prodigy who finds it difficult to adjust after relocating from Beijing to New York City due to a family tragedy, is Ben Wang, best known for his role in ‘Mean Girls’.
Ralph Macchio has confirmed that ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ will adhere to the established Miyagi-verse, while Jackie Chan will return to his roles as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, respectively. He underlined that the tale is still influenced by the late Pat Morita’s portrayal of Mr Miyagi, particularly in the ‘Cobra Kai’ television series and the next movie.
Image Courtesy: Entertainment Weekly
The story follows Li Fong as he struggles to blend in with his new environment while avoiding confrontation despite problems pursuing him. Li participates in a karate competition when a friend needs assistance, but his abilities are insufficient on their own. When Mr. Han asks LaRusso for help, they combine their fighting techniques and engage in a martial arts duel.
Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Wyatt Oleff, Shaunette Renée Wilson, and Ming-Na Wen are among the film’s outstanding cast members. Wang, who grew up watching Jackie Chan films, said he was thrilled to be a part of the ‘Karate Kid’ tradition. A hint of enchantment is added to the production by Chan’s participation, who has become a symbol of the franchise since the 2010 remake.
Chan was a source of inspiration on set, according to director Jonathan Entwistle, who compared him to a “magical Dumbledore.”
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Fans are excited for Mr. Han to return, but many are sad that Jaden Smith, who starred in the 2010 movie, isn’t there. He has not made any comments regarding the new film, and his role as Dre Parker has not been confirmed.
The film, which was directed by Jonathan Entwistle (‘The End of the F**ing World’), attempts to bridge the gap between ‘Cobra Kai’ and the ‘Karate Kid’ movies by establishing a connection between Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. Entwistle alluded to the story’s exploration of the close ties between the Han and Miyagi families.
Following the events of ‘Cobra Kai’ season 6, which also premieres in 2025, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ will be released. To make sure the movie blends in perfectly with the wider ‘Karate Kid’ universe, Entwistle collaborated extensively with the show’s creators. A crucial scene where Mr. Han and LaRusso first meet was hinted at in a December 2025 trailer, in which Han cryptically states that he came for LaRusso rather than Miyagi.
While fans may see previous ‘Karate Kid’ movies and the ‘Cobra Kai’ series ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ is scheduled to hit theaters on May 2025.
–Farheen Ali
