Movies - Karate Kid: Legends Set to Reunite Icons Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in May 2025

By Mulder, 17 december 2024

The highly anticipated Karate Kid: Legends is gearing up to breathe new life into the beloved martial arts franchise, set to hit theaters on May 30, 2025, in the United States and Canada. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, this film marks a significant moment in the franchise’s history by uniting Ralph Macchio—the original Karate Kid’s Daniel LaRusso—and Jackie Chan, who starred in the 2010 reboot as Mr. Han. With an exciting new story and a blend of nostalgia, Karate Kid: Legends promises to both honor the legacy of the earlier films and introduce a new generation of fans to its timeless themes of mentorship, perseverance, and martial arts mastery.

The film follows Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, a Chinese teenager who relocates to the East Coast of the United States after a life-altering family tragedy. Faced with adapting to a new culture and school life, Li finds himself drawn to martial arts as both a form of discipline and self-expression. His journey places him under the dual mentorship of Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han—two iconic figures whose teaching methods are vastly different. While LaRusso carries the philosophy of his own mentor, Mr. Miyagi, Mr. Han brings his kung fu expertise from the 2010 installment. The story hinges on whether these two masters can overcome their contrasting approaches to training and unite to guide Li through his challenges, both in life and within the competitive martial arts world.

This installment also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen, all in undisclosed roles that are expected to add further depth and intrigue to the plot. Principal photography took place between April and June 2024, with filming locations spanning Montreal, Canada—chosen for its ability to replicate both urban East Coast settings and the thematic landscapes central to the story. Cinematography is helmed by Justin Brown, while Dominic Lewis has been tapped to compose the film’s score, which is expected to blend traditional orchestral arrangements with Eastern influences, reflecting the film’s cultural fusion.

What makes Karate Kid: Legends particularly exciting is its effort to unite the various strands of the franchise into a cohesive universe. While the original films, starring Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, focused on karate under the teachings of Mr. Miyagi, the 2010 reboot starring Chan shifted to kung fu, set in China. Adding to this expanded world is Cobra Kai, the hit television series that revived interest in the franchise since its debut in 2018. Legends explicitly ties all these elements together, honoring the series’ rich legacy while introducing fresh characters and conflicts. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s return is seen as a symbolic passing of the torch, connecting fans of the original series with newcomers drawn to the modern iterations.

The film’s development journey has been a long one. Following the success of the 2010 Karate Kid remake, a sequel was initially planned, but creative challenges and changing scripts stalled its progress. By 2022, Sony Pictures officially confirmed a new feature film that would serve as a continuation of the Karate Kid universe. Jonathan Entwistle, known for his work on Netflix’s The End of the F**ing World*, was brought in to direct, while Rob Lieber, known for Peter Rabbit, crafted the screenplay. The casting process began in late 2023, leading to a worldwide search for the new lead character. In February 2024, Ben Wang was confirmed as Li Fong, with his casting met with widespread excitement for his ability to bring both emotional depth and physical skill to the role.

The recently released teaser trailer has further heightened anticipation. It hints at a poignant connection between Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi, with the phrase “Two branches, one tree” being a central theme. Fans are already speculating on how the legacies of these two mentors will intertwine in shaping Li’s story, adding layers of nostalgia and emotional resonance to the film.

With its rich storyline, dynamic cast, and thematic blend of old and new, Karate Kid: Legends is shaping up to be much more than just another sequel. It is a heartfelt homage to a beloved franchise that has inspired generations, while also paving the way for new narratives in the martial arts genre. As the May 2025 release date draws closer, fans worldwide eagerly await the next chapter in the story of courage, friendship, and discipline that The Karate Kid has come to represent.

Synopsis :
Daniel arrives in Beijing, where Mr. Han has been seeking him out. Han has a new protege, Li Fong. The two mentors must collaborate to instruct Li Fong, but it remains to be seen if their instructional approaches will be compatible.

Karate Kid: Legends
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle
Written by Rob Lieber
Based on The Karate Kid by Robert Mark Kamen
Produced by Karen Rosenfelt
Starring Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen
Cinematography : Justin Brown
Edited by Dana E. Glauberman
Music by Dominic Lewis
Production companies : Columbia Pictures, Sunswept Entertainment
Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing
Release date : May 28, 2025 (France), May 30, 2025 (United States)