The Karate Kid saga gets a new look with Karate Kid: Legends, directed by Jonathan Entwistle, known for his modern, stylish productions. This ambitious reboot marks the return of two iconic figures: Jackie Chan, already present in the 2010 remake, and Ralph Macchio, the unforgettable Daniel LaRusso of the original films. They are joined by young Ben Wang, the new rising star of on-screen martial arts.
Between passing the torch and paying tribute to the cult franchise, this new chapter promises to combine humor, emotion and spectacular martial arts scenes, while reinventing the story for a new generation.
Karate Kid: Legends will be released in cinemas from May 28, 2025.
Synopsis: After suffering a personal tragedy, young kung-tu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his family in Beijing and forced to move to New York with his mother. He tries to come to terms with his past while trying to integrate into his new high school. And although he's not looking for a fight, he seems to be constantly getting into trouble.
When a friend he's just met asks for his help, Li agrees to take part in a karate competition, but realizes that he can't rely on his talent alone. His kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), hires the first Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), as backup. Li discovers a new fighting style that combines both their approaches, which he will use for the ultimate confrontation...
Karate Kid: Legends will appeal both to nostalgic fans of the original saga and to new generations. Viewers who grew up with the adventures of Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi will be delighted to see Ralph Macchio back in a central role, while enjoying the charisma of Jackie Chan, an emblematic figure of martial arts in cinema.
This reboot seems to combine the ingredients that made the original films so successful: a strong mentor-student relationship, personal challenges and values such as discipline, courage and self-improvement. The presence of Ben Wang introduces a new dynamic, bringing youth and freshness to the story, while the experience of the two film legends ensures a successful intergenerational handover.
Fans of films such as Cobra Kai or Ip Man should be particularly enchanted by this project, which skilfully blends action, comedy and emotional moments.
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, known for his work on The End of the F**ing World* and I Am Not Okay With This, this reboot should offer a modernized vision of Karate Kid while retaining the essence that marked the franchise. The script is co-written by Rob Lieber(Pierre Lapin) and Anthony Tambakis(Warrior), promising a balance of light-hearted humor and poignant drama.
The participation of Jackie Chan, accustomed to spectacular martial arts choreography, augurs striking action scenes, while the return of Ralph Macchio adds a touch of nostalgia and continuity for long-time fans. The arrival of Ben Wang is also a key element: this young actor's mission is to embody the next generation in this universe, while establishing a strong bond with his two mentors.
Karate Kid: Legends reunites Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in a reboot blending action, comedy and emotion. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, this project promises to appeal to fans of the original while also attracting a new generation thanks to an intergenerational handover carried out by Ben Wang. A nostalgic yet modern adventure that celebrates the timeless values of martial arts.
This article is based on information available online; we have not yet viewed the film or series mentioned.
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