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Karate Kid: Legends is the highly anticipated return of the classic martial arts franchise, mixing in some nostalgia with a fresh storyline. Jonathan Entwistle directs from a script written by Rob Lieber. The film is produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment under its Columbia Pictures label and distributed by Sony.
Releasing in theatres on May 30, 2025, the movie is a continuation of the 1984 saga that became a cultural movement. But what makes it special is, that it's one of those movies which bridges the story gap between the original film series and the 2010 remake.
Fans are excited to see the coming together of franchise legends Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in a story that suggests a closer linkage to the late Mr. Miyagi. The film tells the story of Ben Wang as Li Fong, a young kung fu genius trying to make ends meet in New York City after a personal tragedy, training under the combined mentorship of Mr. Han and Daniel.
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Despite rumor, Jaden Smith from the 2010 remake co-starring Jackie Chan, reportedly is not involved in this. Still, the cast combined with the interesting plot has already generated a high level of excitement and buzz in social media.
Is Jaden Smith confirmed in Karate Kid: Legends?
The first link that connects Jaden Smith to the Karate Kid franchise was when he played the role of Dre Parker in the 2010 remake, alongside Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han. It became a box office success, reaching over $359 million worldwide on a budget of just $ 40 million. Critics and audiences alike enjoyed the chemistry between Smith and Chan, along with the fresh take on the classic story.
Jackie Chan is set to return onscreen as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in Karate Kid: Legends, coming May 30, 2025. It does not star Jaden Smith. According to official announcements and promotional materials regarding the film, it hasn't included Jaden Smith. It introduces a new lead named Li Fong, who will be played by Ben Wang, the new "Karate Kid" of the franchise.
Jaden Smith's absence has generated both sadness and excitement among fans. While some are sad because they had expected continuity from the 2010 film, others have embraced the new storyline and returning cast. This is reflected on social media, where there is a division between debates about the evolution of the franchise and the decision to exclude Smith from the latest installment.
What is Karate Kid: Legends about?
Karate Kid: Legends follows the journey of Li Fong, a young kung fu prodigy, played by Ben Wang, who moves from Beijing to New York City following a family tragedy.
Unable to adjust, Li finds himself seeking guidance from two legendary martial artists Jackie Chan as Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot with Jaden Smith, who trained him in kung fu, and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, the original Karate Kid.
The plot explores Li’s growth as he learns to combine the philosophies of both kung fu and karate, leading him into a major martial arts tournament where he faces both internal and external challenges. This narrative weaves nostalgia with fresh energy, connecting the past and present of the franchise.
Casting Li Fong was a long, exhaustive process done worldwide. The eventual casting of Ben Wang was made for his commitment to the art of martial arts and expressing vulnerability and strength. Wang was selected owing to his passion for the franchise; he had been a fan of the film since 2010.
The film will also star a strong supporting cast, including Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Wyatt Oleff, and Ming-Na Wen, who have pivotal roles opposite the two iconic martial arts masters.
In addition to the returning roles by Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, Karate Kid: Legends gives an explanation of how close Mr Miyagi and Mr Han are with Daniel LaRusso in this regard, thus, their new story is singular in relation to the legacy from both the 1984 original and its reboot in 2010.
Stay tuned for more updates.
