The first trailer for “Karate Kid: Legends” has dropped, showcasing an exciting new chapter that brings together various generations from the beloved franchise. Ralph Macchio, who became famous for his role as Daniel LaRusso in the original trilogy and in the Netflix series “Cobra Kai,” teams up with Jackie Chan, who portrayed the karate instructor Mr. Han in the 2010 adaptation.
The film, directed by Jonathan Entwistle, introduces audiences to Ben Wang, a young karate student navigating his path. The cast also includes notable actors such as Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Aramis Knight, and Wyatt Oleff, with a screenplay penned by Rob Lieber.
The Karate Kid franchise started with a sleeper hit in 1984, following Daniel LaRusso’s journey as an underdog who, under the guidance of Mr. Miyagi (played by Pat Morita), defies the odds to become a karate champion. The original film spawned two sequels and introduced a new protagonist in the fourth installment featuring Hilary Swank. The 2010 reboot, starring Jaden Smith alongside Chan, further expanded the franchise’s reach.
“Cobra Kai,” which began in 2018 on YouTube Red and later found a wider audience on Netflix, has successfully revitalized interest in the series and will conclude with its sixth season in February.
Fans can look forward to “Karate Kid: Legends,” scheduled for release on May 30, a film that promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling for both new and long-time followers of the Karate Kid legacy.
This new installment not only honors the franchise’s roots but also introduces a new generation to the principles of karate and the values embodied by the characters we love. It represents a hopeful continuation of a story that has inspired many over the decades.