Karate Kid: Legendshas a significant advantage over any of the other installments in theKarate Kidfranchise, but it will still have to fight hard to prove itself.The upcoming movie, which is expected to hit theaters in May 2025, is a highly anticipated sequel to both 1984’sThe Karate Kidand its 2010 remake.Though the semantics of how these two stories will come together is still unclear, the union of Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han is undoubtedly promising.Still, these two actors and their respective characters aren’t allKarate Kid: Legendshas going for it over its predecessors.
TheKarate Kidfranchisegot its first movie in 1984, featuring Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso in the titular role.Then cameThe Karate Kid Part 2in 1986 andThe Karate Kid Part 3in 1989, both of which featured Macchio and Pat Morita as the leads. In 1994, Morita returned to play Mr. Miyagi for the last time, teaching Hilary Swank’s Julie karate inThe Next Karate Kid. In 2010, Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith’sThe Karate Kidhit theaters, and in 2018, it was time forCobra Kaito bring audiences back to this franchise. Now,2024’sKarate Kid: Legendshas something none of the rest had.
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Karate Kid: Legends Has A More Impressive Cast Than Any Other Karate Kid Movie (Or Cobra Kai)
The Cast Goes Beyond Returning Stars
Macchio and Morita were the main draws of the first threeKarate Kidmovies, but they were known predominantly for these roles.In general, their cast mates were talented but relatively unknown actors, so their presence in the films wasn’t necessarily drawing leagues of fans to the theaters. Jackie Chan joining up with the franchise in 2010 was certainly a big deal, but, once again, the majority of his cast mates were making their acting debuts inThe Karate Kid.Cobra Kaicertainly had the benefit of featuring Macchio and Billy Zabka in its cast. However, yet again, these actors remain best known for theirKarate Kidroles anyway.
TheupcomingKarate Kid: Legends, however, is a different story. This is Macchio’s first return to play Daniel on the big screen since 1989, and that certainly pulls some interest. Still, this time around, the actors are beloved outside theKarate Kidfranchise. Chan is a legend in the world of movie martial arts, with films likePolice Story,Drunken Master, and evenShanghai Noonregarded as classics.The movie also stars Ming-Na Wen, known forAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.andMulan, and Joshua Jackson, known forDawson’s Creek. Combined with Ben Wang fromAmerican Born Chinese, this cast is an excellent setup.
Karate Kid: Legends' Cast Is Promising, But The Sequel Still Needs To Prove Itself
Karate Kid: Legends Needs a Fresh, Nostalgic Story
There has never been such a stacked cast in theKarate Kidfranchise, and this certainly makesKarate Kid: Legendspromising.Still, while this could be enough to draw audiences to the theaters, the movie will need something special to gain their approval from there. With five films and a spinoff series already in existence,it will be difficult forKarate Kid: Legendsto remain unique, stand out, and prove that this is a franchise worth continuing. There’s a great deal riding on the story itself and whether Macchio and Chan’s movie can justify its own existence (and exceptional cast).
Karate Kid: Legends
Cast
Karate Kid: Legends is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.
