Sony Pictures has finally confirmed that The Karate Kid: Legends will premiere in theaters on May 30, 2025, marking a monumental moment for fans of the franchise. This long-awaited installment is more than just another sequel — it’s a full-circle reunion and a generational crossover that ties together decades of Karate Kid history.
A Legacy Reborn: Jackie Chan Meets Ralph Macchio
The film brings together Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso from the original trilogy and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot, combining two iconic versions of the mentor-student story. This cinematic fusion bridges the gap between the Miyagi-verse and the reboot era, all while building upon the momentum of Netflix’s Cobra Kai series.
The two characters will mentor a new protagonist, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang (American Born Chinese), a Chinese teenager navigating grief and displacement in New York City. With both Macchio and Chan on screen, the film promises dual mentorship, cross-cultural martial arts traditions, and powerful emotional arcs.
Plot Overview: A Fresh Start in New York
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the F**ing World*) and written by Rob Lieber (Peter Rabbit), Karate Kid: Legends centers on Li Fong, who moves to the U.S. after a personal tragedy. As he adjusts to life in New York, Li faces bullying, identity struggles, and cultural displacement — themes deeply rooted in the original Karate Kid films. Under the guidance of Mr. Han and Daniel, he prepares for a martial arts tournament that tests his discipline, heart, and resilience.
Filming took place in Montreal, standing in for New York, bringing a fresh visual identity to the franchise. Expect wintry cityscapes, tighter urban fight sequences, and more stylized cinematography than previous films.
A Supporting Cast Full of Promise
In addition to the legendary leads, the cast includes:
- Joshua Jackson (Fringe, Dawson’s Creek)
- Sadie Stanley (The Goldbergs, Kim Possible)
- Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Mandalorian)
These casting choices signal a strong character-driven narrative alongside action, with potential emotional depth and generational conflict.
Action That Honors the Past
Entwistle has promised a return to classic Hong Kong action cinema roots — expect wire-assisted choreography, practical stunts, and emotionally grounded fight scenes. This approach mirrors Jackie Chan’s early martial arts films while keeping the tone grounded, like the original Karate Kid movies.
Unlike the flashier, CGI-heavy action in some recent martial arts films, Legends aims for a more tactile feel, which longtime fans will appreciate. Think of it as a blend of Drunken Master meets Cobra Kai.
Continuity and Canon: Where It Fits in the Karate Kid Universe
Karate Kid: Legends is being positioned as a canon continuation of the Cobra Kai universe — specifically set three years after the events of the show’s final season. This positions the movie as both a fresh start and a next chapter, expanding the franchise while staying rooted in the characters and values that made it famous.
While no Cobra Kai characters have been officially confirmed to appear, fans are hopeful for cameos — especially from Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), whose redemption arc has become a fan favorite.
Why This Movie Matters
This isn’t just another reboot. Legends represents a rare franchise convergence where every major iteration of the Karate Kid universe — the original trilogy, the 2010 reboot, and Cobra Kai — are now part of a shared multigenerational narrative.
For Sony, it’s a smart way to leverage the nostalgic power of its older properties while appealing to a new generation of fans growing up on TikTok and streaming content.
And for fans? It’s a moment of cinematic closure — and possibly a bold new beginning.
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Runtime: TBA
Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Writers: Rob Lieber
Starring: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen
Whether you’re a child of the ’80s, a fan of the 2010 reboot, or a Cobra Kai devotee, The Karate Kid: Legends looks set to deliver something for everyone — with heart, humor, and a whole lot of high kicks.
Key Takeaways
- Karate Kid: Legends will premiere in theaters on May 30, 2025, featuring Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, and newcomer Ben Wang.
- The film represents a continuation of the beloved martial arts franchise while introducing new elements and characters.
- Production was completed in Montreal, with behind-the-scenes footage already generating significant excitement among fans.
Anticipation Builds for Karate Kid: Legends
Movie fans are buzzing with excitement as the release date for Karate Kid: Legends approaches. The film is set to hit theaters on May 30, 2025, bringing together two martial arts icons.
Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan will share the screen in this highly anticipated sequel. The film connects the legacies from the original 1984 classic “The Karate Kid” with the more recent reboot starring Chan.
Sony Pictures revealed an extended look at CinemaCon where Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio took the stage to promote the film. The preview generated significant interest among industry professionals and fans alike.
The new installment follows “a troubled young kung fu prodigy” who seeks guidance from both Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). This unique premise blends the two separate Karate Kid universes for the first time.
Director Jonathan Entwistle and writer Rob Lieber have crafted a story that promises to deliver on both action sequences and emotional depth. The film’s runtime is confirmed to be 118 minutes.
The trailer has sparked discussions online about how the film will merge the different martial arts styles:
| Character | Style | Actor |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Han | Kung Fu | Jackie Chan |
| Daniel LaRusso | Karate | Ralph Macchio |
| New Protagonist | Hybrid | Ben Wang |
“Karate Kid: Legends” will have a worldwide release, hitting most major markets simultaneously with its US debut.
The Legacy and Cast of Karate Kid: Legends
The upcoming film “Karate Kid: Legends” brings together a powerful mix of beloved franchise stars and fresh talent, creating a bridge between generations of martial arts enthusiasts.
A Nostalgic Journey
“Karate Kid: Legends” honors its roots by reuniting iconic figures from the franchise’s history. Ralph Macchio returns as Daniel LaRusso, the character who started it all in the 1984 original film. His inclusion connects the new movie to both the classic series and the wildly popular “Cobra Kai” continuation.
Jackie Chan also rejoins the franchise as Mr. Han, the mentor character he portrayed in the 2010 remake alongside Jaden Smith. Chan’s return brings his unique martial arts expertise back to the series.
The film pays tribute to the legacy of Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi, whose wisdom and training methods defined the original films. While the character can’t return, his influence remains central to the “Karate Kid” universe.
Introducing the New Faces
At the center of “Karate Kid: Legends” is newcomer Ben Wang as Li Fong, described as a “kung fu prodigy” who relocates, setting the film’s events in motion. Wang’s character appears poised to carry the franchise forward.
The cast includes several notable additions:
- Ming-Na Wen, known for “Mulan” and “The Mandalorian”
- Joshua Jackson of “Dawson’s Creek” fame
- Sadie Stanley, bringing a fresh face to the franchise
The film’s director, Jonathan Entwistle, takes on the challenge of balancing nostalgia with innovation. The diverse cast reflects the global appeal of martial arts while maintaining connections to the characters and themes that have made “Karate Kid” resonate with audiences for decades.
Behind the Scenes and Production Insights
The production of “Karate Kid: Legends” brings together skilled filmmakers and writers to create a fresh chapter in the beloved franchise. The film combines traditional martial arts elements with modern storytelling techniques.
Cinematic Direction by Jonathan Entwistle
Jonathan Entwistle, known for his work on “The End of the F***ing World,” brings his unique visual style to “Karate Kid: Legends.” His approach focuses on capturing authentic martial arts sequences while maintaining emotional depth in character interactions.
Entwistle worked closely with the cast to ensure the filming in Montreal (standing in for New York City) captured the right urban atmosphere. He emphasized the importance of honoring both karate and kung fu traditions in the film’s action sequences.
The director specifically designed the karate competition scenes to showcase the contrasting styles of the characters. His vision includes dynamic camera work that follows the intensity of the martial arts showdown central to the plot.
Writing and Story Development
Rob Lieber led the screenplay development, crafting a narrative that connects the original “Karate Kid” legacy with fresh elements. The story follows a young kung fu prodigy who moves to New York City and enters a karate competition.
The writing team faced the challenge of creating meaningful connections between characters from different martial arts backgrounds. Their solution was developing a story that respects both traditions while exploring themes of mentorship and personal growth.
The screenplay underwent several revisions to perfect the balance between action sequences and character development. Early drafts focused more heavily on the tournament aspects, but later versions expanded the protagonists’ journeys outside the competition setting.
What to Expect: Plot and Thematic Elements
The new Karate Kid installment will blend familiar elements with fresh storytelling. It combines traditional martial arts philosophies with modern challenges while honoring the legacy of the beloved franchise.
Revisiting the Heart of Karate Kid
“Karate Kid: Legends” centers on a young fighter named Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, who becomes the new protagonist in the series. According to plot details, Li is described as a troubled young kung fu prodigy who enters a karate competition.
The storyline appears to maintain the emotional core that made the original films so impactful. Li’s journey will likely include personal struggles and growth, reminiscent of Daniel LaRusso’s arc in the original films.
The film seems poised to honor the legacy of Mr. Miyagi (originally portrayed by Pat Morita) through thematic connections, even as it introduces new challenges for its protagonist. Heartfelt moments of mentorship and personal discovery will likely remain central to the narrative.
Modern Adaptation and Expanding the Universe
The 2025 film uniquely brings together both Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso as mentors, merging two different martial arts traditions. This crossover expands the Karate Kid universe in unprecedented ways.
Li’s background appears to include kung fu training, suggesting the film will explore the relationship between different martial arts disciplines. This creates opportunities for rich visual storytelling and philosophical discussions about fighting techniques.
The film may incorporate themes of family tragedy as part of Li’s backstory, providing emotional depth to his character. This would follow the franchise tradition of using martial arts as a vehicle for personal healing and growth.
The global release strategy, with the film debuting simultaneously in major markets worldwide, suggests universal themes that will resonate across cultural boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have been eagerly seeking details about the upcoming “Karate Kid: Legends” film. The following information addresses the most common questions about cast, release platforms, franchise future, and production details.
What cast members are confirmed for the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends?
The film will reunite franchise stars Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, who are reprising their famous roles. Chan returns as Mr. Han, while Macchio continues his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso.
This collaboration brings together characters from different eras of the Karate Kid universe. A newcomer will also join the cast as “a troubled young kung fu prodigy” who seeks training from both masters.
Will the new Karate Kid: Legends be available for streaming, and if so, on which platform?
Currently, “Karate Kid: Legends” is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 30, 2025. The film will debut simultaneously in most major markets worldwide.
No official announcement has been made regarding streaming platforms. As a Sony Pictures Releasing production, it may eventually appear on platforms with Sony distribution deals, but theatrical exclusivity will come first.
Are there plans for a continuation of the Karate Kid series beyond the Legends installment?
Sony has not officially announced further installments beyond “Karate Kid: Legends.” The franchise has enjoyed renewed popularity through the “Cobra Kai” series.
This film appears to be merging the different Karate Kid universes, potentially setting up future stories. Reception to this film will likely influence decisions about continuing the franchise.
What is the time period in which Karate Kid: Legends is set?
“Karate Kid: Legends” is set in contemporary times. The story centers on a young kung fu prodigy who enters a karate competition.
The plot involves this young character seeking help from both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso to merge their respective martial arts disciplines. Images show Jackie Chan with gray hair, indicating the film acknowledges the passage of time for the characters.
Has a trailer for Karate Kid: Legends been released, and where can it be viewed?
A trailer for “Karate Kid: Legends” was shown at CinemaCon. According to Variety, the footage featured Jackie Chan still performing impressive martial arts sequences despite his character’s advanced age.
This trailer has not yet been released to the general public. Fans can expect the official trailer to appear online in the coming months as the May 2025 release date approaches.
What locations were used for the filming of the latest Karate Kid: Legends movie?
Specific filming locations for “Karate Kid: Legends” have not been widely publicized. The production is being handled by Columbia Pictures.
Previous Karate Kid films have filmed in locations including China, Japan, and various parts of the United States. The new film likely continues this tradition of showcasing authentic martial arts settings.
