Fans of The Karate Kid franchise have been treated to a powerful evolution of the beloved saga with the theatrical release of Karate Kid: Legends on May 30, 2025. Marking the sixth official installment in the franchise, this film isn’t just a nostalgic reunion—it’s a multi-generational fusion of the original trilogy, the 2010 reboot, and Cobra Kai‘s legacy, brought together under one roof for the first time. It’s the clearest sign yet that Sony intends to build a cohesive cinematic universe for the Miyagi-Verse.
A Crossroads of Karate and Kung Fu
Set three years after the dramatic conclusion of Cobra Kai Season 6, Legends follows 17-year-old Li Fong (Ben Wang), a kung fu prodigy from Beijing who relocates to New York City with his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen). Li finds himself in unfamiliar territory—both culturally and emotionally—until he’s drawn into a high-stakes local karate tournament that serves as the centerpiece of the film’s coming-of-age arc.
Li’s transformation is guided by not one, but two masters: Jackie Chan returns as Mr. Han from the 2010 Karate Kid, while Ralph Macchio reprises his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso. Together, they bridge their distinct fighting styles—kung fu and karate—to mentor the young protagonist in a way that symbolizes the convergence of East and West, old school and new.
Supporting Li’s journey is Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley), a local teen with a complicated past, including her aggressive ex-boyfriend and tournament rival Conor Day (Aramis Knight). The drama builds not just through physical combat, but through themes of self-discipline, resilience, and legacy—longstanding staples of the franchise.
Expanding the Lore
Perhaps the film’s most talked-about moment is the surprise appearance of William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence. Though brief, his cameo ties Legends directly into the broader Cobra Kai timeline and reinforces the notion that all corners of the Miyagi-Verse now exist in the same narrative space. The film also makes subtle references to other characters and events, leaving room for future spin-offs or sequels.
This interwoven storytelling approach mirrors what Marvel and Star Wars have achieved—something Sony appears eager to replicate with Karate Kid. The crossover between Macchio and Chan’s characters is a cinematic first, breaking the wall that previously kept the reboot separate from the original timeline.
Cast & Crew Breakdown
- Director: Jonathan Entwistle (I Am Not Okay With This, The End of the F**ing World*)
- Screenwriter: Rob Lieber (Peter Rabbit)
- Cast Highlights:
- Jackie Chan as Mr. Han
- Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
- Ben Wang as Li Fong
- Ming-Na Wen as Dr. Fong
- Sadie Stanley as Mia Lipani
- Aramis Knight as Conor Day
- Joshua Jackson as Victor Lipani
Backed by Columbia Pictures and Sunswept Entertainment, the film clocks in at 94 minutes with a reported production budget of $45 million.
Box Office Performance & Audience Reaction
Karate Kid: Legends debuted to a solid $21 million domestically in its opening weekend and has earned $47 million globally within its first few days. Although it trailed slightly behind major studio competitors like Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Legends is already making its mark as the franchise’s most well-received entry in years.
It currently holds an impressive 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—the highest in franchise history—and received an “A-” CinemaScore, reflecting strong word-of-mouth from general audiences. Critics have been more divided, with praise for Ben Wang’s breakout performance and the heartfelt mentor-student dynamics, tempered by critiques of uneven pacing and a dense plot structure.
When Will It Stream?
Sony Pictures has a long-standing partnership with Netflix, and based on previous release windows (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Bullet Train), Karate Kid: Legends is expected to hit the streaming platform around September 4, 2025. This would make it available for home viewing just over 90 days after its theatrical debut.
Karate Kid: Legends is more than just a nostalgia trip—it’s a calculated step forward in expanding and redefining what the franchise can be. With the door now wide open for more crossover stories and potential spin-offs, the Miyagi-Verse is alive and kicking like never before.
A New Generation Rises
Li Fong’s journey from the streets of Beijing to the disciplined world of modern karate forms the emotional and action-driven core of Karate Kid: Legends. Trained by both Daniel and Mr. Han, Li faces a brutal test of character as he prepares for a global martial arts competition that echoes the spirit of the Sekai Taikai introduced in Cobra Kai‘s final season.
The film masterfully blends classic karate themes of honor, humility, and perseverance with modern storytelling. For fans familiar with Johnny Lawrence and Daniel’s mentorship struggles, Li’s dual training highlights both Eastern and Western philosophies of martial arts and how they can come together to create something more complete.
Key Takeaways
- Karate Kid: Legends released in theaters on May 30, 2025, set three years after the end of Cobra Kai.
- The film stars Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, and Ben Wang in a new student-mentor storyline.
- The movie is expected to hit premium video-on-demand in July 2025 and Netflix by September, continuing Sony’s streaming partnership.
- William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence) makes a special appearance, connecting the film directly to the events of Cobra Kai.
Release Details
Karate Kid: Legends is being distributed globally by Sony Pictures, with a strategic theatrical rollout followed by digital availability on streaming platforms. The film serves as a spiritual and narrative continuation of the Cobra Kai story, while launching a new standalone thread that could potentially lead to sequels or spinoffs.
Legacy, Mentorship & Martial Arts Philosophy
While the movie introduces fresh faces and thrilling new fight choreography, it remains deeply rooted in the spiritual teachings of Mr. Miyagi. The film doesn’t just reference the past—it integrates it. Daniel continues to carry Miyagi’s teachings, and Mr. Han adds his own unique approach, often citing wisdom from his time training Dre Parker in the 2010 film.
This blending of philosophies creates a layered dynamic between the two mentors, with Li caught in the middle—learning not just how to fight, but why to fight.
Familiar Faces, New Challenges
While Karate Kid: Legends focuses on a new protagonist, it doesn’t forget its roots. William Zabka’s cameo as Johnny Lawrence adds a connective tissue to the broader Miyagi-Verse, and hints at future possibilities.
Fans will appreciate subtle nods to the past, including references to the All Valley Tournament, Mr. Miyagi’s Okinawan teachings, and even a brief mention of Kumiko, Daniel’s love interest from The Karate Kid Part II. These callbacks are not just fan service—they enrich the film’s thematic depth.
Off-Screen Highlights
Adding to the excitement, longtime Cobra Kai co-stars Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso) and Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene) announced their engagement at the film’s red carpet premiere. Their real-life relationship has paralleled the emotional journeys of their on-screen characters, making the announcement especially meaningful to devoted fans of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Karate Kid: Legends release?
The film premiered in theaters May 30, 2025 and is expected to be available for premium digital rental in July and streaming on Netflix in September.
Is this a direct sequel to Cobra Kai?
Yes. Legends takes place three years after the events of Cobra Kai Season 6 and acknowledges the characters and outcomes from the series. It’s not necessary to watch Cobra Kai beforehand, but doing so adds significant context.
Who is Li Fong?
Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang, is a new character and the central figure of Karate Kid: Legends. He’s a gifted martial artist who trains under both Daniel and Mr. Han in preparation for a prestigious international tournament.
Will there be more movies?
While no official sequel has been confirmed, the film’s ending leaves room for continuation, and Sony has hinted at more Karate Kid content if fan demand remains strong.
Is Mr. Miyagi in the film?
Mr. Miyagi does not appear, but his presence is deeply felt. His teachings, philosophies, and legacy play a major role in the decisions made by Daniel and the direction of Li’s training.
