Hollywood really loves its legacy sequels or legacy sequels. However you want to call them, and they generally entail getting classic band members back together, now old, to train a new generation to lead the franchise and brand into the future without them. It’s happened with “Star Wars,” “Creed,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Blade Runner 2049,” to name a few. And that blend of nostalgia and the new story in the future into the future seems to be the same model for “Karate Kid: Legends.”
READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2025
Melding the original “Karate Kid” star Ralph Macchio (who also appears in the TV spin-off “Cobra Kai”) with the reboot lead Jackie Chan, standing in for the late Pate Morita, who played the wise sensei, Mr. Miyagi, “Karate Kid: Legends” tells the tale of a new young warrior played by Ben Wang. Of course, he needs discipline and training if he wants to win in the competitive world of karate, so Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and Chan’s Mr. Han.
‘Legends’ also stars Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen.
‘Legends’ is directed by Jonathan Entwistle, creator and director of the Netflix Original Series “The End Of The F***ing World” and “I Am Not Okay With This.” Written by Rob Lieber (“Peter Rabbit”), the film was produced by Karen Rosenfelt and was executive produced by Jenny Hinkey and Ralph Macchio.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.
“Karate Kid: Legends” arrives in theaters this summer on May 30 via Sony Pictures. Watch the new trailer below.
