The Dojo Reopens: What to Expect from the New Karate Kid Film
The Karate Kid franchise, a timeless favorite among martial arts movies, returns with Karate Kid: Legends, set to arrive in cinemas on May 30, 2025. After 15 years of the 2010 reboot, this franchise promises to unite generations of fans by merging two eras of the saga with this installment.
The film follows a kung fu prodigy, Li Fong (Ben Wang) moving to New York with his mother from Beijing following a family tragedy. Struggling to adapt to the new environment, Li faces challenges that can resonate with long-time fans. Themes such as bullying, cultural displacement, and identity crisis remain recurring themes. Jackie Chan reprises his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot to guide Li. His return is the primary draw for his fans with his signature blend of humor, heart, and martial arts prowess.
Ralph Macchio slips back into Daniel LaRusso’s shoes –the original Karate Kid. The role he has been renowned for since 1984, and most recently reprised on Cobra Kai. This time, he teams up as a mentor alongside Jackie Chan. By folding the 2010 remake into the official “Miyagi-verse,” the film finally brings LaRusso and Han together, merging the two eras.
Although the film is not a direct sequel to the six-season-long Cobra Kai series, it contains character and thematic connections, mainly through Macchio’s character. With Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio sharing the screen for the first time, and a new generation of martial arts drama unfolding, audiences can expect a film that honors the past while charting new territory for the beloved saga.
