Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio return in Karate Kid: Legends, introducing a new hero, Li Fong.
The original ‘Karate Kid’ series makes a comeback with a new venture, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, which will hit theaters on May 30, 2025. The movie stars two of the most legendary martial artists, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, reprising their characters.
This new story follows Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, a kung fu prodigy from Beijing. After experiencing a family tragedy, Li moves to New York City with his mother and must now navigate a new life and an entirely different culture.
With little desire to be part of the conflict, Li becomes embroiled in a local karate competition to help his friend in need. Knowing that kung fu alone will not be able to carry him through, Li approaches Mr. Han and, with the help of Daniel LaRusso as well, he learns the combination of the two distinct martial arts styles.
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ serves as a bridge between the original ‘Karate Kid’ movies and the 2010 remake, bringing Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han together, not only respecting the legacy of the franchise but also introducing a new generation to the universal themes of mentorship, perseverance, and self-improvement.
Moreover, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ is filmed in New York City, providing an up-to-date background that dramatizes and emphasizes differences in Eastern and Western martial arts traditions.
Aside from Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ also stars a roll call of actors such as Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley and Ming-Na Wen. Their acting binds the movie’s thematic issues of friendship, honor, and the desire to excel.
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ will be released in theaters in the United States and Canada on May 30, 2025, followed by international releases shortly. The movie has created buzz among fans of the series, who are looking forward to seeing the two legendary characters reunite and meet a new hero.
Initial responses have hailed the emotional storytelling and explosive martial arts action of the movie as its strengths, but some critics have said that the pacing of the movie might be old hat for die-hard fans.
With ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, the franchise will keep on leaving its mark on the audience with its overall theme of determination, humility, and the power of mentorship.
With the legacy of the ‘Karate Kid’ going on with Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio and now handing over the mantle to Ben Wang, it is certain that the quest for self-discovery and prowess will go on living – and that the quest is ageless.
Keep reading Celewood.com
