The Karate Kid is back! Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprise roles for new film in iconic series – as actors look for new teen protector
The Karate Kid stars Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan have announced a new film in the iconic franchise – with the actors launching a global search for the film’s teenage protector.
Macchio, 62, who played original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso in the famed 1984 film and its two sequels, and Chan, 69, who played kung fu master Mr Han in the 2010 remake, teamed up on Tuesday for a fun video for the announcement.
Chan said, “Hello everyone! We have big news,” before Macchio added, “We’re starring in a new Karate Kid movie together.”
Chan replied, “That’s big news, but we have even bigger news. We are looking for the next Karate Kid.
Macchio concluded by quoting Mr. Miyagi’s iconic line, saying, “That’s right: the global search for the star of our new film begins now. So let’s wash in and out, everyone.’
Waxing! The Karate Kid stars Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan have announced a new film in the iconic franchise – with the actors launching a global search for the film’s teen protector
Iconic: Macchio, 62, played the original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso in the famed 1984 film and its two sequels, alongside Pat Morita as the wise Mr. Miyagi
The video then sent aspiring auditionees to KarateKidCasting.com for more information on how to apply for the role.
The next Karate Kid will be named Li Fong and will be described
Fong is described as a teenager between 15 and 17 years old who is Chinese or mixed-race Chinese.
The announcement reads: “He is smart, scrappy and a skilled martial artist. Some experience with martial arts, movement, gymnastics and/or dance is a strong plus.’
The film is scheduled for release on December 13, 2024 and is directed by Jonathan Entwistle with a screenplay by Rob Lieber.
Ralph played Daniel in three episodes: The Karate Kid (1984), The Karate Kid Part II (1986), and The Karate Kid Part III (1989), but did not reprise the role in The Next Karate Kid (1994).
The story of The Karate Kid follows Daniel as he learns the martial art from the wise Mr. Miyagi (played by the late Pat Morita) to help defend himself and compete against his bullies in a tournament.
The film also stars Elisabeth Shue as Daniel’s love interest Ali Mills and William Zabka as her ex-boyfriend – and one of Daniel’s bullies – Johnny Lawrence.
The film was directed by the late John G. Avildsen, the Academy Award-winning director of Rocky.
In 2010, a remake set in China and focusing on kung-fu was released, starring Chan and Jaden Smith, with a similar storyline but different characters.
Cobra Kai is a sequel series that started in 2018 and is set thirty years after the original films. It features some of the original cast members, including Ralph and William.
Last year, the 2022 Chinese remake of the 2010 Karate Kid film was announced.
Announcement: Chan said, “Hello everyone! We have big news,” before Macchio added, “We’re starring in a new Karate Kid movie together.”
Chan replied, “That’s big news, but we have even bigger news. We are looking for the next Karate Kid’
Wow: Macchio ended by quoting Mr. Miyagi’s iconic line, saying, “That’s right: the global search for the star of our new film begins now. So let’s wax, wax, y’all
Legendary: The story of The Karate Kid follows Daniel as he learns the martial art from the wise Lord Miyagi (played by the late Pat Morita) to help defend himself and compete against his bullies in a tournament
Adaptation: A remake set in China and focusing on kung-fu was released in 2010, with a similar storyline but different characters (pictured Jackie Chan on the back and Jaden Smith on the front)