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(Los Angeles, CA) – 2025 promises excitement for fans of the ‘Karate Kid’ franchise, as it celebrates two high-profile releases. The spin-off series ‘Cobra Kai’ recently concluded its successful run on Netflix, which brought back Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence. Following its series finale, Macchio reprises his role in the upcoming film ‘Karate Kid: Legends,’ set to premiere on May 30.
In ‘Legends,’ we meet Li Fong, a new protagonist played by Ben Wang, who is introduced as a skilled kung fu student from Beijing. Fong trains under the tutelage of Jackie Chan’s character, Mr. Han, who was previously Jaden Smith‘s mentor in the 2010 reboot. The plot takes a turn when Fong’s mother, portrayed by Ming-Na Wen, moves the family to New York City, leaving behind a violent past. After a new set of challenges arise, Fong must seek guidance from LaRusso and his former sensei’s teachings to triumph in a city-wide tournament.
Macchio expressed excitement about where LaRusso’s character stands after ‘Cobra Kai,’ telling the Globe that he appreciated the resolution of his character’s journey in the series. “Just like everything else in this ‘Karate Kid’ universe, everything worked out,” the 63-year-old actor said. “We had 65 fun episodes where [LaRusso] kind of acted like a jerk at times, but it was always about finding balance, about being more like Mr. Miyagi.”
While LaRusso’s action sequences promise to thrill fans, director Jonathan Entwistle emphasizes that the movie primarily centers on Fong’s story. “It was important to me that we weren’t making a ‘Cobra Kai’ film,” Entwistle explained. “We’re actually making Li Fong’s film.” This perspective allows the film to highlight Fong’s immigrant experience and his evolution as both a martial artist and an individual navigating life in a new country.
The film also revisits themes that have made the franchise resonate through the years, with Entwistle and his team incorporating elements linked to the original films, including archival footage of Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi. They achieved this by exploring different cuts and scans for an opening sequence, establishing a connection between Han and Miyagi.
Notably, Wang’s portrayal has drawn high praise from Macchio, who likened the newcomer’s dedication to that of a young Jackie Chan. Macchio stated, “It’s been a gift that keeps on giving, and a character that resonates with young kids today in a positive way.” As anticipation builds for ‘Karate Kid: Legends,’ fans are eager to see how the film furthers the legacy of this beloved franchise. The film will hit theaters on May 30.
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