Karate Kid: Legends” reunites Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, introducing Ben Wang as new student Li Fong. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, the film hits theaters on May 30, blending old and new.
Get ready to wax on, wax off again! The Karate Kid franchise is back with a new chapter. This time, it brings together two legends: Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan. The official trailer for Karate Kid: Legends is here. It’s full of nostalgia, action, and a fresh face ready to carry the torch.
The film hits theaters on May 30. Ralph Macchio returns as Daniel LaRusso, the original “karate kid.” Jackie Chan is back as Mr. Han, the wise mentor from the 2010 remake. Together, they train a new student, Ben Wang, who plays Li Fong. Li Fong is a young martial artist with impressive skills.
This isn’t just another underdog story. It’s a celebration of the franchise’s legacy. It mixes the old-school charm of the 1984 classic with a modern twist. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the dojo, Karate Kid: Legends promises to kick its way into your heart.
Finding the perfect actor to play the new “karate kid” wasn’t easy. Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan launched a worldwide search for the role of Li Fong.
Thousands of young actors auditioned, but Ben Wang stood out. He was chosen not just for his acting talent but also for his impressive martial arts skills. Wang is trained in karate, wing chun/kung fu, gum do, kempo, and taekwondo—making him a perfect fit for the role.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wang shared how personal this role feels to him. “I was the target audience when that movie came out. I was exactly the age of the character,” he said.
He also has a special connection to the story’s setting. “The whole movie takes place in Beijing, and I’d just come back from living in Beijing for a year.”
Wang grew up watching Jackie Chan movies, calling Chan his first memory of understanding what an actor is. “It was all of my favorite things in one place,” he added.
The film also features a strong supporting cast. Ming-Na Wen plays Li Fong’s mother, while Joshua Jackson and Sadie Stanley join in key roles. Behind the camera, Jonathan Entwistle, known for Netflix’s I Am Not Okay With This and The End of the F—ing World, directs the film. The screenplay is written by Rob Lieber, who worked on Peter Rabbit. Karen Rosenfelt, a seasoned producer, is also on board to bring this new chapter to life.