'Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio 'very excited' to 'unite' for ‘Karate Kid’ as global search for star kicks in
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The martial arts franchise that began in 1984 will have a new installment featuring the stars of the original and the remake films.
Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, who played the roles of Mr Han and Daniel LaRusso respectively, will join forces for a new 'Karate Kid' movie set to hit theaters on December 13, 2024.
The new ‘Karate Kid’ movie: What we know so far
The new movie, which is still untitled, will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber. Karen Rosenfelt will produce the film for Sony Pictures.
The plot details are kept under wraps, but it is confirmed that Macchio will reprise his role as Daniel, the karate student of Mr Miyagi, who was played by the late Pat Morita, Variety reports.
Chan will return as Mr Han, the kung fu master who trained Jaden Smith’s Dre Parker in the 2010 remake of the first film. The new movie will continue the mythology of the original franchise, according to Deadline sources.
It is unclear how the story of the Netflix series 'Cobra Kai', which follows the lives of Daniel and his rival Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka) decades after the events of the original movies, will factor into the new film.
Macchio serves as an executive producer and star of the hit show, which announced its sixth and final season earlier this year.
A global casting search for a new karate kid to lead the movie
In a video posted to YouTube and X Chan and Macchio launched a global casting search for a new karate kid to lead the movie, inviting young actors to submit audition tapes to KarateKidCasting.com.
The video shows the two stars reminiscing about their experiences in the franchise and encouraging aspiring martial artists to showcase their skills and personalities.
“We’re looking for someone who can bring something new and fresh to the role, someone who can honor the legacy of the karate kid, but also make it their own,” Macchio said in the video.
Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are looking for the next Karate Kid to star in the new #KarateKidMovie. The global search starts now! For details visit: https://t.co/VsnX9P62Z6 pic.twitter.com/rLgSJTKQWT
— Karate Kid Movie (@KarateKidMovie) November 21, 2023
Chan added, “We want someone who can act, who can fight, and who can have fun. We want someone who can be the next karate kid.”
The stars confirmed that they are "very very excited" and that "we are starring in the new karate movie together."
A pop culture phenomenon spanning almost three decades
The ‘Karate Kid’ franchise is a popular sports saga that started in 1984 with Macchio as Daniel, a karate student of Mr Miyagi, a Japanese-American handyman.
The franchise has five films, 'The Karate Kid (1984)', 'The Karate Kid Part II (1986)', 'The Karate Kid Part III (1989),' 'The Next Karate Kid (1994), 'The Karate Kid (2010)', 'The Karate Kid 2 (2024).'
Besides an animated series, a video game, and the Emmy-nominated series ‘Cobra Kai’, which follows the rivalry between Daniel and Johnny, his former bully.
The franchise has earned over $430 million worldwide and has inspired many fans and martial artists.
