The Karate Kid franchise has maintained its legacy over the years, and the original film is a cult classic among fans. The success of the first film led to three sequels The Karate Kid Part II, The Karate Kid Part III, and The Next Karate Kid. While the sequels did not receive as well as the original, the 2020 remake of the original starring Jackie Chan was loved by fans.
Ralph Macchio, the lead star of the original films returned in the sequel series Cobra Kai, continuing the story of his character Daniel LaRusso. Chan and Macchio now coming together for a new Karate Kid film. A recent post from Sony teased the start of production with the reveal of the new logo and one detail proves that the film will have a similarly edgy tone to the Cobra Kai series.
Karate Kid’s New Edgy Logo Promises an Exciting Direction for The Film Series
When it was announced that Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio were coming together for a new Karate Kid film, fans were excited that the franchise was returning to the big screen since Chan’s 2010 remake of the original film. It also possibly means that the two worlds of Macchio’s Cobra Kai and Chan’s film are coming together as one.
Newcomer Ben Wang has been cast as the central kid and production of the film has started recently as announced by Sony on X. The post revealed Wang holding a clapperboard where the official logo of the film is shown. The logo has an edgier and energetic font, reminding one of Cobra Kai’s logo. The show is noted for bringing back the franchise to its glory days by retaining the charm of the original film and adding a certain edge to it.
A chop and a slice. 🎬🍕 @KarateKidMovie has officially kicked off production!
📸: Jonathan Wenk
📸: Justin Brown pic.twitter.com/CjyJrLQmy9— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) April 4, 2024
With Cobra Kai soon coming to a close with its sixth season, the new Karate Kid film will be a perfect transition for Macchio and his character’s evolution in the franchise. The new film having a similar flare (logo-wise) to Cobra Kai might be an indication that it will balance the essence of the original film and the edgy approach of Cobra Kai while telling a new story.
Will Smith Thanks Jackie Chan For Leaving an Eternal Impact on His Family
Jackie Chan and Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith starred in 2010’s The Karate Kid, a remake of the original 1984 film of the same name. The film was loved by fans and successfully brought back the essence of the original film along with Chan’s surprising dramatic performance winning a lot of accolades too.
On account of Chan’s 70th birthday recently, Smith penned a heartful note, thanking Chan for making an eternal impact on his family. The actor further thanked Chan for helping him raise his son better and for being a part of some of his favorite films and craziest moments in film history. He wrote on Instagram,
“Happy 70th (wow) Birthday to My Guy @jackiechan!! In addition to making some of my FAVORITE movies of all time, and creating some of the CRAZIEST moments that have ever been captured on film — I thank you most for helpin’ to raise Jaden. Our time with you in Beijing during the Karate Kid left an eternal impact on our entire family. We wish you the deepest Love & Revelation on your next trip around the sun”
Chan is reprising his role as Mr. Han in the upcoming Karate Kid film which will combine and bring together his world with Ralph Macchio’s original films (via The Hollywood Reporter). In addition to the two, the film will also star Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Aramis Knight and Wyatt Oleff.
Fans can watch/rent the films in the Karate Kid franchise on Apple TV+, and watch Ralph Macchio’s Cobra Kai on Netflix.
Karate Kid is currently slated to hit theatres on December 13, 2024.
