In June 1984, the first Karate Kid film hit the screens, marking the beginning of a legacy that has endured for four decades. Fast forward to today, and the franchise is still thriving, thanks to the success of the Cobra Kai series on Netflix. The original movies chronicled the journey of Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio, as he navigated the world of karate and triumphed over bullies. In 2010, another installment featured Jaden Smith mastering kung fu.
Recently, in November of last year, Sony set out on a unique path to expand the Karate Kid universe by merging the original storyline with the 2010 reimagining. The ambitious plan included bringing back Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, along with introducing a new face to the mix. Now, Sony has officially cast Ben Wang, known for his role in American Born Chinese, as the newest addition to the Karate Kid legacy.
Sony Has Found The New Karate Kid
The next Karate Kid is here! Known for his role alongside Michelle Yeoh in Disney+’s American Born Chinese, Ben Wang has just landed the iconic part in Sony’s upcoming Karate Kid film. Wang stood out among thousands of young actors who auditioned for the role.
The Hollywood Reporter, the first to report about Wang’s casting, revealed that he became the frontrunner through a standout audition that showcased a deep connection to the character. The movie marks the return of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, reprising their roles from the 2010 and 1984 films, respectively.
Wang is a true martial arts marvel, fluent in Mandarin and skilled in various disciplines like karate, kung fu, gumdo, kemp, and taekwondo. Apart from his Disney+ series, American Born Chinese, he has appeared in other shows like Mean Girls, MacGyver, and The Last O.G.
No Jaden Smith This Time, Yet The Hype is Not Less
Jaden Smith will not come back as the Karate Kid for this movie with the yet-to-be-revealed title. Despite that, fans are enthusiastic, just like before.
Karate Kid and the Multiverse of Madness? 2 tickets please. pic.twitter.com/6ojURFLg3N
— tido! (@itsUmohEtido) February 12, 2024
I suggest everybody to watch American Born Chinese in Disney+ and Ben Wang is definitely a star of tomorrow.
Can’t wait to see him unleashing his stardom in Karate Kid sequel. 🙏🏻❤️
— Peter Rabbit’s Award Buzz (@PeterRabbit_4DX) February 12, 2024
Karate Cinematic Universe?
— Joe E (@JoeE316) February 12, 2024
this is a great casting choice in my mind. we live in a new era where i think this diverse and culturally relevant lead will be widely accepted
— ras ali (@rasalistair) February 12, 2024
Woah..! This will surely be amazing to watch..!😁
— αятιѕтιɕ ԃιαяιєѕ (@artdiaries_) February 12, 2024
Jonathan Entwistle, known for his award-winning teen television dramas I’m Not Okay with This and The End of the F***ing World, is directing the movie from a script by Rob Lieber, who earlier wrote Sony’s Peter Rabbit and Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.
Sony Pictures will release the new Karate Kid film in theaters on Dec. 13, 2024.
