The actor and martial artist Jackie Chan is known for his comedic action movies all around the world. One of his exceptional works also includes the remake of the classic Karate Kid film that featured him alongside the actor-singer Jaden Smith. The film follows a 12-year-old boy, Dre Parker, who starts learning self-defense from a kung fu master, Mr. Han when he faces bullying after shifting to China with his mother.
The film was a box office hit and also received positive ratings from critics. And recent reports suggest that the studio is planning to bring back the Police Story actor in a sequel to the 2010 martial arts drama.
Jackie Chan Reportedly to Return in The Karate Kid Sequel
Director by Harald Zwart and starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith in the lead roles, The Karate Kid was a hit as it went on to gross over $350 million at the box office. Followed by the release of the film, Deadline reported that the studio is planning a sequel for the film, with Breck Eisner set to join the project as the director.
Not many updates were revealed about the sequel’s development until last year. Recent reports revealed that Sony Pictures added new movies to its 2023-2024 release schedule, and one of those movies also included a Karate Kid film.
While it wasn’t confirmed if it would be the sequel to the 2010 film, reports suggested that the film was described as the “return of the original Karate Kid franchise.” The recent updates shared exclusively by Discussing Films revealed that the studio is moving ahead with a sequel, and Jonathan Entwistle has reportedly joined the project as the director.
Entwistle has worked on the popular Netflix shows I Am Not Okay With This and The End of the F**ing World. He is also set to work on a Power Rangers franchise for the streaming giant. While Chan is expected to return as Mr. Han in the potential sequel, Jaden Smith’s return to the series is not confirmed yet.
Fans React to Jackie Chan’s Return
Jackie Chan started working in films when he was a child. In a decade-long career, he has since featured in multiple movies and made people fall in love with his perfect balance between comedy with action. As the reports revealed that the 69-year-old actor is rumored to reprise his character from the 2010 film, fans started sharing their reactions.
A little tough to get excited for Karate Kid after Cobra Kai’s massive success
— Hollywood Mitch (@MitchHollywood) May 17, 2023
The first karate kid was the best one
— ✨Yoga Doll✨ (@yoga_doll) May 17, 2023
Mr. Han is back 😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/sMMq9S6LiP
— The NBA Nerd (@Thenbanerd_) May 17, 2023
Jackie was the only reason I watched that movie. If he returns, I might be down.
If Jaden returns, that drastically reduces those chances.
— The Pocket Taco (@ThePocketTaco2) May 17, 2023
Interesting. so could this be a direct sequel to the one starring jaden smith or will this be completely different and reboot reboot?
— Farhan (@farhan__mehmood) May 17, 2023
They should have made the sequel for this movie very earlier man!! What have they been doing all this year's they can also include Jackie Chan in cobra Kai it would be so cool 😍😍😍
— Rehan Avenger (@AvengerRehan) May 18, 2023
While some fans seemed excited about his return as Mr. Han, others did not share the same opinion. They pointed out the success of the Netflix series Cobra Kai, which follows the events of the original Karate Kid films. Fans also shared that they are apprehensive about the possible return of Jaden Smith.
Many also seemed confused if the sequel would be following the original franchise or the 2010 film. Fans shared that the studio should have made the sequel years ago and that now they are expecting to see the Ride On actor joining the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai.
Sony Pictures previously announced that a Karate Kid film is slated to release on June 7, 2024.
Source: Discussing Films
