A new Karate Kid film is on the way, bringing back Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han. But the big question is – who will play the latest karate kid that the two veteran actors will mentor? The answer is Chinese-Canadian actor Ben Wang, fresh off his role in the Disney+ series American Born Chinese.
At just 15 years old, Wang has landed the coveted lead role in the new Karate Kid movie after a worldwide casting search. According to insiders, Wang’s standout audition showed his strong connection to the character and impressive martial arts skills. Fluent in Mandarin and trained in karate, kung fu, taekwondo, and more, Wang looks poised to kick off an exciting new Karate Kid chapter.
What Do We Know About the New Karate Kid Film?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, plot details are tightly guarded, but we do know that the new Karate Kid will bring the story to the East Coast. It will focus on a Chinese-American teen, played by Wang, who finds strength through martial arts and guidance from two wise mentors – LaRusso and Han.
Jonathan Entwistle, acclaimed director of teen dramas like I’m Not Okay with This and The End of the F***ing World, is helming the feature. The script comes from Rob Lieber, writer of Sony hits Peter Rabbit and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.
Sony has set a release date of December 13, 2024. This gives them plenty of time to begin production with Wang, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, and other cast members soon.
Why is Ben Wang the Perfect Karate Kid?
The Karate Kid franchise has always focused on an underdog who discovers their potential through dedicated martial arts training. As a Chinese-Canadian actor getting his big break, Ben Wang fits that mold perfectly in real life as well.
Wang also brings the exact skills needed to convincingly play the next karate kid onscreen. His fluency in Mandarin suits the new film’s Chinese-American lead character. And Wang’s extensive martial arts background, with years of experience across karate, kung fu, and taekwondo, means he can perform challenging fight scenes.
After impressing audiences in last year’s American Born Chinese, Wang is poised to level up to full-fledged karate kid fame opposite Chan and Macchio’s iconic characters. It’s the kind of big break most young actors can only dream of. And if Wang delivers as promised, he could cement his place in Karate Kid history for a new generation.
Beyond his martial arts skills, Wang is described as very bright and disciplined. He attended Ecole Secondaire Catholique Garneau High School in Ontario while balancing acting gigs. Wang has studied French since kindergarten and English remains his strongest language.
For the American Born Chinese audition, Wang submitted self-taped auditions from his homemade studio. When taping his audition for the new Karate Kid film, Wang focused on embodying the spirit of the franchise rather than showing off. This humility and commitment to character stood out from the flood of 10,000 audition tapes from eager contenders around the world.
