Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan Starring in New ‘Karate Kid’ Movie

Sony is looking to revisit the Miyagi-verse by crossing over with the 2010 re-imagining.

(Left) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in 1984's 'The Karate Kid.' Photo: Columbia Pictures. (Right) Jackie Chan as Mr. Han in 2010's 'The Karate Kid.' Photo: Sony Pictures.

Preview:

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio will star in a new, untitled ‘Karate Kid’ movie.
Jonathan Entwistle will direct the movie based on a script by Rob Lieber
A search is underway for a young Chinese actor to take on the title role.

Every studio, when it has a recognizable title in its library, looks to keep the money flow going by finding new ways to bring it to screens.

The latest example? Sony, which is now looking to extend the ‘Karate Kid’ universe. Or, in this case, cross over the characters (well, one) from the 1984 original film to those (well, again, one) from the 2010 re-imagining.

Ralph Macchio, who played freshly-transplanted Brooklyn teen Daniel LaRusso, who struggles to fit in in his new California home and who is trained by wise, quirky Karate sensei Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) will be back.

As will Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han, a master of kung-fu (quite while it’s still called ‘The Karate Kid’ is a mystery to us) who trains young Dre (Jaden Smith) to fight back against bullies after he and his mother move to China.

(L to R) Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Jaden Smith as Dre Parker in 2010's 'The Karate Kid.' Photo: Sony Pictures.

The story storylines would seem to exist in entirely different cinematic universes, but if comic book movies have taught us anything these days, it’s that universes can crash into each other all the time. Perhaps this is the birth of the ‘Karate Kid’ multiverse?

Of more concern is why no one from remarkably successful original ‘Karate Kid’ spin-off ‘Cobra Kai’ is involved. That Netflix series has continued the 1980s movies’ story in the modern era and is truly entertaining. But no mention of it or its creative team is made in the report of the new movie.

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What’s the story of the new ‘Karate Kid’ movie?

(L to R) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi in 1984's 'The Karate Kid.' Photo: Columbia Pictures.

The movie, which has yet to announce a formal title (besides being a ‘Karate Kid’ film), is largely keeping its plot under wraps, but The Hollywood Reporter has discovered that the latest iteration will bring the story to the East Coast and focus on a teen from China who finds strength and direction via martial arts and a tough but wise mentor.

Who will play the new Karate Kid?

(L to R) Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Jaden Smith as Dre Parker in 2010's 'The Karate Kid.' Photo: Sony Pictures.

That’s the key question right now, and one that the producers are looking to answer through a global search.

Chan and Macchio fronted a video launching the global hunt for the young Chinese talent who can play the teen. So, we’ll wait and see who gets selected to join the two stars.

Who is making the new ‘Karate Kid’ movie?

Jonathan Entwistle, known for his and 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, whose past credits include Sony’s ‘Peter Rabbit’ and Disney’s ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day’.

When will the new ‘Karate Kid’ movie be in theaters?

Even without a “kid” in place, Sony is looking to get this one moving quickly. It has already planted a flag in a December 13, 2024, release date, with a shoot penciled in for this coming spring.