Karate Kid: Legends is a 2025 American martial arts drama film starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, while introducing Ben Wang as the main lead. It is the sixth film in The Karate Kid franchise, serving as a continuation of The Karate Kid (2010) and the television series Cobra Kai (2018–2025).[5] Both Chan and Macchio reprise their roles from the franchise—the latter’s first involvement in a film from the franchise since The Karate Kid Part III (1989). The story follows Li (Wang), a kung fu prodigy who, after moving to New York and confronting a local karate champion, receives help from his former master Mr. Han (Chan) and karate sensei Daniel LaRusso (Macchio). It is the first film in the series not to be produced by Jerry Weintraub, who died in 2015.[6][7]
The film was confirmed to be in development in September 2022, with Jonathan Entwistle set to direct and Rob Lieber set to write the screenplay in November 2023.[8] Casting took place from November 2023 to April 2024. Principal photography took place from April to June 2024.
Karate Kid: Legends premiered at the Cinépolis Mitikah in Mexico City, Mexico on May 7, 2025,[9] and was released in the United States by Sony Pictures Releasing on May 30. It received mixed reviews from critics and has grossed $105 million worldwide.
Casting By
- Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, a revered shifu of a wuguan in Beijing.
- Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, a sensei of Miyagi-Do Karate in California.
- Ben Wang as Li Fong, a young Chinese boy mentored by his great-uncle Mr. Han.
- Marco Zhang as a young Li Fong
- Joshua Jackson as Victor Lipani, Mia’s father.
- Sadie Stanley as Mia Lipani, Victor’s daughter.
- Ming-Na Wen as Dr. Fong, Li’s mother and Mr. Han’s niece.
- Aramis Knight as Conor Day, a karate prodigy and Li’s rival.
- Wyatt Oleff as Alan, Li’s tutor and friend.
- Shaunette Renée Wilson as Ms. Morgan, Li’s schoolteacher in New York.
- Tim Rozon as O’Shea, a loan shark who is Victor’s creditor and Conor’s sensei.
- Oscar Ge as Bo Fong, Li’s deceased older brother, who was killed in a street fight, prior to the beginning of the film.
Additionally, Pat Morita appears as Mr. Miyagi in archival footage from The Karate Kid Part II and William Zabka reprises his role as Johnny Lawrence from previous appearances in the franchise.
