In exciting news for fans of The Karate Kid franchise, the search for the new Karate Kid has finally come to an end. The highly anticipated upcoming installment, which will feature the return of Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, has selected rising star Ben Wang to take on the role of the titular karate kid. This announcement, reported by THR, reveals that Wang was chosen due to his deep emotional connection to the character and his fluency in Mandarin.
Sources close to the production have described Wang's audition as a standout, showcasing his profound understanding and connection to the role. Not only is Wang a talented actor, but he is also highly skilled in various forms of martial arts, including karate, wing chun/kung fu, gumdo, kempo, and taekwondo. His recent performance in the Netflix series American Born Chinese demonstrated his affinity for martial arts and showcased his versatility as an actor.
Joining forces with Academy Award winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, Wang's previous project American Born Chinese unfortunately met a premature end, being canceled after just one season. However, this setback seems to have paved the way for his opportunity to shine in the forthcoming Karate Kid movie.
The highly anticipated new installment in The Karate Kid franchise aims to bring together two separate storylines, with Ralph Macchio reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso from the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai, and Jackie Chan returning as Mr. Han from the 2010 film adaptation of The Karate Kid. While specific details surrounding the plot remain undisclosed, earlier reports have hinted that the film will venture to the East Coast and follow the journey of a teenage protagonist from China who gains strength and guidance through martial arts and a wise mentor.
Taking the directorial reins for this exciting project is Jonathan Entwistle, known for his work on acclaimed shows like I'm Not Okay with This and The End of the F***ing World. Collaborating with Entwistle is screenwriter Rob Lieber, who has worked on notable films such as Peter Rabbit and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.
Amazingly, it has been revealed that the creators of Cobra Kai, Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg, have been involved in the development of the new Karate Kid movie from the very beginning. With their extensive knowledge and understanding of the Karate Kid universe, their input and guidance have been invaluable to the project.
As for the release dates, The Karate Kid is scheduled to hit theaters on December 13, 2024, courtesy of Sony Pictures. Meanwhile, Cobra Kai is gearing up for its sixth season, which will mark the end of the incredibly successful series.
Fans of The Karate Kid can anticipate an exciting new chapter that promises to unite beloved characters and introduce a fresh perspective. With the talented Ben Wang stepping into the role of the new Karate Kid, the film is poised to captivate audiences with its thrilling martial arts action and heartfelt storytelling. As the countdown to the release begins, enthusiasts of the franchise can eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this iconic saga.
