Quick Facts:
- Release Date: May 30, 2025
- Filming Location: Montreal, Canada
- Main Cast: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang
- Timeline: Set three years after Cobra Kai finale
- Studios: Columbia Pictures, Sunswept Entertainment
The martial arts franchise that kicked off four decades ago is about to make history.
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ brings together Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio for the first time, uniting two separate universes in what might be the most ambitious crossover in martial arts cinema.
Why This Trailer Struck a Chord with Me
Watching the Karate Kid: Legends trailer felt like stepping back into a familiar world while discovering something entirely new.
There’s a nostalgic warmth in how it holds on to the ethos of The Karate Kid—that timeless connection between mentor and student.
The bond between Mr. Miyagi and Daniel shaped a generation, and now, seeing Mr. Han guide Li with that same blend of discipline and heart evokes the same emotions.
It’s more than just martial arts; it’s about growth, respect, and finding strength in unexpected places.
That delicate balance of past and present is what makes me excited for this film—it promises to honour what made the franchise iconic while giving us something fresh to root for.
How Does Karate Kid: Legends Connect to Previous Films?
Director Jonathan Entwistle reveals a surprising connection between Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi’s families that dates back generations.
The film bridges three distinct eras: the original films, the 2010 remake, and the Cobra Kai series, creating the first unified Karate Kid universe.
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Plot and Story Details Revealed
After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates from Beijing to New York City. Despite preferring peace, Li finds himself entering a karate competition to help a friend.
His journey brings together two legendary masters: Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) seeks out Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), leading to an unprecedented fusion of kung fu and karate traditions.
The Path to Production
The project’s journey began in September 2022, with Montreal chosen as the filming location.
Principal photography ran from April 1 to June 3, 2024, under the working title “Victory Boulevard.”
The film faced several release date changes due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike before landing its May 2025 slot.
Karate Kid: Legends Cast – Who’s Joining Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio?
Ben Wang leads the new generation, bringing his own connection to the role.
“I was the target audience when the 2010 film came out,” Wang shared with Entertainment Weekly. “I’d just come back from living for a year in Beijing.”
The supporting cast includes:
- Joshua Jackson (marking his return to film after nearly a decade)
- Ming-Na Wen (the original voice of Mulan)
- Sadie Stanley
- Wyatt Oleff
- Shaunette Renée Wilson as Ms. Morgan
- Aramis Knight
Is Karate Kid: Legends Connected to Cobra Kai? Here’s What We Know
The film officially expands the Cobra Kai universe, picking up three years after the series finale.
Daniel LaRusso continues running Miyagi-do from Mr. Miyagi’s old house, working in harmony with Johnny Lawrence’s Cobra Kai dojo.
This balanced approach to teaching in combining Cobra Kai’s offense with Miyagi-do’s defense sets up the perfect foundation for the film’s fusion of martial arts styles.
Behind the Scenes: How Karate Kid: Legends Was Made
During the Montreal shoot, Jackie Chan transformed the set with his spontaneous creativity.
Director Entwistle describes him as “the magical Dumbledore” of the production, constantly finding innovative ways to use the environment in action scenes. “When Jackie has an idea, you film it, because it’s always awesome.”
The film features an original score by Dominic Lewis, adding a new musical voice to the franchise’s legacy.
Why Was the Release Date Changed?
The journey to screen faced several challenges:
- Original release date: June 7, 2024
- Moved to December 13, 2024 (SAG-AFTRA strike)
- Final date: May 30, 2025 (avoiding conflict with Cobra Kai’s final season)
What Makes This New Karate Kid Movie Different?
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ represents many firsts for the franchise:
- First time unifying all three Karate Kid timelines
- First collaboration between Chan and Macchio
- First blend of kung fu and karate training styles
- First direct connection between the Han and Miyagi legacies
Whether you’re a long-time fan who remembers the first crane kick or you’re just discovering these stories through Cobra Kai, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ promises something unique while honouring four decades of martial arts storytelling.
The May 30, 2025 release date might seem far away, but it gives fans plenty of time to catch up on the entire saga.
