Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio to star in new 'Karate Kid' movie
Here's a surprise for you, Karate Kid fans!
Action stars Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, who both starred in The Karate Kid decades apart, are set to reprise their roles in the new movie franchise that's slated for release in December 2024.
Macchio is set to return as Daniel LaRusso from the 1980s trilogy The Karate Kid and Netflix’s Cobra Kai, while Chan will play Mr. Han—a kung fu master who taught Dre Parker (portrayed by Jaden Smith) in the 2010 remake. It will directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber.
Sony Pictures also announced on Tuesday, Nov. 22 that they are opening a casting call for the new karate kid to star in the upcoming movie.
"The global search for the star of our new film starts right now. So let's wax on, wax off, everybody," Macchio said, referencing Mr. Miyagi's famous line in the original movie.
As stated on its website, they are looking for actors who are between 15 and 17 years old, Chinese or mixed-race Chinese, and are fluent in English. They don’t require acting experience but prefer those who can speak conversational Mandarin and have previous experience in martial arts, movement, and gymnastics.
The Karate Kid first premiered in 1984, starring Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and the late Pat Morita who portrayed Mr. Miyagi.
It had three sequels until 1994 and had a remake in 2010 starring Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Jaden Smith as Dre Parker, which grossed $359 million (almost P20 billion) in theaters worldwide.
It also spawned a Netflix series Cobra Kai, which is currently gearing up for its sixth and last season, with Macchio leading the cast alongside William Zabka, Xolo Maridueña, and Tanner Buchanan.
