Get ready for a new martial art! 13 years after its theatrical reboot, the Karate Kid saga will return to the big screen under the direction of Sony Pictures. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio announced the good news in a short video released to the media.
If the Chinese martial arts star starred in the 2010 reboot with Jaden Smith, Ralph Macchio has been the star of the franchise since the first opus in 1984. He portrayed the iconic character of Daniel LaRusso in 3 feature films and the Cobra Kai TV series that aired. on Netflix. 69-year-old Jackie Chan and 62-year-old Ralph Macchio are ready to fight again!
It will be the 6th part of the movie saga after Ralph Macchio, Miss Karate Kid with Hilary Swank (1994) and the 2010 reboot. “We will play karate together in the new movie of the kids”revealed Macchio, who stands next to Jackie Chan in the video.
The action superstar will then launch a giant casting call to find an actor to play the lead role. “We’re looking for the next karate kid”Jackie Chan said.
At the end, both actors expressed their enthusiasm and excitement for the idea of starting this new project. Note that the feature film will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle, the 39-year-old director who worked on The End of the Fucking World and I Am Not Okay With This.
In addition, a website has been created for those who want to try their luck at becoming a feature film star: KarateKidCasting.com.
Who will be the next karate kid?
According to an announcement on the site, the production is looking for a Chinese (or mixed Chinese) actor between the ages of 15 and 17 to play Li Fong, the next karate kid. The actor must be fluent in English (basic Mandarin is also appreciated) and proficient in martial arts, gymnastics or dance.
The text also states that no acting experience is necessary to pass the casting.
So far, no evidence has been revealed regarding the plot of this new opus. We just know that Ralph Macchio is apparently reprising his role from Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan as Han, who he played in the 2010 reboot.
In this way, the two worlds will intersect. We also don’t know if William Zabka, aka Johnny Lawrence, will return. The release date is set for December 13, 2024 in the United States (and probably December 11 in France).
A true pop culture phenomenon spanning nearly 4 decades, the Karate Kids franchise has grossed $430 million worldwide across 5 films. The license was relaunched in 2018 with the triumph of the spin-off series Cobra Kai. The show’s 6th and final season is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2024.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
