The first footage of Karate Kid: Legends gives a glimpse at a long-awaited meeting between two senseis from across the globe and the debut of a new karate kid for a new generation. The latest installment in the martial arts movie franchise brings together the world of the original 1984 movie and its 2010 remake for the first time. Karate Kid: Legends will star Ralph Macchio as Daniel La Russo and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, while American Born Chinese star Ben Wang will play the new young martial artist Li Fong.
During New York Comic-Con‘s Karate Kid: Legends panel, Screen Rant was present as audiences were treated to their first glimpse at the 2025 entry in the franchise with an exclusive first teaser trailer. Opening with a new generation of students training in yellow and blue uniforms and atop the rooftop of New York City, a memorial dedicated to Mr. Miyagi can be seen before cutting to Mr. Han introducing himself to Daniel, telling him “I came looking for you.“
After giving a glimpse at Li’s life in New York, including his struggles with bullies, the trailer showcased a selection of fights from both competitions to a showdown in an alleyway. La Russo then states “Two branches, one tree,” as Li trains with both senseis in the martial arts alongside previews of a very familiar headband to close out the preview.
Could Mr. Miyagi’s Past Bridge The Two Characters?
With the new trailer, it has finally been revealed how director Jonathan Entwhistle and writer Rob Lieber would bring together corners of the franchise that had initially been considered separate continuities. The 2010 film The Karate Kid was intended to start a new series. However, with attempts at a sequel to the 2010 movie falling apart and renewed interest in the franchise, both senseis have been brought out of their element to teach a new generation.
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While Li’s story brings them together, Daniel’s arc seems clearer. With confirmation that Karate Kid: Legends is set after the events of Cobra Kai season 6, the glimpse at the headband and focus on Mr. Miyagi’s memorial may raise brows, as the first volume of the season unveiled that Daniel’s mentor had a darker past that led to him fleeing to China. While it may hint that Daniel will come to terms with Mr. Miyagi’s darker, his past in China could also establish a link between himself and Han, allowing Chan’s character to find out about Daniel through a mutual friend.
Can A Long-Awaited Team-Up Make The Movie Succeed?
Li’s story may seem incredibly familiar as it evokes story beats from the original and remake, most notably with its protagonist’s struggle with bullies. While it may be a familiar premise, the early trailer also suggests that it should not be a concern, as it highlights Daniel and Han’s meeting and alliance as the true selling point of Karate Kid: Legends. Though Daniel faced his own trials, Han is a much different mentor impacted by great loss and hardship. Despite their differing lives, however, perhaps their union can help Li rise and become not only a greater fighter but a legend in his own right.
Karate Kid: Legends (2025) is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.
- Director
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Jonathan Entwistle
- Release Date
-
May 30, 2025
- Studio(s)
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Columbia Pictures
, Jerry Weintraub Productions
, Overbrook Entertainment
, Sony Pictures Entertainment - Distributor(s)
-
Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Writers
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Robert Mark Kamen
, Christopher Murphey
, Rob Lieber - Cast
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Ralph Macchio
, Jackie Chan
, Ben Wang
, Ming-Na Wen
, Joshua Jackson
, Sadie Stanley
, Aramis Knight
, Wyatt Oleff - Character(s)
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Daniel LaRusso
, Mr. Han
, Li Fong
