Karate Kid: Legends has reignited the franchise with a bold new direction, bringing together Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han for the first time on screen. The film unifies the entire Karate Kid universe, merging the classic Miyagi-Do legacy, the 2010 reboot, and the hit Cobra Kai series into one timeline.
Set after the final season of Cobra Kai, Legends follows Li Fong, a Chinese teenager who moves from Beijing to New York and finds himself drawn into the city’s martial arts scene under the guidance of Mr. Han. Daniel LaRusso, now back on the East Coast, crosses paths with Li and Mr. Han, blending Miyagi-Do karate with Han’s kung fu traditions. The movie hints at a deeper connection between the Miyagi and Han lineages, suggesting that Mr. Miyagi and Mr. Han once knew each other, further tying the franchise’s roots together..
Fans of Cobra Kai will notice that while Johnny Lawrence and other Valley favorites have smaller roles, the story acknowledges their journeys, with Daniel and Johnny now close friends and even considering a new business venture together—a nod to their growth since Cobra Kai’s finale The film avoids retreading old conflicts, instead focusing on the next generation and the evolving martial arts legacy.
Karate Kid: Legends stands as a pivotal chapter, bridging decades of storytelling and setting up new possibilities for the future of the franchise.
