The Karate Kid franchise returns to theaters with Karate Kid: Legends, uniting Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio for the first time in a crossover that merges the worlds of the original films, the 2010 reboot, and the hit series Cobra Kai But this time, the spotlight shifts to a new hero—and a fresh set of challenges.
Ben Wang stars as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy from Beijing who relocates to New York City with his mother, played by Ming-Na Wen. Struggling to fit in at a new school, Li quickly finds himself the target of Conor Day (Aramis Knight), a ruthless local karate champion. As tensions rise, Li turns to the guidance of two legendary mentors: Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). Together, they train him for the ultimate martial arts showdown, blending kung fu and karate in a way the franchise has never seen before.
The film, directed by Jonathan Entwistle, also features Joshua Jackson and Sadie Stanley in key roles, with a plot that weaves in themes of mentorship, rivalry, and self-discovery. Notably, Karate Kid: Legends is the first installment to directly link the 2010 reboot and Cobra Kai universe, offering fans long-awaited answers about how these storylines connect.
Released in the U.S. on May 30, 2025, the movie has drawn mixed reviews—praised for its energetic new lead and nostalgic team-up, but critiqued for juggling too many legacies at once Still, the chemistry between Chan and Macchio, along with Wang's breakout performance, delivers the kind of underdog spirit that has defined The Karate Kid for generations.
With old rivalries reignited and new alliances forged, Karate Kid: Legends leaves fans wondering: Is this the beginning of a new era, or the final bow for these martial arts legends?
