5 things you need to know about ‘Karate Kid: Legends’

Did you know that the “Karate Kid” franchise in theaters is about to get bigger? That’s because the film “Karate Kid: Legends”, a plot that promises to take fans back to their origins and introduce a new generation of fighters, is already starting to take shape!

Since it was confirmed in 2022, the feature film has been revealing new things little by little, among them, who will be in the cast, what the premise of what will be presented on screen, what connections it makes with previous works belonging to the same universe, as well as previews and the premiere date.

With that in mind, RECREIO put together a list of 5 things you need to know about “Karate Kid: Legends”; check it out:

1. Who will be in “Karate Kid: Legends”?

The first names were confirmed on November 21, 2023, when Sony Pictures shared a video in which Ralph Macchioactor who returns to the role of Daniel-San LaRusso, played by him in the first three feature films of the saga, released between 1984 and 1989, and in the series “Cobra Kai”, appears alongside Jackie Chanwho will be back as Mr. Han, a character from the 2010 Karate Kid remake, opening the auditions for the new Karate Kid.

The call was successful, as, months later, Ben Wang (American Born) was named to bring Li Fong, the main character, to life, as well as Sadie Stanley (Kim Possible), who will play the protagonist’s romantic partner, and Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek) playing the girl’s father figure. There is also Ming-Na Wen (The Book of Boba Fett), whose role has not yet been revealed.

It is worth remembering that the behind-the-scenes names were also revealed, after all, Jonathan Entwistle (I Am Not Okay With This) is the film’s director, while Rob Lieber (Pedro Coelho) signs the script and Karen Rosenfelt takes care of production.

2. What is the plot of “Karate Kid: Legends”?

The details of the story have not yet been revealed to the public. However, we can see from the trailer that the plot will follow Chinese Li Fong after becoming Mr. Han’s apprentice. The duo will travel to California, in the United States, in order to meet Daniel LaRusso, as he is the one who will be able to pass on the late Mr. Miyagi’s teachings to Li Fong.

Still, the situation gets complicated when Li Fong becomes the target of teasing from a group of boys, putting him in battles far beyond the mats.

3. Trailer

Speaking of the preview, this was released last Tuesday, the 17th, providing the first scenes of the new film; watch:

4. Does “Karate Kid: Legends” have a connection to “Cobra Kai”?

Yes! In addition to bringing Ralph Macchio again as Daniel-San, “Karate Kid: Legends” takes place three years after the end of “Cobra Kai”, an original YouTube series that was bought by Netflix, as the director explained Entwistle to Entertainment Weekly (via Omelete).

“I’m excited by the idea that films and series can be part of the same universe”, he began by detailing. “I’ve had some really detailed conversations with the Cobra Kai team about cool things we can do in the film, and I imagine it’s all pretty holistic,” he concluded, before confirming when the feature film is set.

5. When does “Karate Kid: Legends” premiere?

The feature film is scheduled to premiere in the USA on May 30, 2025. In Brazil, the date has not yet been confirmed, but the film is expected to be released a little earlier, on May 29.

Also read: 5 curious facts about Karate Kid