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Karate Kid: Legends (2025) – A Legendary Reunion for a New Generation

Thu May 22 2025


Release Date: July 11, 2025
Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Starring: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Xolo Maridueña, Peyton List

Overview:
"Karate Kid: Legends" marks the long-awaited convergence of the classic and modern Karate Kid universes. A spiritual successor to both the 1984 original franchise and the 2010 reboot, the film brings together the iconic figures of Mr. Miyagi’s lineage and the legacy of Han (Jackie Chan’s character) in an epic new story that spans continents and generations.

Plot Summary:
When a global martial arts tournament is announced in Okinawa to honor the late Mr. Miyagi and promote peace through sport, fighters from across the world are invited to compete. Former karate champions Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) are called upon to mentor their respective protégés: Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña), Tory Nichols (Peyton List), and a gifted new student named Li Zhang (Ben Wang), who harbors a mysterious past.

As tensions rise between the different schools of thought — Miyagi-Do, Cobra Kai, and Han’s disciplined, meditative kung fu — old rivalries ignite and new alliances form. But when a dangerous new faction emerges with plans to turn the tournament into a power grab, the legendary fighters must join forces to preserve the values of honor, balance, and discipline.

Cast Highlights:
Jackie Chan reprises his role as Mr. Han, the wise kung fu master from the 2010 reboot.

Ralph Macchio returns as Daniel LaRusso, now a respected karate sensei and ambassador of Miyagi-Do.

Ben Wang stars as Li Zhang, a promising young fighter with a secret that could shift the balance.

Xolo Maridueña and Peyton List bring their Cobra Kai characters Miguel and Tory into the cinematic spotlight.

Cameos from past franchise icons and nods to Mr. Miyagi (played by the late Pat Morita) enrich the emotional depth of the film.

Behind the Scenes:
Produced by Columbia Pictures in collaboration with Sony and Netflix, Karate Kid: Legends was directed by Jonathan Entwistle, known for blending heartfelt storytelling with a modern edge. The film draws heavily on the themes of legacy, mentorship, and redemption, with action choreography led by veteran martial arts coordinator Yuen Woo-ping.

What to Expect:
Audiences can anticipate:

Powerful martial arts sequences mixing karate and kung fu styles.

Emotional moments of mentorship and growth.

Nostalgic callbacks for long-time fans.

A bridge between the Cobra Kai series and future Karate Kid cinematic stories.

Final Thoughts:
Karate Kid: Legends (2025) is more than just a sequel — it’s a celebration of martial arts philosophy and a multigenerational journey of self-discovery. Whether you're a fan of the original films, the reboot, or the Cobra Kai series, this film brings everyone under one dojo.