Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio with young actor Ben Wang. Image from Sony Pictures Releasing and Columbia Pictures
“Karate Kid: Legends” will be the first time that Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio appear together in a movie, portraying their onscreen characters, “Mr. Han” and “Daniel LaRusso.” Based on the official movie trailer, it seems to be a culmination of their respective roles, bringing the two martial arts icons together in one film for a united cause: to train the next “Karate Kid” of this generation and for the present times as well.
I don’t think this will be connected in any way to “Cobra Kai.” If it does occur at the same timeline, it seems to take place either years before “Daniel LaRusso” meets “Johnny Lawrence” again or years after. I see no indication that they will reference or feature anyone from ‘Cobra Kai.’ The story focuses on the good guys, the heroes, and the icons of the Karate Kid lore, rather than the villains who made “Daniel LaRusso’s” life difficult when he was younger.
I have never watched “The Karate Kid” (2010) movie starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. While I have seen clips of it, I never got around to viewing it in cinemas. From what I remember, the movie studio wanted to relaunch, reboot, and remake “The Karate Kid” for a more contemporary and younger audience, inadvertently effectively washing away the legacy of the original film franchise, which included The Karate Kid Parts 1, 2, and 3.
Having Jackie Chan’s character work alongside Ralph Macchio is a full-circle moment, especially since this would not have been possible five years ago or even earlier. But ‘Cobra Kai’ tapped into the nostalgia of those who cherish the original “The Karate Kid” movie and its sequels. Many people are still watching “Cobra Kai,” which is entering its final season, because they want to see Daniel LaRusso at this stage of his life.
“Karate Kid: Legends” will perhaps take old and new fans of the original film franchise into territory that is not exactly new, but maybe all too familiar for long-time fans, and this is where being a sensei or Karate Master for “Daniel LaRusso” and “Mr. Han” will shine.
Now, if you pay attention to the movie title itself, the “Legends” refers to “Daniel LaRusso” and “Mr. Han,” who are training a young man, “Li Fong,” portrayed by Ben Wang, to defend himself against bullies and criminals. This mirrors the pattern established by “Mr. Miyagi,” Daniel LaRusso’s sensei, decades ago.
However, the addition of Jackie Chan’s character, “Mr. Han,” from the (2010) “The Karate Kid” adds an interesting twist and unpredictability to the story, as well as a new dimension to the mentor-apprentice dynamic. The young man will have two senseis, or two masters of Karate, to learn from, which will be a first in all the Karate Kid movies, as two skilled Karate masters focus on teaching one pupil and perhaps kicking some butt alongside him when needed.
All I can say is, can you imagine having Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in their youthful prime in this movie? They would be the stars, and no one else, and I think no one would be complaining about that, right?
So, I have reasonable expectations with “Karate Kid: Legends” because there are many theories, speculations, and rumors that this is some kind of “Miyagi-verse,” similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Do you know how silly that sounds? This is not that type of movie, let there be no variants of anyone or alternative dimensions, realities, or worlds because ‘The Karate Kid’ has always been grounded in reality, it is realistic and has always been a reflection of what is happening with the youth, and you will learn a few moral lessons too, which is never bad.
Right now, in the real world, especially in Hollywood, Jackie Chan, and Ralph Macchio probably have the cleanest slates, scandal-free reputations and have been living a straight and narrow path all their professional lives, so to have them reprise their respective roles as senseis or Karate Masters who are on the right side of the law, it is utterly believable, deserving and something that moviegoers would want to see on the big screen.
Based on the overall feel, tone, and treatment I observed in its official movie trailer, I believe ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ will have a purer heart and a storytelling approach that celebrates the heroes. It will align more with the tradition of the first ‘The Karate Kid’ movie.
Keep an eye out for “Karate Kid: Legends.”