Cobra Kai is coming to an end, but Daniel LaRusso’s story is not. Ralph Macchio is returning to the big screen for an all-new The Karate Kid movie. Only this installment will combine generations of big-screen entries. Jackie Chan, who joined the series in a 2010 reboot as the Kung Fu master and mentor Mr. Han, will join him in the Karate Kid film. They’ll teach Ben Wang, star of American Born Chinese, who is taking on the titular role. They conducted a global casting search to find their lead.
Sony conducted a global casting search to find their lead with the above video from Macchio and Chan. That open call reportedly received 10,000 entries in the first 24 hours. But Wang delivered a standout audition demonstrating his martial arts skills.
While the studio is not yet releasing plot details for the film, in a press release, Sony said it will bring Macchio and Chan “together to continue the mythology of the original franchise.” Variety reports Ming-Na Wen is joining the cast, though we don’t know who she will play.
Jonathan Entwistle will direct with a screenplay from Rob Lieber. The next Karate Kid film will come to theaters on December 13, 2024.
Originally published on November 21, 2023.