The first filming of Karate Kid: Legends gives an idea of ​​the long-awaited meeting between two senseis from around the world and the debut of a new karate for a new generation. The latest installment in the martial arts film franchise brings together for the first time the world of the original 1984 film and its 2010 remake. Karate Kid: Legends will star Ralph Macchio as Daniel La Russo and Jackie Chan as Mr. American born Chinese star Ben Wang will play the new young martial artist Li Fong.
During New York Comic-Con Karate Kid: Legends panel, Screen speech was on hand as audiences got their first glimpse of the 2025 entry in the franchise with an exclusive first teaser trailer. Opening with a new generation of students training in yellow and blue uniforms and atop the New York City rooftop, a memorial dedicated to Mr. Miyagi can be seen before cutting to Mr. Han introducing himself to Daniel, telling him “I came looking for you.“
After giving a look at Li’s life in New York, including her fights against bullies, the trailer featured a selection of fights from both competitions up to a showdown in an alley. La Russo then states “Two branches, one tree,” as Li trains with both senseis in martial arts alongside previews of a very familiar headband to end the preview.
Could Mr. Miyagi’s past bring the two characters together?
With the new trailer, it was finally revealed how director Jonathan Entwhistle and writer Rob Lieber would bring together corners of the franchise that were initially considered separate continuities. THE 2010 film The Karate Kid intended to start a new series. However, with attempts at a sequel to the 2010 film falling apart and renewed interest in the franchise, both senseis have been taken out of their element to teach a new generation.
Although Li’s story brings them together, Daniel’s arc seems clearer. With confirmation that Karate Kid: Legends is defined after the events of Cobra Kai 6th seasonthe glimpse of the bandana and the focus on Mr. Miyagi’s memorial may raise eyebrows, as the first volume of the season revealed that Daniel’s mentor had a darker past that led him to flee to China. While it could suggest that Daniel will come to terms with Mr. Miyagi’s dark side, his past in China could also establish a link between him and Han, allowing Chan’s character to find out about Daniel through a mutual friend.
Can a much-awaited team make the film successful?
Li’s story may seem incredibly familiar as it evokes story beats from the original and the remakeespecially with its protagonist’s fight against the attackers. While it may be a familiar premise, the first trailer also suggests it shouldn’t be a concern, as it highlights Daniel and Han’s meeting and alliance as the real selling point of Karate Kid: Legends. Although Daniel has faced his own trials, Han is a very different mentor, affected by great loss and hardship. Despite their different lives, perhaps their union can help Li grow and become not only a great fighter, but also a legend in his own right.