Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, who starred in separate “Karate Kid” films decades apart, are set to join forces in a new movie within the martial arts franchise. Produced by Sony Pictures and slated for a theater release on December 13, 2024, the film will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle, written by Rob Lieber, and produced by Karen Rosenfelt.
While plot details for the upcoming movie are being kept confidential, Macchio will reprise his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso, a character he portrayed in the original “Karate Kid” film trilogy starting in 1984. Chan will return as Mr. Han, a kung fu master reminiscent of Mr. Miyagi, who mentored Jaden Smith’s Dre Parker in the 2010 remake.
Jackie Chan
Macchio has kept the character of Daniel alive through the successful Netflix series “Cobra Kai,” which recently announced its sixth and final season. The series, created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, picks up decades after the events of the original movies, reigniting a rivalry between the now middle-aged Daniel and Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka).
The connection between the “Cobra Kai” storyline and the new “Karate Kid” movie remains unclear.
In a video posted on YouTube, Chan and Macchio announced a global casting search for a new karate kid to lead the movie. They invited young actors to submit audition tapes to KarateKidCasting.com.
Since its debut in 1984, the “Karate Kid” franchise has become a beloved sports saga in Hollywood, giving rise to the Emmy-nominated “Cobra Kai” series and grossing over $430 million globally.
Macchio is represented by Untitled Entertainment, Buchwald, Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman, LLP, and Jill Fritzo PR. Chan is represented by CAA and Jessica Chen. Entwistle is represented by CAA, Grandview, 42, and Jackoway Tyerman Wertheimer. Lieber is represented by Verve, Fourth Wall Management, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
