Karate Kid Legends Trailer, Fun Facts, Gossip & Review

Karate Kid Legends Synopsis:

After relocating to New York City alongside his mother, martial arts talent Li Fong finds it difficult to move on as he attempts to blend in with his new peers. Li participates in a karate tournament to help a new friend in need, but his kung fu abilities alone are not enough. He quickly discovers how to combine two techniques into one for the ultimate showdown with help from Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

Release Date: In theaters May 30, 2025

Karate Kid Legends Fun Facts:

Jackie Chan's Role:
Jackie Chan is returning to play the role of Mr. Han.

New Karate Kid:
Sony announces a global casting search for the new titular "Karate Kid."

Release Date Pushback:
The film's initial release date was delayed by five months in order to coincide with the conclusion of the Cobra Kai series.

Intertwining Stories:
For the first time ever, this movie will bring two distinct Karate Kid storylines together, as Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso from the original films and Cobra Kai (2018) will engage with Jackie Chan's Mr. Han from The Karate Kid (2010).

Karate Kid Legends Gossip:

Jackie Chan's Leg Injury:
According to sources, while filming in the jungle, Jackie Chan suffered a leg bruise.

Ralph Macchio's Hesitation:
Ralph Macchio admitted to Variety that he had some hesitations about returning to the role so soon after Cobra Kai ended.

Source: youtube, imdb, independent, mensjournal

Karate Kid Legends Review:

Karate Kid Legends Plot:

The plot revolves around Li Fong (Ben Wang), a kung fu prodigy from Beijing who relocates to New York City with his mother following a family tragedy, his older brother's passing during a martial arts contest. Li has difficulty adjusting to his new surroundings while grappling with his past traumas, which include a vow to his mother to stop fighting. He quickly forms a friendship with Mia (Sadie Stanley) and her dad, Victor (Joshua Jackson), a retired boxer. Li becomes involved with Mia's hostile ex-boyfriend, Connor (Aramis Knight), a local karate champion, resulting in unavoidable clashes.

Karate Kid Legends Strength:

Mr. Han, Li's old mentor, comes to New York as he faces these difficulties. Later, Daniel LaRusso joins in as well, and the two martial arts masters join forces to train Li, blending their unique forms of kung fu and Miyagi-Do karate. Li ends up competing in the Five Boroughs competition in the movie, in part to face Connor, but also to get over his own sorrow and anxieties.

Ben Wang gives an enjoyable portrayal as Li Fong, combining a sense of pain with a relaxed demeanor in the role. The movie especially excels in the chemistry among the new group of performers.

The fight scenes are typically well-planned and enjoyable, particularly due to the participation of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, which favors an acrobatic style approach similar to Jackie Chan's earlier movies.

The moments when Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio share the screen are frequently highlighted as fun, showing a playful chemistry as they playfully compete with their individual skills.

Karate Kid Legends Weaknesses and Criticisms:

A major point of critique is the movie's commitment to the familiar "Karate Kid" originality, as several reviewers see it as unsurprising and unoriginal.

Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso both make a rather late appearance in the movie, and a few reviewers believe their characters are underutilized rather than essential to the story.

Several reviews point out a fast-paced tempo, particularly in the second half, as the movie swiftly progresses through the tournament rounds.

Connor, the adversary, is frequently portrayed as a "bore" or "cartoony," lacking the depth or threat of earlier franchise villains like Johnny Lawrence.

Karate Kid Legends Conclusion:

"Karate Kid: Legends" is a movie that hopes to appeal to fans of the series by reuniting beloved characters and introducing a new generation. Its dependence on a well-known formula and perceived lack of deeper emotional resonance have drawn mixed reviews, even though it provides well-choreographed action and introduces a likable new lead in Ben Wang.