Karate Kid: Legends took center stage at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas, delivering an emotional and action-packed presentation.
The event opened with a spectacular performance, featuring dancers, percussionists, and lantern bearers, setting the tone for the grand unveiling. Shortly after, Ralph Macchio, who portrayed Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 classic Karate Kid and Netflix’s hit series Cobra Kai, took the stage alongside franchise newcomer Ben Wang. Wang plays Li Fong, a martial arts student mentored by both Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han.
Ben Wang Jokes About ‘Miyagi Training’
Before introducing new footage, Wang playfully teased Macchio, saying:
“Ralph, I’ve been doing your chores all week.”
He humorously added,
“I thought you were teaching me some kind of Miyagi thing.”
Macchio, in response, laughed it off as part of the “new guy hazing” tradition.
Emotional Footage Featuring Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han
The newly revealed footage included a heartfelt scene where Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han pays his respects to the late Mr. Miyagi, deepening the connection between the original films and the new storyline.
In the clip, Mr. Han expresses his desire for Li to learn Miyagi karate, saying:
“I want Li to learn Miyagi karate.”
Another preview showcased high-energy martial arts sequences, giving fans a glimpse of the action-packed adventure ahead.
Plot & Release Date of Karate Kid: Legends
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, Karate Kid: Legends is set to release in theaters on May 30, 2025. The film picks up three years after the events of Cobra Kai’s fifth and final season, which debuted on Netflix last month.
This marks the first time Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan will appear together in the franchise, blending elements from both the 1984 Karate Kid universe and the 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith.
The Karate Kid Franchise’s Lasting Legacy
The Karate Kid saga began in 1984 with the iconic story of Daniel LaRusso, a young fighter trained by the legendary Mr. Miyagi, played by Pat Morita. The success of the original film led to three sequels, with Macchio starring in two of them.
A 2010 reboot, featuring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, reintroduced the franchise to a new generation. More recently, the universe expanded with Cobra Kai, which first premiered on YouTube Red in 2018 before gaining widespread popularity on Netflix.
CinemaCon 2024: Hollywood’s Biggest Studios Gather
CinemaCon, presented by Cinema United (formerly the National Association of Theater Owners), is an annual event where Hollywood studios showcase their biggest upcoming releases. This year’s event runs from March 31 to April 3 and features major announcements from the industry’s top studios.
With the return of Karate Kid legends, new characters, and an emotional tribute to Mr. Miyagi, Karate Kid: Legends is shaping up to be a must-watch for longtime fans and new audiences alike.
