In 1984, the Big Bang took place in the Karate Kid universe: the first film with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi was released. Three more films followed and in 2010 the reboot with Jackie Chan and Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith. Since 2018, however, the Karate Kid franchise has been perceived primarily through the quasi-sequel Cobra Kai. The series is running successfully on Netflix, where it is scheduled to end after season 6, which is currently in progress.
And why is all of this so important? Because according to the Hollywood Reporter, a Karate Kid movie starring Jackie Chan AND Ralph Macchio TOGETHER is in the works. The two Karate Kid universes collide 40 years after the Big Bang. Cobra Kai fans have to think twice about this idea. There were first reports of a new Karate Kid film last year.
After Cobra Kai: What is known about the new Karate Kid film with Jackie Chan
The new Karate Kid film with Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan is scheduled to be released in December 2024, both returning to their familiar roles as Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han, respectively. Casting is currently underway for a young, Chinese leading actor. Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the F***ing World) is directing.
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The Karate Kid reboot with Jackie Chan grossed an impressive $359 million worldwide, but is rather unpopular with fans. However, a merger seems to make sense simply because Jackie Chan is one of the most popular action stars in the world. His role as Mr. Han was very much in the spirit of the franchise’s shining light, Mr. Miyagi.
How much does the new Karate Kid movie have to do with Cobra Kai?
Nothing is known about the plot of the untitled Karate Kid film. However, his target release date suggests that he at least loosely connects to Cobra Kai. The Netflix series will enter its 6th and final season around the middle of next year – probably just a few months before the film’s theatrical release. A year ago, Cobra Kai showrunner Josh Hurwitz stated that he had nothing to do with the new Karate Kid film. Ralph Macchio’s cast speaks a different language.
The film also continues a Cobra Kai tradition: the series repeatedly includes old, long-lost characters from the series. It’s only logical that Jackie Chan now also belongs to the Cobra Kai circle.
We’re excited to see what it all looks like in the end and what role Jaden Smith’s character Dre Parker will play.