Karate Kid: Legends Trailer Drops, And It’s All About Legacy, Mentorship, And A New Hero
The wait is almost over, Karate Kid fans! Sony Pictures has just released the highly anticipated trailer for the upcoming movie Karate Kid: Legends. It’s action-packed, emotional, and full of Karate Kid nostalgia. But this time, it’s not just about Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Han (played by the legendary Jackie Chan)—there’s a brand-new hero on the scene.
Passing the Torch
We all know that Karate Kid has always been about passing on wisdom, and this movie is no exception. Now, Karate Kid: Legends shows us Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han teaming up to carry on that legacy. Daniel and Han, who both played mentors in the series, have their sights set on a new protégé. The new kid, Li Fong (played by Ben Wang), is already a karate force to be reckoned with.
The trailer opens with a glimpse of Mr. Han training his students in China. But he needs backup. He seeks out Daniel for help, and the two travel to New York to work together with Li, who seems to need martial arts guidance.
The Drama: Legacy, Action, And New Hero Li Fong
This movie tells a fresh story that keeps fans invested while honoring the franchise’s roots. Li Fong, the new karate prodigy is learning karate for self-defense. In the trailer, we see Li fending off a gang in the subway, highlighting that the skill is also about survival. The trailer also teases a serious rooftop karate tournament.
The trailer ends with a symbolic moment. Daniel gives Li a headband with the iconic bonsai tree on it, and with a deep breath, says, “Two branches, one tree.” The moment perfectly sums up the movie and TV series’ recurring theme, visually and metaphorically.
Karate Kid: Legend’s Star-Studded Cast
The star-studded cast of Karate Kid: Legends is packed with other talent aside from Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, and the rising star Ben Wang. Joining them are Ming-Na Wen, Sadie Stanley, who will play Li Fong’s romantic interest, and Joshua Jackson as her father, Victor. Shaunette Renée Wilson also stars as Ms. Morgan. The movie will also feature Danny McBride, Wyatt Oleff, Aramis Knight, and Jennifer-Lyn Christie in undisclosed roles.
However, don’t get too excited about seeing Jaden Smith from The Karate Kid reboot or Cobra Kai’s William Zabka, as no other familiar faces from those projects have been confirmed.
Karate Kid: Legends is scheduled to hit theaters on May 30, 2025. You can catch its first trailer here.
