Director Jonathan Entwistle of Karate Kid: Legends reveals that the upcoming film is designed to evoke the charm and excitement of early Jackie Chan films, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
The beloved series Cobra Kai may have concluded after six thrilling seasons, but the legacy of the Miyagi-verse continues to flourish with the launch of Karate Kid: Legends. This new film brings together iconic characters, Daniel LaRusso portrayed by Ralph Macchio, and Mr. Han played by Jackie Chan, as they mentor a promising new karate talent, Ben Wang. In an interview with Empire, Entwistle shared that the film draws heavily from the stylistic elements of classic Jackie Chan movies, aiming to create an engaging experience for both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
“Ben was dedicated to training every single day with a top-tier Chinese stunt team,” Entwistle revealed. “He understood my vision of wanting the martial arts sequences to resonate with the energy and style of early Jackie Chan films, and we put significant effort into achieving that aesthetic. We incorporated a lot of traditional Hong Kong wire-work techniques to enhance the film’s authenticity.”
Jackie Chan’s remarkable talent is not solely based on thrilling action but also on his unique ability to infuse humor into fight scenes. “There’s a comedic element to the choreography that unfolds throughout the film,” Entwistle elaborated. “Jackie and his team imparted valuable lessons about integrating narrative into the fight scenes. They taught us to consider elements like using objects from the surroundings, which adds layers to the action. Unlike the heavily VFX-enhanced fight sequences typical of many modern superhero films, such as those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I wanted to emphasize an authentic, in-camera approach to martial arts.”
A brand new trailer for Karate Kid: Legends premiered at CinemaCon, and for eager fans, it was made available online just a day later, allowing everyone to catch a glimpse of the action.
The official synopsis provides a deeper look into the plot: “In Karate Kid: Legends, after experiencing a tragic family event, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (played by Ben Wang) is forced to leave his home in Beijing and relocate to New York City with his mother. As Li attempts to navigate his new life and blend in with his classmates, he struggles to leave behind his past. Despite his reluctance to engage in fighting, conflicts seem to find him at every turn. When a new friend requires his assistance, Li reluctantly enters a karate competition—realizing that mere skills may not suffice. His kung fu mentor, Mr. Han (brought to life by Jackie Chan), seeks help from the original Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (portrayed by Ralph Macchio), guiding Li to combine their distinctive fighting styles for an epic martial arts showdown.“
The much-anticipated Karate Kid: Legends is set to grace theaters on May 30th, promising a blend of nostalgia, action, and heartfelt storytelling.
