Sony Pictures has announced Ben Wang, known from the Disney+ series ‘American Born Chinese’ as the lead in the latest The Karate Kid installment, with Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles from the franchise’s earlier films. Wang was selected after a global search, with his martial arts skills and Mandarin fluency playing a significant role in his casting.
The film, directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, is set to merge elements from the original series and the 2010 reboot, focusing on a teen from China who moves to the East Coast and finds mentorship in martial arts. The release is scheduled for 13 December 2024.
Ralph Macchio shared his excitement about the franchise’s expansion, hinting at a broader Karate Kid Cinematic Universe and potential for future stories within this realm. “There’s more to come, we hope,” Macchio stated, underscoring the ongoing relevance and potential for new stories within the Karate Kid and Cobra Kai series.
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The announcement signifies a new milestone for the Karate Kid franchise, which has grossed over $618 million globally and sparked renewed interest through the Cobra Kai series on Netflix. With Ben Wang at the forefront, Sony Pictures aims to breathe new life into a beloved saga that continues to inspire and entertain generations of fans.
