Now playing in theaters worldwide, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ delivers a spirited evolution of the beloved franchise, blending old and new.
The cast of Karate Kid: Legends gathered at New York City’s SVA Theater on May 27 for the film’s red-carpet premiere, just ahead of its worldwide theatrical release on May 30.
At the heart of the film is rising star Ben Wang as Li Fong, a gifted Kung Fu prodigy thrust into a new life in New York City with his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen). Wang brings an authentic physicality and depth to the role. His long-standing martial arts journey laid the foundation for his on screen fight sequences, having been trained in five martial arts disciplines—karate, Wing Chun, Gumdo, Kempo, and taekwondo.
Photo by Jonathan Wenk/Jonathan Wenk – © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. **ALL IMAGES ARE PROPERTY OF SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC. FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY.
Li’s journey unfolds when he befriends Mia (Sadie Stanley) and her father Victor (Joshua Jackson), a layered character for whom Joshua Jackson gained 20 pounds to embody the gravitas of a protective, single dad and former heavyweight boxing champion turned pizzeria owner.
When Li’s presence threatens the dominance of local karate champion Connor Day (Aramis Knight), friction builds, pulling him into the ultimate competition. Rounding out the film’s strong ensemble with standout performances are Wyatt Oleff as Alan, Li’s tutor and friend, and Shaunette Renée Wilson as Ms. Morgan, Li’s teacher at his prestigious new school.
Driven by a desire to defend himself, protect the people he cares for, and honor his fallen brother, Li enters the legendary 5 Boroughs Tournament.
Returning to guide him are two pillars of martial arts cinema: Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso. Their on-screen dynamic delivers one of the film’s most poignant lines: “Li means to me what you meant to Sensei Miyagi.”
Together, Mr. Han and Daniel fuse two branches of one tree, helping Li craft a hybrid fighting style worthy of legend.
Chan, a legend himself with nearly 65 years in film under his belt and a legacy of performing his own stunts, reportedly dislocated his shoulder on the very first day of filming, then powered through without missing a beat.
As Li trains, composer Dominic Lewis weaves a striking sonic backdrop, having not only composed and produced the film’s score but also lent his own voice to its most emotional tracks. Lewis described the musical heartbeat of the film in one word: energy. “Energy, energy, energy; it was my job to keep that going musically,” he said, emphasizing his effort to honor the legacy of original composer Bill Conti while driving the film’s modern pulse.
Karate Kid: Legends is in theaters worldwide.
