Waxing On: A New ‘Karate Kid’ Movie is in the Works, Starring Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, and…You?
Wannabe Karate Kids should head to the dojo now.
In a video published Tuesday, the two Karate Kid universes collided as Jackie Chan joined Ralph Macchio to announce that Sony Pictures is looking for a new face to front the latest entry in its martial arts franchise. Macchio was the original Karate Kid, portraying Daniel Russo in the 1984 movie and its 1986 and 1989 sequels, as well as being the co-lead of the Cobra Kai series airing on Netflix. Chan played Mr. Han in the 2010 film that also starred Jaden Smith.
Macchio and Chan will co-star in a new film, slated to hit theaters on December 13, 2024. Sony is also inviting any interested actor/martial artist to submit an audition tape via its website KarateKidCasting.com.
According to the site, casting is for the character of Li Fong, who will portray a “Chinese or mixed-race Chinese” person between 17-17 years old. They are looking for someone who speaks fluent English, noting that “conversational Mandarin is a strong plus,” as is “any sort of martial arts, movement, gymnastics and/or dance experience.” This character is a “smart, scrappy and…skilled martial artist,” according to the site.
Don’t hesitate to audition if you have no acting experience; none is required. Filming will take place from March-June of 2024, so the ideal candidate will be available then.
The next Karate Kid movie will be “fusing and continuing the mythology of the original franchise” with the 2010 movie, according to a Hollywood Reporter story. Rob Lieber (Peter Rabbit) is writing the script, and Jonathan Entwistle (I Am Not Okay with This) is directing.
Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg, who created the Cobra Kai series, will not be involved in this project. The sixth and final season of Cobra Kai will bow on Netflix sometime in the near future.