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In June 1984, the firstKarate Kidfilm hit the screens, marking the beginning of a legacy that has endured for four decades. Fast forward to today, and the franchise is still thriving, thanks to the success of theCobra Kaiseries on Netflix. The original movies chronicled the journey of Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio, as he navigated the world of karate and triumphed over bullies. In 2010, another installment featured Jaden Smith mastering kung fu.

Recently, in November of last year, Sony set out on a unique path to expand theKarate Kiduniverse by merging the original storyline with the 2010 reimagining. The ambitious plan included bringing back Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, along with introducing a new face to the mix. Now, Sony has officially cast Ben Wang, known for his role inAmerican Born Chinese, as the newest addition to theKarate Kidlegacy.
Sony’s Latest Update for Jackie Chan’s New Karate Kid Movie With Ralph Macchio Will Make Cobra Kai Fans Ecstatic for One Reason
Sony Has Found The New Karate Kid
The next Karate Kid is here! Known for his role alongside Michelle Yeoh in Disney+’sAmerican Born Chinese, Ben Wang has just landed the iconic part in Sony’s upcomingKarate Kidfilm. Wang stood out among thousands of young actors who auditioned for the role.
The Hollywood Reporter, the first to report about Wang’s casting, revealed that he became the frontrunner through a standout audition that showcased a deep connection to the character. The movie marks the return ofJackie Chanand Ralph Macchio, reprising their roles from the 2010 and 1984 films, respectively.

Cobra Kai Used a Genius Trick to Set Up a Potential Jackie Chan Cameo in Season 6 After Action Legend Confirms New Karate Kid Movie With Ralph Macchio
Wang is a true martial arts marvel, fluent in Mandarin and skilled in various disciplines like karate, kung fu, gumdo, kemp, and taekwondo. Apart from his Disney+ series,American Born Chinese,he has appeared in other shows likeMean Girls,MacGyver, andThe Last O.G.
No Jaden Smith This Time, Yet The Hype is Not Less
Jaden Smith will not come back as the Karate Kid for thismovie with theyet-to-be-revealed title. Despite that, fans are enthusiastic, just like before.
Karate Kid and the Multiverse of Madness? 2 tickets please.pic.twitter.com/6ojURFLg3N

— tido! (@itsUmohEtido)June 06, 2025
I suggest everybody to watch American Born Chinese in Disney+ and Ben Wang is definitely a star of tomorrow.

Can’t wait to see him unleashing his stardom in Karate Kid sequel. 🙏🏻❤️
— Peter Rabbit’s Award Buzz (@PeterRabbit_4DX)August 22, 2025

Karate Cinematic Universe?
— Joe E (@JoeE316)June 14, 2025
this is a great casting choice in my mind. we live in a new era where i think this diverse and culturally relevant lead will be widely accepted
— ras ali | رأس علي (@rasalistair)July 26, 2025
Woah..! This will surely be amazing to watch..!😁
— αятιѕтιɕ ԃιαяιєѕ (@artdiaries_)August 16, 2025
Jonathan Entwistle, known for his award-winning teen television dramasI’m Not Okay with ThisandThe End of the F***ing World, is directing the movie from a script by Rob Lieber, who earlier wrote Sony’sPeter Rabbitand Disney’sAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.
The Karate Kid Director Made Ralph Macchio’s Real-Life Feud With William Zabka Worse That Actually Lasted for Decades
Sony Pictures will release the newKarate Kidfilm in theaters on Aug 04, 2025.
Prantik Prabal Roy
Articles Published :778
Prantik Prabal Roy is a content writer at FandomWire. With over three years of experience in content writing for various media houses, he takes great interest in telling stories about Hollywood celebrities and the world revolving around them. He has done his Master’s in English literature and diploma course in journalism. Being a literature student, he has the ability to delve into the matter and analyse it thoroughly to give the readers a clear view on the specific topics.