Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio to appear in new Karate Kid movie
In the lead-up to the latest imagining of The Karate Kid, the series is seeing the return of familiar faces in the form of former stars Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.
For the latest iteration, director Jonathan Entwistle will be behind the camera. Entwistle had previously been known for helming the television series The End of the Fucking World as well as I’m Not Okay With This.
This will be the first time that Chan has appeared in the role of Mr Han since the film of the same name back in 2010 starring Jaden Smith. Since then, Macchio has returned to the franchise as Daniel LaRusso in the Netflix series Cobra Kai.
In the lead-up to the announcement, both Macchio and Chan appeared in a casting call scouting for the next titular karate master. According to the casting directors, the best fit for the titular role should be a Chinese actor fluent in English between 15 and 17 who is skilled in various martial arts moves.
In the latest incarnation, the story is set on the East Coast in Brooklyn, where we find the main character Li Fong finding his calling in the world of martial arts. As he pursues becoming an experienced fighter, he eventually requires the help of a wise mentor to teach him the ways, but it is not known how Macchio and Chan will play into the story.
While both Chan and Macchio have had experience from opposite sides of the franchise, the latest film seeks to bridge the gap between their shared lineage. In keeping with both of their characters from the previous projects, the latest film is looking to tie in both storylines from the 2010 reboot of the film as well as the original trilogy and Netflix shows.
Watch the casting search video below.
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