Karate Kid: Legends (2025): A Legacy Reignited with Kung Fu and Karate United

Released: May 30, 2025

Director: Jonathan Entwistle

Starring: Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Joshua Jackson, Ming-Na Wen, Sadie Stanley, Aramis Knight

Runtime: 94 minutes

Studio: Columbia Pictures, Sunswept Entertainment

🎞️ Trailer:

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Plot & Themes

Karate Kid: Legends bridges the beloved universes of the 1984 original, the 2010 reboot, and the Cobra Kai series. It follows young kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang), who relocates from Beijing to New York City with his mother. When confronted with a formidable local karate champion, Li assembles training under both his kung fu master Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and karate legend Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), merging their fighting disciplines in a new generation showdown.

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Performances

• Ben Wang brings admirable energy and emotional depth as Li Fong, balancing discipline, grief, and courage.

• Jackie Chan, at 71, performed his own stunts and brings his trademark grace and craftsmanship to Mr. Han.

• Ralph Macchio returns as Daniel LaRusso, passing the torch while staying true to the values of Mr. Miyagi.
  Other standout performances include Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, and Aramis Knight, who brings intensity as the local karate rival.
  

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Direction, Style & Music

Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, known for his work on The End of the F**ing World*, the film adopts vibrant, comic-book-infused visuals with emotional stakes and nostalgia.
Dominic Lewis scores the film, offering a mix of heroic themes—reaction remains mixed, with Variety praising the score's impact, while Filmtracks called it disjointed.

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Reception & Box Office

• The film earned $114.5 million worldwide on a $45 million budget — a solid return for a legacy sequel.
  

• Critics appreciated the balance of legacy content and fresh storytelling: “A clever blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling,” The Washington Post observed. However, some pointed out its crowded characters and short runtime limited development.
  

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Final Thoughts

Karate Kid: Legends isn’t just another entry in the franchise. It’s a respectful, action-packed homage that honors its roots while safely passing the torch. With intergenerational mentorship, heart, and high-stakes martial arts action, this installment balances nostalgia with fresh energy, carving its own place in the Karate Kid legacy.

If you're a fan of martial arts stories, mentor-driven narratives, or simply seeking a feel-good, action-packed journey, Legends offers exactly that.