The hunt for the next Karate Kid has begun!
Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan revealed on Tuesday that they will co-star in a new Karate Kid film and are presently seeking a new young protagonist—portrayed by Macchio, now 62, in the original 1984 film and Jaden Smith in the 2010 update co-starring Chan, 69.
“Good day, everyone!” We’ve got big news,” Chan said in their video before Macchio stepped in with, “We’re starring in a new Karate Kid movie together.”
“That’s big news,” Chan added, “but we have even bigger news.” “We’re looking for the next Karate Kid.”
“That’s right—the global search for our new film’s star begins right now.” So, everybody, let’s wax on, wax off,” Macchio remarked near the end of the footage, citing Mr. Miyagi’s (played by the late Pat Morita) iconic phrase from the original film.
The video then referred interested actors to KarateKidCasting.com for additional information on the search and how to apply.
According to a press release, Jonathan Entwistle will be in charge of directing and Karen Rosenfelt will be in charge of producing the film. It is set to be released in theaters on December 13, 2024.
In the original Karate Kid movie, Macchio’s character, Daniel LaRusso, is a harassed high school kid whose life is transformed when he learns self-defense and vital life lessons from wise karate sensei Mr. Miyagi. He uses what he learns to protect himself and defeat opponents in competition.
In the TV series Cobra Kai, Macchio reprised his role as Daniel, and his rivalry with old opponent Johnny Lawrence was revived 35 years later. As one of the show’s executive producers, Macchio received an Emmy nomination for best comedy series in 2021.
Meanwhile, Chan appeared in The Karate Kid in 2010 as Mr. Han, a kung fu instructor and mentor to Smith’s character, Dre Parker.
Macchio addressed people in January 2021 about how different generations of fans have reacted to the Karate Kid universe through Cobra Kai.
“Kids watch the show and then tell their parents, ‘Hey, you should check out this.'” ‘It’s really cool,’ he stated at the time. “To go through the ebbs and flows of popularity for 36+ years and now be in a place where parents, kids, and even grandparents are sharing the same excitement is really special.”