Two Karate Kid universes collide in a new movie from the martial arts franchise. The news follows the previously announced end of the successful Netflix series Cobra Kai.
In 1984, the big bang in the Karate Kid universe took place: The first film with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi was released. This was followed by three more films and, in 2010, the reboot with Jackie Chan and Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith. Since 2018, however, the Karate Kid franchise has mainly been recognized through the quasi-sequel Cobra Kai. The series is running successfully on Netflix, where it is set to end after season 6, which is currently in the works.
And why is all this so important? Because according to the Hollywood Reporter a Karate Kid movie starring Jackie Chan AND Ralph Macchio TOGETHER is in the works. The two Karate Kid universes collide 40 years after the Big Bang. Cobra Kai fans need to think twice about that idea. Initial reports about a new Karate Kid film had already been made last year.
After Cobra Kai: What is known about the new Karate Kid film with Jackie Chan
The new Karate Kid film starring Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan is scheduled for release in December 2024, with both returning to their well-known roles as Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han respectively. Casting is currently underway for a young Chinese lead actor. Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the F***ing World) will direct the film
The Karate Kid reboot with Jackie Chan grossed an impressive 359 million US dollars worldwide, but is rather unpopular with fans. However, a merger seems to make sense simply because Jackie Chan is one of the most popular action stars in the world. His role of Mr. Han was very much in the spirit of the franchise’s light figure Mr. Miyagi.
How much does the new Karate Kid movie have to do with Cobra Kai?
Nothing is yet known about the plot of the untitled Karate Kid film. However, its targeted release date suggests that it will at least loosely follow on from Cobra Kai. The Netflix series will enter its 6th and final season around the middle of next year – probably just a few months before the film’s theatrical release. Cobra Kai showrunner Josh Hurwitz stated a year ago that he had nothing to do with the new Karate Kid film. The casting of Ralph Macchio speaks a different language.
The feature film also continues a tradition of Cobra Kai: the series always brings back old, lost characters from the series. The fact that Jackie Chan is now also part of the Cobra Kai circle is only logical.
We can’t wait to see how it all turns out in the end and what role Jaden Smith’s character Dre Parker will play
