Jackie Chan is stepping back into the role of Mr. Han in Karate Kid: Legends, the newest addition to the long-running martial arts franchise. Though 71 years old, Chan says he didn’t need to prepare physically for the role. “I’ve been training every day for 64 years,” he says. “I don’t need to anymore. I’ve been fighting, fighting, fighting.” Known for his intense stunt work and decades of martial arts experience, Chan continues to perform his own action scenes — just not at the same pace he did in his younger years. “I’m not like I used to be when I was 20, doing triple kicks in the air. Now, I do one kick,” he jokes.
In Legends, Chan’s Mr. Han mentors his nephew, Li (played by Ben Wang), in China before the young man is forced to move to New York City. There, Li becomes entangled in schoolyard conflict that lands him in the Five Boroughs Tournament, a new setting for the franchise’s familiar martial arts journey. Mr. Han follows him to the U.S., where Li also meets Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who arrives from California to offer guidance in karate.
Ben Wang, who plays the new Karate Kid, underwent rigorous training to prepare for the role. “I got a systematic ass-kicking,” Wang says, describing the month and a half of formal training he completed before shooting began. He trained five days a week with the stunt team, supplementing that with additional solo practice on weekends. “We had 90 days to get me to the point where I could look okay doing a fight scene with Jackie Chan,” he adds.
Chan encouraged Wang to take on as much of the stunt work as possible. “I told him, ‘We have a double for you, but you should do your own thing. The audience respects that. When you use a double, you get lazy,’” says Chan. The legendary actor, who made his franchise debut in the 2010 Karate Kid reboot, says he was impressed by Wang’s dedication and talent, even calling him “my young Jackie Chan.”
Ralph Macchio also returns as Danny LaRusso, bringing continuity to the Karate Kid universe even after Netflix’s Cobra Kai concluded. He began training before he even arrived on set. “The new stunt team sent me videos, and I started rehearsing certain pieces on my own,” Macchio shares. While he plays a more supporting role this time, he acknowledges the significance of passing the baton. “I helped build the foundation to this house, but now I felt like I was at somebody else’s house,” he reflects.
Director Jonathan Entwistle emphasized the blending of martial arts cultures in this latest installment. “This film really understands the difference between Hong Kong martial arts, which focuses on choreography and movement, and American martial arts, which is more about impact and power,” he explains. With Chan and Macchio uniting to guide a new generation, Karate Kid: Legends aims to honor both traditions.
With its mix of legacy characters and fresh faces, Karate Kid: Legends breathes new life into the franchise. The film celebrates discipline, mentorship, and personal growth — all while delivering the action and heart fans have come to expect. As Chan says with pride, “The spirit of martial arts is still alive — and it’s being passed on.”
Source: Variety
Filled Under :
*We reserve the right to delete comments that contain inappropriate content.