Jackie Chan reunites with Karate Kid franchise after 15 years, brings fresh energy

Fifteen years after he last appeared as Mr. Han, Jackie Chan is stepping back into the Karate Kid franchise—and this time, he’s bringing the story to New York City, where tradition meets modern-day challenges with a powerful emotional core. In The Karate Kid: Legends, Chan reprises his role alongside Ralph Macchio, who returns as Daniel LaRusso.

Set after the events of the Cobra Kai series finale, the film unites the two characters in an East-meets-West narrative that introduces a new protagonist, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang. “I was for sure super excited,” Chan said during global promotions.

“It’s been almost 15 years!” Now based in New York, Mr. Han teams up with LaRusso to train Li Fong, a gifted kung fu student from Beijing adjusting to life after a family tragedy. The pair guide him through a transformative journey culminating in a high-stakes rooftop tournament. Chan praised Wang’s dedication, calling him “a really good boy” with strong work ethic and humility. 

While keeping action details under wraps, Chan assured fans of the film’s emotional depth: “You’ll see friendship, dedication, and a miracle when people work together.” Still performing his own stunts, Chan continues to champion real martial arts on screen. “Everything is in your heart and soul,” he said. “It’s muscle memory.”