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Karate Kid: Legends Debuts as Nostalgic Reunion Introducing Ben Wang

Sony Pictures frames the film as the flagship entry in a dojo-verse built on the popularity of Cobra Kai

Overview

  • Critics describe the film as competently made and nostalgically charged but not groundbreaking, with Le Parisien awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
  • Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprise their roles as masters Han and Daniel LaRusso to guide a new generation of karate students.
  • Ben Wang stars as Li Fong, a Beijing teenager in New York, and has been praised for his dynamic presence ahead of his role in the 2026 Hunger Games film.
  • The story follows the classic training-and-showdown formula with a fresh role-reversal twist and pays discreet, emotional tribute to the late Pat Morita alongside callbacks to earlier installments.
  • A post-credits scene delivers a humorous hint at future storylines as Sony expands its martial arts dojo-verse.