Overview

• Karate Kid: Legends merges the original 1984 trilogy’s continuity with the 2010 remake by teaming Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) to train newcomer Li Fong.
• Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, the film follows Beijing teen Li (Ben Wang) as he moves to New York City, befriends pizza-shop owner Victor and challenges local karate champion Conor.
• Reviews commend Wang’s likability and martial arts prowess but criticize the second half’s breakneck pacing and underuse of Macchio and Chan despite the ‘‘two branches, one tree’’ premise.
• On set, Wang says he drew inspiration from Chan’s boundless energy and Macchio’s dedication to the franchise, while Chan reflects on his journey from action star to serious actor role.
• The movie opened in UK cinemas on May 28 and debuts in US theaters on May 30, marking the first time the franchise’s two main continuities share the screen.