Overview

• The film officially connects the 1984 original and 2010 remake into a single universe by linking Mr. Miyagi’s lineage with Mr. Han’s backstory.
• New protagonist Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, trains in both karate and kung fu under Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han, underscoring themes of legacy and mentorship.
• Critical reviews have been mixed, with a 58% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes offset by a franchise-high 91% audience rating.
• William Zabka appears in a cameo as Johnny Lawrence, offering a nod to Cobra Kai even as some earlier characters go unmentioned.
• Earning $47 million worldwide against a $45 million budget, the film’s underperformance has prompted speculation over the future direction of the franchise.