The Ultimate Martial Arts Dream Team Is Here

For fans of the classic Karate Kid and the 2010 reboot, the cinematic dream is finally coming true. Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan join forces in the highly anticipated Karate Kid: Legends, landing in Philippine cinemas on May 28, brought to local screens by Columbia Pictures.

“Bringing these two legends together is beyond a producer’s dream,” says producer Karen Rosenfelt. “What’s fresh and unique about this movie is that both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso are training a Chinese, Mandarin-speaking boy. It’s a story about family and recovering what’s important. And it works as a standalone if you have never seen a Karate Kid film, and it’s also a love letter to those who were there for The Karate Kid in 1984.”

A Brand-New Story That Honors the Classics

In Karate Kid: Legends, we meet Li Fong, a gifted kung fu teen played by rising star Ben Wang, as he adjusts to life in New York City. Facing bullies and cultural challenges, Li finds guidance in none other than Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). But with the stakes rising, Han reaches out to another legend—Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio)—for help. Together, they train Li in a unique blend of kung fu and karate, preparing him for the ultimate showdown.

Whether you’ve followed The Karate Kid since 1984 or are just meeting the dojo for the first time, this film promises a fresh and emotional journey rooted in mentorship, family, and personal growth.

Ralph Macchio on Returning to LaRusso

Macchio, also serving as an executive producer, took special care in reviving the franchise. “I’ve been careful over the years with protecting this franchise, protecting this character,” Macchio says. “The evolution of these characters, the themes in the original movie, they still stand the test of time and win over each generation.”

For Macchio, stepping into the dojo again wasn’t just nostalgic—it was essential. His dedication ensures that the legacy of The Karate Kid is preserved while evolving for today’s audiences.

“I have so much respect for him as an artist and entertainer,” he says. “He’s a legend in the field, whether it be motion pictures and martial arts or even comedy. He cares very much, and he’s very involved in every take, certainly in the martial arts takes. He’s like, ‘No, no, this is how it’s done!’ I kind of just say, ‘Okay!’”

Jackie Chan: “The Audience Wants to Come Back”

The excitement was mutual for Jackie Chan, who reprises his role as Mr. Han. “I wanted to come back to this role because the audience wants to come back,” he says. “We’ve been looking for a good story. We’ve been waiting.”

Working with Macchio also proved to be a highlight. “Our first time meeting was the premiere of The Karate Kid ten years ago. He’s an actor like me—so experienced,” says Chan. “He knows what a film needs. Immediately we just melded together. Whatever I’d say, he was already thinking.”

The Power of Legacy—and a New Beginning

What makes Karate Kid: Legends truly stand out is its ability to feel both fresh and familiar. By uniting two iconic characters and introducing a new hero, it speaks to both old fans and a whole new generation.

With Chan and Macchio passing on their hard-earned wisdom to a young protégé, the film becomes more than just another sequel—it becomes a celebration of everything the franchise stands for: honor, resilience, and self-discovery.

Catch the magic and the martial arts in full force as Karate Kid: Legends opens in Philippine cinemas on May 28.

Distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines, the film is a must-watch summer blockbuster. Join the conversation online with #KarateKidMovie and follow @columbiapicph for updates.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}