Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reunite for a new Karate Kid film

Karate Kid-alums Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are reuniting to create martial magic on screen, with Sony Pictures’ latest venture, a new Karate Kid movie. In a video, dropped by the official handle of Sony on YouTube, the iconic duo confirmed their upcoming joint venture and announced an open casting for the next titular Karate Kid.

The OG lovers of Ralph Macchio know him as Daniel LaRusso, the first Karate Kid, guided by Pat Morita’s unforgettable Mr. Miyagi. The character was furthered by Jackie Chan from the 2010 The Karate Kid onto the Cobra Kai series and more, since Pat Morita’s demise in 2005. The new Karate Kid film, featuring both Chan and Macchio, will be releasing in December 2024.

The announcement video is captioned, “Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are looking for the next Karate Kid to star in the new #KarateKidMovie. The global search starts now! For details, visit KarateKidCasting.com” The official site shows a casting call for the fresh character of Li Fong, a Chinese or mixed-race Chinese actor, who is between the age of 15-17 and speaks fluent English.

The character is described as “smart, scrappy and a skilled martial artist. Knowledge of conversational Mandarin, and any sort of Martial arts, gymnastics, dance experience, is a strong plus. Prior acting experience is preferred, but not compulsory, and the actor must be available for shoot between March and June 2024.

Also read: The Karate Kid’s choreographer no more: Pat E. Johnson passes away at 84 

Though the latest film’s plot is still under wraps, Miyagi-verse fans may rejoice as Rob Lieber is penning the project, who is known for creating projects like Peter Rabbit and Alexander the Terrible. Helmed by The End of the F**king World director, Jonathan Entwistle and being produced by Karen Rosenfelt, the new Karate Kid film aspires to fuse the best of both, Ralph Macchio’s and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Miyagi, to create the new generation’s Karate icon.