“First learn ‘stand’, then learn ‘fly’, then learn ‘star in a crossover sequel that nobody saw coming'”.
To the surprise of both fans and general audiences alike, Sony has announced that not only have they green-lit a new cinematic take on The Karate Kid, but that it will also feature the first official meeting between the franchise’s original and reboot story lines.
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News of The Karate Kid‘s return to the silver screen was first announced on November 21st, courtesy of a brief video message uploaded to Sony’s official YouTube Channel.
Upon hitting ‘play’, audiences were greeted by actors Ralph Macchio, who has portrayed original series protagonist Daniel LaRusso in all of his appearances from The Karate Kid to Cobra Kai, and Jackie Chan, who starred as the Mr. Miyagi analogue Mr. Han in the franchise’s 2010 reboot, the latter of whom proceeded to tease, “We have got big news.”
Turning the floor over to Macchio, Chan stood aside as his fellow actor revealed, “We’re starring in a new The Karate Kid movie together.”
However, while further details regarding the production are still heavily underwraps – including whether or not it will directly reference, or even feature cameos from, either The Karate Kid (2010) star Jaden Smith or the cast of Cobra Kai – Chan did have one big of “even bigger news” to share with fans.
Pressed “Even bigger than [the movie announcement]?” by his new co-star, the legendary stuntman in turn declared that Sony was “Looking for the next Karate Kid.”
“That’s right,” Macchio followed up. “The global search for the new star of our global film starts right now.”
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To this end, following a brief bit of banter between the two actors, the video announcement ultimately concludes with the pair inviting interested parties to “learn more about this new role” and “submit your audition video” via the newly launched KarateKidCasting.com website.
According to a casting call found therein, the franchise’s next protagonist will be a young man named Li Fong, who is “Chinese or Mixed-Race Chinese” and aged “between 15-17 years old”.
“He speaks fluent English,” says Sony. “Conversational Mandarin is a strong plus. He’s smart, scrappy and a skilled martial artist”.
Interestingly, it appears the casting call will be truly open, as the studio explicitly states that “no acting experience is required” from any prospective actor – though they do note that “any sort of martial arts, movement, gymnastics, and/or dance experience is a strong plus”.
Should an individual be interested in submitting an audition tape – and so long as they are available to film between March and June of 2024 – they are encouraged to submit their materials directly to Sony at KarateKidCasting@sony.com
Per additional details provided by Variety, the film will be helmed by The End of the F***ing World director Jonathan Entwistle – who some may also recognize as the current showrunner behind the upcoming YA television reboot of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers – and written by Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween writer Rob Lieber.
Should everyone’s training go off without a hitch, the next The Karate Kid film will aim to dominate its cinematic competition on December 13th, 2024.
