Ralph Macchio and rising star Ben Wang brought the Karate Kid spirit back to the stage in Las Vegas as Sony Pictures unveiled an electrifying first look at Karate Kid: Legends during CinemaCon 2025. Presented at Caesars Palace, the exclusive footage reignited the iconic legacy with fresh energy, martial arts flair, and a commanding return from one of the franchise’s most legendary figures: Jackie Chan.
Before introducing the trailer, Macchio, now 63, addressed the crowd with reverence: “I’m honored to return to theaters again playing Daniel LaRusso.” The moment was elevated by a dynamic live performance, complete with drumlines, dancers, and glowing lanterns, setting the stage for what came next — a cinematic bridge between generations.
The preview itself put Jackie Chan front and center. Now 70 and proudly gray-haired, Chan proved age is no barrier in a jaw-dropping kitchen fight scene with 25-year-old Ben Wang. Athletically flipping across marble countertops and dodging with ease in sleek athleisure wear, Chan’s Mr. Han remained as fast, fluid, and fierce as ever. The sequence revealed Mr. Han’s quest to reconnect with LaRusso, fulfilling a long-standing promise made by the late Mr. Miyagi — a poignant callback to the heart of the original series.
Karate Kid: Legends unites Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso, first introduced in the 1984 classic, with Chan’s Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot, despite their origins in separate cinematic timelines. This new chapter follows Li Fong, played by American Born Chinese star Ben Wang, a young martial arts student who becomes the latest disciple of both LaRusso and Han. The film is set three years after the final season of Cobra Kai, adding narrative depth for longtime fans while welcoming a new generation.
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the F**ing World*) and written by Rob Lieber (Peter Rabbit), Karate Kid: Legends features an ensemble that includes Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen. The film is set to hit theaters on May 30, 2025, with Sony banking on a nostalgic yet revitalized return to its martial arts roots.
This latest installment isn’t just a crossover — it’s a celebration of legacy, mentorship, and the timeless discipline of martial arts. And with Jackie Chan back in action, it’s clear the franchise still has plenty of fight left in it.