The highly anticipated “Karate Kid: Legends” has unveiled its first official poster, giving fans a thrilling glimpse at the franchise’s new chapter that brings together two iconic martial arts mentors alongside a promising new protagonist.
A Legacy Continues
Sony Pictures recently released the first poster for “Karate Kid: Legends,” showcasing Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their beloved roles as Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han respectively.
The poster prominently features newcomer Ben Wang as Li Fong, the film’s protagonist, positioned in a fighting stance at the center of the image. With the tagline “Legends are forever,” the poster effectively highlights the significance of uniting these two separate branches of the Karate Kid universe.
The poster’s composition, featuring the backdrop of a city and sun, creates a visually striking image that has generated considerable excitement among fans of the franchise. This marks the first major look at Wang’s character and how he’ll interact with the legendary mentors.
The New Karate Kid
Ben Wang stars as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who relocates to New York City following a family tragedy. According to the film’s synopsis, Li struggles to adapt to his new environment while trying to leave his past behind. When a friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition, but soon discovers his skills alone aren’t enough.
Wang reportedly secured the role through an impressive audition that demonstrated a strong connection to the character. His fluency in Mandarin and training in various martial arts disciplines made him particularly well-suited for the part.
A Unified Universe
“Karate Kid: Legends” represents a significant milestone for the franchise as it merges different timelines into a cohesive shared universe. The film connects Mr. Miyagi’s legacy with Mr. Han, effectively making the 2010 film starring Jackie Chan part of the larger Karate Kid continuity. It also serves as a sequel to both the original films starring Macchio and the 2010 remake featuring Chan.
In the film, Li Fong will learn to merge the unique styles of both his kung fu teacher Mr. Han and the legendary Daniel LaRusso as he prepares for “an epic martial arts showdown”. This collaborative training approach promises to deliver exciting new martial arts sequences that honor both traditions.
Additional Cast and Production Details
Beyond the three leads, “Karate Kid: Legends” features an impressive supporting cast including Joshua Jackson as Victor, Shaunette Renée Wilson as Ms. Morgan, and other talents like Ming-Na Wen, Sadie Stanley, Aramis Knight, and Wyatt Oleff in undisclosed roles.
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle (known for “The End of the F***ing World”) and written by Rob Lieber (of “Peter Rabbit” fame), the film completed principal photography between April and June 2024 in Montreal under the working title “Victory Boulevard”.
Originally scheduled for release in June 2024, production delays caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike pushed the film’s premiere to December 2024, before finally settling on May 30, 2025, to avoid conflict with the final season of “Cobra Kai”.
With its blend of nostalgic characters and fresh talent, “Karate Kid: Legends” aims to continue the franchise’s legacy while introducing it to a new generation of fans. The poster release marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting promotional campaign leading up to the film’s theatrical debut next spring.
