Ralph Macchio on What Makes the New Karate Kid Movie So Different

1 June 2025

Sony

Ralph Macchio is stepping back into the dojo, but this time with a fresh perspective and an entirely new energy. The upcoming film, Karate Kid: Legends, slated for release on May 30, 2025, brings together legacy, innovation, and a deeper cultural blend that promises to reshape the franchise’s future. In an exclusive interview with People, Macchio opened up about what sets this installment apart from the rest and why it might be the most exciting Karate Kid film to date.

This sixth film in the Karate Kid saga is not just a sequel, it's a generational bridge. The movie reunites Macchio's character, Daniel LaRusso, with Jackie Chan's Mr. Han, the beloved mentor from the 2010 reboot starring Jaden Smith. Together, they mentor a new protagonist: Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang, a Beijing-born martial artist who moves to America and finds himself caught between cultures and fighting styles.

What makes Karate Kid: Legends different? Macchio says the film is heavily influenced by early Jackie Chan films and Hong Kong action cinema, which means audiences can expect faster, more dynamic action sequences. The fight choreography is more intricate, infused with martial arts humor, speed, and wider camera angles.

“It’s not the romantic cinema magic of the original films,” Macchio says. “This one’s got more zip. It’s slicker and more modern in how the martial arts are shown.”

Another huge shift is in tone. While the original films were rooted in old-school values and underdog storytelling, this movie acknowledges a global martial arts perspective. The film is set three years after the events of Cobra Kai and pulls elements from that series while also embracing kung fu’s fluid and expressive nature, merging it with the disciplined style of karate.

The dual mentorship of Mr. Han and Daniel is not just fan service. It's purposeful. Daniel brings the teachings of Mr. Miyagi, while Mr. Han introduces more unorthodox training methods. This contrast helps Li Fong develop his own martial identity and creates a rich cultural dialogue between East and West fitting for today’s global audiences.

The film’s supporting cast includes Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen, bringing even more emotional depth and charisma. Sadie Stanley revealed that Jackie Chan surprised the cast by singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” on set during a break, lightening the mood on a cold, stressful shoot day.

“That moment made us all feel like family,” she said. “Jackie isn’t just a legend, he’s the heart of the set.”

Ben Wang, meanwhile, admitted that while he was honored to be the next Karate Kid, the role came with physical and emotional challenges. During one intense training scene, he accidentally injured himself but continued filming after a short break. Macchio reportedly supported Wang through the process, reminding him that the best performances often come when you're tested.

There’s also an underlying theme of legacy in the movie. Macchio said, “The reason I’m in this movie is to pay Mr. Miyagi’s legacy forward. That spirit is very much alive in this story even if the style is different.”

As buzz around the film builds, Karate Kid: Legends is being seen as a passing of the torch. It honors the original while expanding its world. The younger generation gets a hero they can relate to, while longtime fans see their beloved characters continuing to grow.

With fresh energy, a global cast, and a story that respects the past while embracing the future, Karate Kid: Legends is shaping up to be a defining chapter in the martial arts franchise. One that kicks high, hits hard and most importantly remembers its roots.