Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are set to film a new installment of “The Karate Kid,” scheduled for release in 2024. The film, directed by Jonathan Entwistle with a script by Rob Lieber, will continue the mythology of the original saga. The official announcement, made through a video on Sony Pictures Entertainment‘s YouTube channel, confirms the return of the iconic characters played by Jackie and Ralph.
The upcoming movie will introduce a new young protagonist who will undergo martial arts training. To cast this role, a global open casting call has been initiated, requiring interested individuals to submit videos showcasing their on-camera skills. The selected candidate must meet specific criteria:
- Age between 15 and 17
- Chinese or Chinese-looking
- Fluent in English, with conversational Chinese as a valuable addition
- Intelligent, a skilled martial artist, and a fighter
- Dancing, expertise in martial arts, or gymnastics skills will also be considered
- Availability between March and June 2024
Applicants are instructed to email their name, place of residence, recent photo, and a brief biography to KarateKidCasting@sony.com.
The narrative of the new “Karate Kid” chapter will shift to the East Coast of the United States, focusing on a Chinese teenager who discovers inner strength and purpose through martial arts under the guidance of a strict yet wise mentor. Karen Rosenfelt, known for her work on films like “Me Before You,” “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” and the “Twilight” saga, will produce the film.
The original “Karate Kid” series debuted in 1984, starring Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, mentored by Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita. The franchise spawned three sequels and experienced a revival with the “Cobra Kai” series on YouTube and Netflix. In 2010, Sony released a remake with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, which, despite its box office success, faced criticism for deviating from traditional karate.
Ralph Macchio, globally recognized for his role in “The Karate Kid,” has continued his career with notable projects like “The Outsiders,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “My Cousin Vinny” in 1992, and more recently, the HBO series “The Deuce.” Jackie Chan, known for his diverse roles, recently appeared in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” as Splinter. His latest project, “Ride On,” a Chinese production, features him as an acrobat embarking on a journey with his daughter and her boyfriend. Additionally, in 2024, Jackie Chan will reprise his role as Monkey in “Kung Fu Panda 4.”