NOW IN THEATERS! Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, Karate Kid: Legends brings together the legacy of two martial arts masters in a new chapter that bridges generations. The film follows a young kung fu prodigy as he navigates loss, rivalry, and redemption on the streets of New York City.
Li Fong (Ben Wang), a gifted kung fu student, moves from Beijing to New York City with his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen), who is starting a new job at a hospital. Haunted by the death of her older son, Dr. Fong forbids Li from continuing his martial arts training. Nevertheless, Li struggles to adjust to his new home and is bullied on his first day at school by Conor (Aramis Knight), the ex-boyfriend of a girl named Mia (Sadie Stanley), whom Li meets at a local pizza shop owned by her father, Victor (Joshua Jackson). Li and Mia form a bond, promising to teach each other their respective cultures—Mandarin for her, New York street life for him.
“By blending kung fu with karate, he becomes a unique and formidable fighter.”
Victor, heavily in debt to a local loan shark who runs a nearby MMA gym, pleads with Li to teach him kung fu in hopes of improving his fighting skills and saving his restaurant. The plan goes badly, but it inspires Li to take a bigger step. With encouragement from his former mentor, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), Li enters the Five Boroughs MMA competition to win the prize money that could save Mia’s family business. However, kung fu alone won’t be enough to compete at that level, so Mr. Han enlists the help of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who begins training Li in karate to complement his existing skills.
Li must also confront the emotional trauma surrounding his brother’s death and his mother’s fears, culminating in a climactic showdown where honor, legacy, and community are all on the line. By blending kung fu with karate, he becomes a unique and formidable fighter. He trains relentlessly while facing pressure from his past run-ins with the domineering Conor. The final tournament tests Li’s strength, discipline, and the teachings of both Mr. Han and Mr. LaRusso.
"…it’s a far cry from the Karate Kid of my youth."
