Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and co-written by Rob Lieber and Anthony Tambakis, Karate Kid: Legends reunites Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio for a reboot that combines comedy, drama, and martial arts. After its theatrical release on August 13, 2025, the film will be available for purchase on VOD on December 11, 2025, and for rental on December 17, 2025. This new Sony production continues the franchise that began in 1984 while introducing a new protagonist, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang.
The plot follows Li Fong, a young kung fu prodigy forced to leave Beijing for New York after a personal tragedy. As he tries to adapt to a new school environment, he finds himself involved in a karate competition that demands more than just his martial arts skills. Under the guidance of Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan, and the legendary Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio, Li learns to combine two distinct approaches to combat. The film develops a fusion between kung fu and karate, a central element of this coming-of-age story.
The feature film draws on the intergenerational dynamic between Ben Wang, whose remarkable audition was praised by the studio, and two historical figures from the saga. Jonathan Entwistle, known for his coming-of-age works, offers a production that combines emotional stakes and choreography supervised by Jackie Chan's teams. Several fights were designed in an alleyway reconstructed in the studio, allowing for total control of the movements and an immersive approach to the confrontations.
The film is also part of a major franchise: the sixth feature film after the 1980s trilogy, Miss Karate Kid, and the 2010 remake, it continues the popular legacy revived by the Cobra Kai series. Karate Kid: Legends offers a story suitable for family audiences aged 10 and up, combining humor, martial discipline, transmission, and pushing oneself beyond one's limits. Fans of coming-of-age stories and reboots faithful to their source material will find a balance between modernization and respect for the mythology.
Karate Kid: Legends
Film | 2025
Theatrical release: August 13, 2025
VOD purchase: December 11, 2025
VOD rental: December 17, 2025
Martial arts, comedy, drama | Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes
By Jonathan Entwistle | Starring Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio
Nationality: United States
This reboot, the shortest in the franchise to date, features sets enriched by New York graffiti artists and color work based on the presence of red, intended as a symbol of cultural fusion. The role of Ben Wang, who performed most of his stunts under the supervision of Jackie Chan, aims to renew the figure of the disciple while preserving the founding values of the saga. The result is a film that is both nostalgic and geared towards a new generation of viewers.
To go further, check out our selection of new VOD releases for December, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today's selection of What to watch today on streaming.
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