Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and penned by Rob Lieber and Anthony Tambakis, Karate Kid: Legends marks the triumphant return of the iconic martial arts franchise that first debuted in 1984. The film brings together Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, the legendary face of the series, alongside newcomer Ben Wang, who plays a fresh protagonist. Released in theaters on August 13, 2025, and available on VOD from December 2025, the movie will also air on television on Canal+ on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 9:10 PM.
The story follows Li Fong, a young kung-fu prodigy forced to leave Beijing and move to New York with his mother after a family tragedy. As he adjusts to his new life in a city far from home, he tries to navigate the challenges of school while leaving behind the painful events that upended his world. Despite his efforts to steer clear of trouble, he quickly finds himself caught up in conflicts at his new high school.
When one of his new friends finds himself in trouble, Li decides to enter a local karate competition. Recognizing that his basic skills aren’t enough, he seeks guidance from two mentors: M. Han, a kung-fu master played by Jackie Chan, and Daniel LaRusso, the original Karate Kid portrayed by Ralph Macchio. Together, they teach him their unique techniques and help him craft a hybrid fighting style blending kung-fu and karate in preparation for the final showdown.
This sixth installment in the franchise continues the story of a beloved saga that spans over four decades. After the original trilogy starring Ralph Macchio in the 1980s, the 1994 film Miss Karate Kid, and the 2010 remake featuring Jackie Chan, the universe experienced a revival with the series Cobra Kai. Karate Kid: Legends brings together both of the franchise's more recent chapters for the first time, featuring the characters of Daniel LaRusso and M. Han side by side.
The film also introduces a new generation of heroes with Ben Wang, who was selected after a standout audition. An accomplished martial artist, he performed most of his own stunts under the watchful eye of Jackie Chan’s team. The fight scenes were notably shot in a recreated alleyway on set, allowing for more intricate choreography and enhanced safety.
Jonathan Entwistle, renowned for his coming-of-age stories, frames the film within the tradition of tales about transmission and personal growth. The plot centers on the encounter between two contrasting martial arts practices and cultural backgrounds, symbolizing the blending of generations and influences that define this latest installment. Fans of reboots and transformative journeys will recognize the classic themes of the saga: discipline, mentorship, and the forging of a new sense of personal balance.
Karate Kid: Legends
Film | 2025
Release in theaters: August 13, 2025
TV broadcast: Canal+ on March 13, 2026, at 9:10 PM
Martial arts, comedy, drama | Duration: 1h34
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle | Starring Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio
Original title: Karate Kid: Legends
Country: United States
With this new installment, the franchise continues to pass the torch across generations while welcoming a fresh hero. Blending training sequences, choreographed battles, and a coming-of-age story, Karate Kid: Legends fuses the legacy of the series with a fresh perspective aimed at a new generation of martial arts enthusiasts and viewers.
For more options, check out our curated list of must-watch movies, series, and shows on TV this week. Also, explore our guide to the latest releases across all streaming platforms and today's top picks in what to watch today in streaming.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
