Karate Kid reboot: Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprise roles | Is Cobra Kai connected?

Brace yourselves for a wave of nostalgia as The Karate Kid is all set to get an exciting reboot with Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their iconic roles of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso from their two respective movies. Since the upcoming movie ties up characters from two different generational versions of the martial arts franchise, fans expect a connection to the Cobra Kai series as well. Let’s take a look at the announcement and learn more details about the upcoming movie. 

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s casting announcement

The Karate Kid reboot film was confirmed through a video featuring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio where they invited aspiring actors from around the world to send their audition tapes for some exciting new characters including a young protagonist.

By showcasing your talent through these auditions, you could be a part of the next Karate Kid movie simply by sending the tapes at KarateKidCasting.com. Casting is open for new characters such as Li Fong, who is a Chinese or mixed-race Chinese teen.

According to the notice, actors for the new character should be between the ages 15-17, speak fluent English and preferably know Mandarin on a conversational level. The character is also described as a skilled martial artist, living up to the film’s title. 

What we know about the Karate Kid reboot

As of now, the Karate Kid reboot has no title but Jonathan Entwistle (‘The End of the F***ing World’) is on board to direct the movie. Sony Pictures is producing the film and it’s slated for release in December 2024. The selling point of the film is how it’s going to incorporate narratives from two different generations.

the original karate kid with jackie chan from the karate kid remake???

WAIT, THEY COOKING SOMETHING. https://t.co/RSrtlSvjiC pic.twitter.com/oi3l6mNVz6

— JOLLY J✨ (@DynamoSuperX) November 21, 2023

The film is reportedly set in the East Coast where a Chinese teen discovers strength through martial arts, guided by a wise mentor just like the previous films. The upcoming reboot will be a blend of both the Miyagi-verse and the Chan-verse, meaning that it will introduce elements from the original Karate Kid movies as well as its 2010 reboot.

Possible Cobra Kai series connection

Speaking of linking up cinematic universes, Karate Kid fans are also hopeful that the upcoming reboot will serve as the perfect opportunity to bring Jackie Chan into the events of the Cobra Kai TV series, particularly in its sixth season. 

https://twitter.com/ogbrownnerd/status/1727025720260690057

The hit series already features Ralph Macchio in his Karate Kid role as Daniel LaRusso. While the upcoming season is expected to premiere before the reboot, fans expect that introducing Chan’s Mr. Han would be a gateway to the new integrated Karate Kid universe.

In fact, season 6 of Cobra Kai will feature the Sekai Taikai tournament where Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han could meet Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso in a nostalgic yet fresh encounter. While there is no confirmation on the link-up, speculation is rife on social media.