IMDb has dropped an exclusive first look at “Karate Kid: Legends“, the latest and most ambitious entry in the beloved martial arts franchise. The action-packed clip—now live on IMDb’s Instagram—features a powerful scene between kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) and his legendary mentors, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio).
In the scene, tensions rise as the two martial arts masters demonstrate their contrasting techniques. Watching from the sidelines, Li Fong challenges their conflict with the question: “What happened to two branches, one tree?” Mr. Han replies with a cryptic but telling line—“One branch is stronger than the other.” The line hints at the deeper philosophical clash driving this new chapter.
“Karate Kid: Legends”: A Franchise Reborn
Hitting theaters on May 30, “Karate Kid: Legends” is not just another sequel—it’s a full-circle moment for fans of both the original 1984 classic and the 2010 reboot. For the first time, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan share the screen, reprising their iconic roles as Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han, now united in training the next generation of martial artists.
At the center of the story is Ben Wang as Li Fong, a gifted student with a complex past and an undeniable future. Wang, cast after a global talent search, brings real martial arts experience in karate, kung fu, and taekwondo. A lifelong fan of the franchise, Wang grew up watching Chan’s Karate Kid and even spent a year in Beijing—mirroring the setting and spirit of his mentor’s legacy.
Wang isn’t the only new face in Legends. Ming-Na Wen (“Mulan”) stars as Li Fong’s mother, with Joshua Jackson and Sadie Stanley rounding out a dynamic supporting cast. Behind the camera, Jonathan Entwistle (creator of “I Am Not Okay With This”) directs, with a script by Rob Lieber (“Peter Rabbit”) and production overseen by Karen Rosenfelt (“The Devil Wears Prada”). The result is a bold mix of action, heart, and cross-generational storytelling.
While the martial arts action is front and center—expect intense choreography, emotional rivalries, and high-stakes training sequences—”Karate Kid: Legends” also digs into themes of identity, legacy, and unity. With its blend of Eastern and Western philosophies, the film is a cultural fusion meant to resonate across audiences young and old.
From iconic callbacks to fresh faces, Legends celebrates everything fans love about the franchise while setting the stage for a new era. With Chan and Macchio side-by-side, this is more than just a passing of the torch—it’s a full-on torch relay, sprinting into the future.
With a global fanbase, a powerhouse cast, and the full weight of nostalgia behind it, “Karate Kid: Legends” is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the summer. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the dojo, mark your calendars for May 30—because this is one showdown you won’t want to miss.
