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‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Trailer Introduces Miyagi Legacy To New Hero

The first trailer for Karate Kid: Legends has officially dropped, giving fans a glimpse of the franchise’s return to the big screen. Set for release in May 2025, the film brings together two iconic characters, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), as they team up to train a new hero. This fresh chapter in the Karate Kid saga introduces Ben Wang as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy grappling with a new life in New York City.

The official synopsis reads: “In Karate Kid: Legends, after a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother (played by Ming-Na Wen). Li struggles to let go of his past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates, and although he doesn’t want to fight, trouble seems to find him everywhere. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren’t enough. Li’s kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.” Their partnership not only bridges generations of Karate Kid lore but also honours the legacy of Mr. Miyagi, whose teachings have profoundly influenced both Daniel and Mr. Han.

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Li’s journey serves as the emotional core of the story. The trailer shows him facing relentless challenges, from being targeted by a gang in the subway to navigating a new school where trouble seems to find him. While initially using karate as a means of self-defense, Li’s story takes a turn when he enters a high-stakes martial arts competition. With guidance from both Mr. Han and Daniel, he learns to merge kung fu and Miyagi-Do karate into a powerful new fighting style.

‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Trailer Introduces Miyagi Legacy To New Hero

The action-packed teaser doesn’t skimp on heart, showcasing key moments like Daniel gifting Li a headband with a symbolic tree design and saying, “Two branches, one tree.” This poignant line underscores the film’s central theme of legacy — how the teachings of the past shape the heroes of the future. The trailer also hints at intense fight sequences, including a climactic rooftop karate tournament, ensuring plenty of the action fans expect from the franchise.

Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, Karate Kid: Legends seamlessly connects the 2010 reboot starring Jackie Chan with the original trilogy and its Netflix spin-off, Cobra Kai. Entwistle revealed that the film carefully integrates elements from both timelines, tying together Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi’s shared philosophies.

With its blend of action, heart, and nostalgia, Karate Kid: Legends promises to honour the franchise’s legacy while paving the way for a new generation. 30 May 2025 can’t come soon enough.