It has now been revealed that the upcomingKarate Kidmovie will star both Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, bringing together the two once thought separate franchises. Macchio has, of course, recently reprized the role ofThe Karate Kidlead Daniel LaRusso in the Netflix seriesCobra Kai, and while the creators behind the hit show are not involved directly with the new movie, they have been consulted throughout the creative process. Which suggests the Karate Kid movie will bring in elements of the original, the Jackie Chan-led remake, andCobra Kai.
According to a report byio9, the creators behindCobra Kai, Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg, have been a part of the process since development began on the newKarate Kidmovie.
“Sony Pictures Television produces Cobra Kai, and since Sony Pictures is making this movie, Cobra Kai creators Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg have known it is happening and have offered assistance when asked. A source close to the project tells io9 the team has seen and given notes on all iterations of the scripts, and Entwistle speaks to them often, which is great news. They know and understand Karate Kid better than anyone so if they’re supportive of the film, that’s a huge bonus.”
It was revealed last week that the newKarate Kidmovie willsee Macchio and Chan share the screenas their respective martial arts masters. While the plot itself remains largely under wraps, it sounds like the project will attempt to tie the likes ofThe Karate Kidfranchise,The Karate Kidmovie from 2010, andCobra Kaitogether. Somehow.
RELATED:Cobra Kai: 10 Things the TV Show Did Better Than The Karate Kid Movies
The Karate Kid Is Now Holding Open Auditions
Karate Kid
Macchio and Chan appeared together in a video to announce their involvement in the newKarate Kidmovie, as well as revealing that open auditions will take place to find the next Karate Kid.
“Looking for an actor to portray Chinese or Mixed-Race Chinese and between 15-17 years old. He speaks fluent English. Conversational Mandarin is a strong plus. He’s smart, scrappy and a skilled martial artist. Any sort of martial arts, movement, gymnastics, and/or dance experience is a strong plus. Acting experience is preferred but not required!!!”
The casting call has seen huge popularity since the global search for the next Karate Kid emerged, with reports revealing thatover 10,000 applications have been madewithin a day of the video being released.
Jonathan Entwistle, who is best known forI’m Not Okay with ThisandThe End of the F***ing World, will helm the project, with the studio reportedly “positioning” the film “as the fusing and continuing the mythology of the original franchise.”
The Karate Kidmovie has been written by Rob Lieber (Sony’sPeter Rabbit, Disney’sAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day), with the latest iteration bringing the story to the East Coast and focus “on a teen from China who finds strength and direction via martial arts and a tough but wise mentor.” Check out the announcement video below:
