So, we reported a couple of weeks back that Sony were developing a new Karate Kid movie set in the original universe of the first four movies and Cobra Kai (here).
We also reported that, for a movie set in that world, the folks behind Cobra Kai have no idea what it’s about with Jon Hurwitz, Cobra Kai writer and producer, saying: “The guys and I would love to make Karate Kid and Cobra Kai movies and hope to someday. But this one isn’t from us or focused on the Cobra Kai cast. Don’t know much about it, but wish it well.”
That seemed a bit strange to us as Cobra Kai not only brought back Karate Kid but made it more popular than it’s ever been so surely original star Ralph Macchio, who plays Daniel LaRusso in the original movies and Cobra Kai, the man who is literally the Karate Kid, would know something, right?
“It’s too early to tell what that story is [with the movie]. This is all, like, happening in real-time as you’re asking me this question,” Macchio told EW.
“I think that [will be figured out] in the near future, or I may have nothing to do with it. We’ll talk when I know what’s going on,” he added.
So… no, he knows nothing about it. This is all very odd, isn’t it?
As for plot, the rumour is “Sony is looking for a 17-year-old male, Chinese actor who speaks both Mandarin and English [to lead the new movie].
“The character is referred to as Li and is said to be small for his age, but tough, smart and scrappy. He is said to be a skilled fighter and a student in Beijing who finds his life uprooted after his mother moves them to Brooklyn, New York.
“Li is said to be struggling with a past tragedy, which drives a wedge between him and his doctor mom, who has managed to handle the same tragedy in her own way. After Li meets Mia, a student from his high school, and her father, Victor, at a local pizza restaurant, he’ll soon find his life has changed yet again – for the better. Li soon finds himself training Victor in the art of Kung Fu, despite his mother’s stance against violence and fighting, and ultimately back in the ring himself.”
All we seem to know for sure is that the Jackie Chan/Jaden Smith movie is not canon and won’t be part of the new movie/franchise. So, there’s that at least.
The untitled Karate Kid film opens on June 7th, 2024.
Marc
Marc is a self-confessed nerd. Ever since seeing Star Wars for the first time around 1979 he’s been an unapologetic fan of the Wars and still believes, with Clone Wars and now Underworld, we are yet to see the best Star Wars. He’s a dad of two who now doesn’t have the time (or money) to collect the amount of toys, comics, movies and books he once did, much to the relief of his long-suffering wife. In the real world he’s a graphic designer. He started Following the Nerd because he was tired of searching a million sites every day for all the best news that he loves and decided to create one place where you can go to get the whole lot. Secretly he longs to be sitting in the cockpit of his YT-1300 Corellian Transport ship with his co-pilot Chewie, roaming the universe, waiting for his next big adventure, but feels just at home watching cartoons with his kids….
Nerd Comments