Karate Kid: Legendshas teased some epic fights between martial arts legends, but the new trailer suggests that one expected one will not happen after all.The Karate Kidis one of thebest 1980s moviesaround, andtheKarate Kidmovie serieshas grown even more popular with the help ofCobra Kai, which shows what happens to Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence after the events ofThe Karate Kid. WhileCobra Kaihas a relatively humorous tone and a self-aware manner,Karate Kid: Legendsappears to be completely different despite featuring a main franchise character.
While it does not appear that William Zabka will return to his role as former antagonist Johnny, both Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan will reprise their roles as Daniel and Mr. Han. It has also been confirmed thatKarate Kid: Legendswill feature stars from every era of the franchise, which offers the potential for any number of epic fights between the characters.Early reactions to the news had suggested that Mr. Han would fight Daniel, which would have been an exciting spectacle,but the new trailer appears to debunk this theory.
Karate Kid: Legends Trailer Doesn’t Suggest That Daniel And Mr. Han Will Fight
One Line From The Trailer Suggests Karate Kid: Legends Will Address The Franchise’s Long-Standing Inaccuracy
The trailer forKarate Kid: Legendsshows Mr. Han looking for Daniel, apparently for help training the student that he is mentoring. As theKarate Kidfranchise has some fantastic fights, it is certain thatKarate Kid: Legendswill continue this tradition. WhiletheKarate Kid: Legendstrailer hints at some exciting new moves and high-stakes sparring matches, Daniel and Mr. Han do not appear to spar together at all. Still, the two might surprise audiences by demonstrating a move or two, as a scene in the trailer establishes their martial arts instruction as being connected.
Daniel describes his and Mr. Han’s teaching styles as “two branches of the same tree.” This suggests thatthe movie could address a long-running inaccuracy in theKarate Kidfranchise title. Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi teaches karate to Daniel in the original 1984 movie, butJackie Chan’s 2010Karate Kidremake focuses on kung fuand not karate, despite still referencing karate in the title. Additionally, while theCobra Kaiseries is officially part of theKarate Kidfranchise, Johnny actually teaches tang soo do to his students.
Karate Kid: Legends' Serious Tone Means That It Might Not Have A Lot Of “Fanservice”
Karate Kid: Legend’s Apparent Lack Of Fanservice May Be Good For The Franchise
It is also confirmed that while 2010’sKarate Kidmovie was originally set in its own universe, it is now officially part of the same universe asThe Karate Kid. This leaves the door open for plenty of Easter eggs and fan service tributes to previous scenes, movies, and characters. However,the trailer also suggests that there will be a much more serious tone toKarate Kid: Legends, with higher stakes for Li Fong (Ben Wang).Cobra Kaimight have had a lot of comedy and in-jokes, but audiences should not expectKarate Kid: Legendsto resemble the hit show.
Karate Kid: Legends Is Avoiding A Cobra Kai Problem That Would Have Ruined The Ralph Macchio & Jackie Chan Sequel
Thankfully, Karate Kid: Legends is avoiding an element that is synonymous with Cobra Kai that would have been a problem for the legacy sequel.
Cobra Kai’s success has broughtThe Karate Kidand its franchise to a new generation. That said, ifKarate Kid: Legendsrelies too much on in-jokes and Easter eggs, it could alienate new audiences and offer longtime fans nothing original. Reboots have failed because of too much nostalgia and fanservice rather than bringing a fresh perspective to the source material. AsKarate Kid: Legendsshows Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan working side-by-siderather than sparring, the movie promises something unexpected, makingKarate Kid: Legendsthe start of a newKarate Kidera.
Karate Kid: Legends
Cast
Karate Kid: Legends is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.
The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid is an action/martial arts drama franchise created by Robert Mark Kamen and began with the first self-titled film released in 1984. The series focuses on teenagers who are unable to fit in with their new surroundings as they deal with persistent bullies until a retired martial arts master finds them and trains them to defend themselves.
