First-time Asian American actor, Ben Wang, assumes the role of the lead character in "Karate Kid: Legends."
In a notable move, the "Karate Kid" franchise's latest installment, "Karate Kid: Legends," features Ben Wang as the first Asian American lead, Li Fong. This development instills optimism in Wang, who finds this position an honor and a step towards increased representation in the martial arts film genre.
The film, set to open on Friday, sees original characters Ralph Macchio's Daniel and Jackie Chan's Mr. Han assist Li Fong in winning a New York City karate competition [1][4][5]. Interestingly, the original "Karate Kid" movie, released over four decades ago, had Pat Morita as the sole main Asian American cast member despite being set in California's San Fernando Valley. The dearth of Asian and Asian American representation throughout the years has been a contentious issue [2].
Jeff Yang, author of "The Golden Screen: The Movies That Made Asian America," notes that the Miyagi-verse, inspired by Morita's beloved Mr. Miyagi character, is generally well-received by Asian Americans. However, with minimal young Asian American leads, it is seen as a missed opportunity. Yang describes this lack as a "loose, nagging tooth" [2].
Historically, martial arts films have featured Asian stars but have often relied on white leads. However, the tendency is gradually shifting towards more diversity. With Ben Wang's casting, the trend continues.
Asia boasts a rich history of martial artists turned actors, such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. Yet, their Hollywood counterparts were not always three-dimensional, with Asian leads often relegated to sidekick or villain roles [2].
However, as Ken Nagayama, a martial arts grandmaster, reminisces, the release of the original "Karate Kid" coincided with a surge in interest in martial arts, particularly among younger audiences. Nagayama, who was an instructor for the original film, felt this surge firsthand, with a mix of students from various races signing up for classes [3].
The impact of the "Karate Kid" franchise has been felt across generations. Steven Ho, a stunt coordinator and martial artist, recalls meeting Morita, Macchio, and William Zabka while they were preparing for the first movie. Despite the lack of Asian leads in the 1980s and 1990s, Ho found Morita's Miyagi character compelling and uplifting [3].
The arrival of Jackie Chan as one of the mentors in "Karate Kid: Legends" adds another layer of significance for Wang, who expresses amazement at the opportunity to collaborate with the martial arts legend [3].
The shift towards more representation in martial arts films is welcomed by many, including Ho, who is heartened to see his twin sons grow up without negative Asian stereotypes. Ho initially declined an appearance on Conan O'Brien's show due to concerns about being stereotyped [3].
"Karate Kid: Legends" may inspire future generations, as reflected in the enthusiasm of the Twinjas, real-life karate kids who have appeared on "America's Got Talent," "Obi-Wan Kenobi," and taught moves to celebrities. For them, seeing Wang as the lead is a step towards positive representation [3].
[1] LaSalle, M. (2023, May 26). 'Karate Kid: Legends' brings back Daniel, Mr. Miyagi for one more spin. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved from https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/movies/article/Karate-Kid-Legends-brings-back-Daniel-Mr-17778210.php
[2] Lee, J. (2023, May 26). First Asian American lead in 'Karate Kid' marks milestone for representation in martial arts movies. NBC News. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/entertainment/movie/first-asian-american-lead-karate-kid-marks-milestone-representation-n1447474
[3] Levin, B. (2023, May 26). 'Karate Kid: Legends' stars Ben Wang, Ralph Macchio, and Jackie Chan talk Asian representation in martial arts films. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-05-26/karate-kid-legends-stars-ben-wang-ralph-macchio-jackie-chan-asian-representation-martial-arts-films
[4] Associated Press. (2023, May 26). 'Karate Kid: Legends' starring Ben Wang, Ralph Macchio, and Jackie Chan. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/karate-kid-legends-1235303768/
[5] Kroll, J. (2023, May 26). 'Karate Kid: Legends' review: Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan return for this joyously silly action-comedy. IndieWire. Retrieved from https://www.indiewire.com/2023/05/karate-kid-legends-review-jackie-chan-ralph-macchio-1234988774/
In the realm of entertainment, the upcoming movie "Karate Kid: Legends" will open in Seattle, showcasing the city as a backdrop for the New York City competition that Li Fong, the first Asian American lead, will participate in. The movie, set to feature original characters Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, promises to resonate with fans of martial arts and movies-and-tv, bridging the gap in representation for Asian and Asian American celebrities in cinema.
