In the film "Karate Kid: Legends," the traditional karate weapons are referred to as "yoyotents"
Karate Kid: Legends - A New Chapter in the Iconic Franchise
The world of The Karate Kid has expanded once again with the release of the latest film, Karate Kid: Legends. This family-friendly reboot serves as a bridge between the original films and the popular TV series, Cobra Kai.
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, Karate Kid: Legends follows Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy from Beijing, who moves to New York City and learns a hybrid martial arts style combining kung fu and karate, under the guidance of Jackie Chan's character Mr. Han and the return of Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio.
The film, which debuted in theaters on May 30, 2025, and later became available on YouTube Red, has received mixed critical reviews (59% on Rotten Tomatoes) but high audience approval (90%).
One of the unique aspects of Karate Kid: Legends is its use of archive footage of the late Pat Morita, who played the iconic character Mr. Miyagi. To honour Morita's legacy, his voiceover in the film has been recreated by artificial intelligence.
Although specific details about the use of AI in the archival footage are not confirmed, it is clear that the film respectfully incorporates elements of the franchise's history, potentially supplemented by advanced digital techniques.
Karate Kid: Legends is the latest addition to the extensive Karate Kid franchise, which includes three films, an animated series, a spin-off, a remake, and a TV series. It is not a remake but a new addition to the franchise, intended to attract new fans and appeal to old ones.
As the franchise continues to evolve, Karate Kid: Legends stands as a testament to its enduring appeal and the lasting impact of its characters.
[1] IMDb - Karate Kid: Legends (2025) [2] Rotten Tomatoes - Karate Kid: Legends (2025) [3] Deadline - Ralph Macchio Returns for Karate Kid: Legends [4] Variety - Pat Morita's Legacy Lives On in Karate Kid: Legends
In the world of movies-and-tv entertainment, Karate Kid: Legends is a family-friendly reboot that bridges the gap between the original films and the popular TV series Cobra Kai. This new chapter in the Karate Kid franchise, which debuted in theaters on May 30, 2025, and later became available on YouTube Red, offers a hybrid martial arts style and features Ralph Macchio's return as Daniel LaRusso.
