Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan Launch Search for Next 'Karate Kid'

Ralph Macchio as the original Karate Kid

We're heading back to the dojo! A new Karate Kid movie is in the works and the global hunt for the next karate kid is underway. The storied franchise launched in 1984 with the classic story of an underdog learning karate skills in order to take down the school bully in an epic martial arts showdown. Ralph Macchio played young Daniel LaRusso who learned to "wax on wax off" from the martial arts legend Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). William Zabka played the douchey antagonist Johnny Lawrence.

The original Karate Kid was such a hit that it spawned three direct sequels in the "Miyagi-verse" (including the often forgotten The Next Karate Kid starring Hilary Swank). In 2010, a reboot starring Jaden Smith as the karate kid and Jackie Chan as his mentor, became a box-office hit, but a sequel, while long in development, was never made.

In 2018 the Miyagi-verse continued with the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Cobra Kai starring both Macchio and Zabka in adult versions of their previous characters. The series has run for five seasons, with a sixth and final season heading to production soon.

As of November 2023, however, it seems that the Miyagi-verse and the world of the reboot are merging. A new Karate Kid starring both Macchio and Chan is in development, bridging the two universes. Here's everything we know about the upcoming Karate Kid sequel: 

When does the Karate Kid sequel come out?

There's been no date set yet, and since casting for the titular kid is underway, it seems like 2025 would be the earliest the movie could premiere. A 2026 date seems more likely though.

How to watch the Karate Kid sequel?

While no release details have been announced yet, it seems likely that the Karate Kid sequel will be a theatrical release. It will be a Sony Pictures feature, and they don't have their own streaming platform. While Cobra Kai airs on Netflix, it seems unlikely that the movie would be a straight-to-Netflix project.

Related: Like Totally! These Are 14 of the Best '80s Movies to Binge While You're Social Distancing

Is there a trailer for the Karate Kid sequel?

Nope. Not yet given that production hasn't begun. However, Chan and Macchio did release this video asking kids with martial arts training to audition for the role of the next karate kid.

Who is in the Karate Kid sequel cast?

So far we don't know much about the sequel's cast, however a few key characters will be returning.

Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso

Macchio will be reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso. Macchio has appeared in the first three Karate Kid movies and is the star of Cobra Kai, so it seems only natural for him to return for the next Karate Kid film.

Jackie Chan as Mr. Han

In a bit of a surprise, Chan will return as Mr. Han in the upcoming Karate Kid movie. Chan's Mr. Han served as the Mr. Miyagi-esque role in the 2010 remake, but Cobra Kai creators had previously said he would never appear on the show for continuity purposes. Now the two universes are merging with Chan back again as the karate kid's teacher.

Is Jackie Chan in the Karate Kid sequel?

Yes! Jackie Chan will be back in the sequel as Mr. Han, the karate instructor.

Is Ralph Macchio in the Karate Kid sequel?

The original karate kid, Ralph Macchio will also be back for the sequel, although he certainly won't be the titular karate kid anymore.

Is William Zabka in the Karate Kid sequel?

William Zabka, who plays the antagonist in the original Karate Kid and is a star of Cobra Kai, has not announced that he's attached to the project yet. Cobra Kai is set in Los Angeles and this new sequel will be set on the east coast, so it's possible that Zabka might not fit into the story.

Is Jaden Smith in the Karate Kid sequel?

There's been no word yet as to whether Jaden Smith will be returning to the Karate Kid universe. Smith hasn't acted a ton in recent years, focusing more on his music instead.

Is the Karate Kid sequel a sequel to Cobra Kai?

That's unclear, but it will at least exist in the same universe. The new Karate Kid movie will be a part of the "Miyagi-verse" and include Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso. However, there will be a new karate kid and a new plot.

Related: The Rivalry Continues! Everything You Need to Know About 'Cobra Kai' Season 5

Who is the new karate kid?

An international search for the next karate kid is underway, but so far no one has been cast as the next iteration of the iconic role.

What is the Karate Kid sequel about?

While details regarding the project are being kept under wraps, we do know that it will be set on the east coast and focus on a teenager from China who finds strength from learning martial arts.

Who is directing the Karate Kid sequel?

The new movie will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle, who has not previously been attached to a Karate Kid project. He has however directed on shows like The End of the F***ing World and I Am Not Okay with This.

Next, Need Some Action? Spend the Weekend With Jackie Chan and His 12 Best Movies, Ranked!