The North News
Chandigarh, May 8
The action star reunites with Ralph Macchio and introduces a new martial artist, blending tradition and modern competition in The Karate Kid: Legends.
For Jackie Chan, the newest Karate Kid film isn’t just another sequel — it’s a symbolic handoff to a new generation of martial arts storytellers.
Fifteen years after his last appearance in the franchise, Chan reprises his role as Han in The Karate Kid: Legends, a film that weaves classic themes of mentorship, discipline, and cultural exchange into a modern setting. “I was for sure super excited,” Chan says. “It’s been almost 15 years!”
The film moves away from the familiar backdrop of China, placing Han in the fast-paced streets of New York City, where he meets Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). With the events of Cobra Kai behind them, both characters find themselves guiding a new student — Li Fong, played by rising star Ben Wang.
“It’s the first time, and I’m glad we had this opportunity to work together and teach this lucky kid both karate and kung fu,” Chan says. “It’s definitely different styles, but I think with the same goal.”
That shared goal — blending East and West, tradition and evolution — defines the heart of the movie. Wang’s character, a kung fu student from Beijing uprooted after personal tragedy, is thrust into the world of karate and competition. As Han and LaRusso join forces to train him, the film explores not just physical discipline but resilience in the face of change.
“Ben must have done something right to earn this,” Chan says. “To me, he’s a good boy, a really good boy.”
The story builds toward a dramatic rooftop battle that encapsulates Li’s transformation, while underscoring the values Chan has long embodied in his work: unity, humility, and growth through hardship.
Yet for all its choreography and spectacle, Chan insists the soul of the series is intact. “[It’s] the kind you haven’t seen in 15 years! I can’t say too much!” he teases, before adding, “There definitely is some really good action, but you also see friendship and dedication.”
Of course, no Chan film would be complete without his signature stunt work — something he’s still fiercely proud of. “Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am. That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never!” he says with a laugh.
With decades of experience behind him, Chan reflects on the changing nature of action filmmaking. “In the old days, the only [choice we had] was to be there and jump; that’s it. Today, with computers, actors can do anything, but there’s always a sense of reality that you feel is missing,” he says.
He’s quick to caution against emulating his risk-heavy career. “I’m not encouraging anybody to risk their lives to do the stunts like I did; it truly is too dangerous.”
For Chan, The Karate Kid: Legends is more than a return — it’s a continuation of something much larger than any one film. As he helps shape the journey of a new hero, he also preserves the spirit that made the franchise timeless.
“And you’ll see [that] when people hold hands and work together, there’s a miracle,” he says.
