Karate Kid: Legendsstar Ben Wang says that the stunt work in the franchise’s next film will surpass anything that has gone before it. Set to arrive in US theaters on May 30, the latest addition to the long-running martial arts franchise will serve to join the continuity of the originalKarate Kidmovies with the 2010 reboot starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. In addition to Chan reprising his role as Kung Fu master Mr. Han, theKarate Kids: Legendscast also sees Ralph Macchio return as Daniel LaRusso, with both actors serving as mentors to Wang’s Li Fong.
Speaking withEmpireahead of theKarate Kid: LegendsUS release, Wang revealed how this latest movie will distinguish itself from the previous franchise entries. Explaining thatthe Chinese stunt team responsible for the movie’s fight choreography knows how to shoot action in the style familiar to Hong Kong and Chinese cinema fans, themovie’s action sequences would be different from the Western-based action that underpinned earlier films. Check out his comments below:
So I knew that the action would be unlike that of any otherKarate Kidfilm, and unlike most other action films in the West, because it’s a Chinese stunt team: these guys know how to shoot action in that Hong Kong, Chinese cinematic way. I grew up watching those movies. So I wanted to do that stuff – I wanted to wrap a wire around my waist and get yanked through a wall. And I did. It was awesome!
Wang also went on to suggest that while he was excited to participate in the movie’s action sequences, theprospect of fighting Chan after only a month and a half of training was particularly daunting, joking that he nearly soiled himself. Check out his final comments below:
Yeah man, I was shitting my pants. But… how could you not? On a month-and-a-half of training, I go fight Jackie Chan. You’re gonna shit your pants. But that’s okay
What Ben Wang’s Comments Mean For Karate Kid: Legends
It Is Still Important That The Fight Scenes Do Not Overpower The Story
The latest entry in theKarate Kidfranchise finds itself in a very different position from the 2010 reboot. When Chan’s Mr. Han was first introduced as the modern counterpart ofPat Morita’s beloved Mr. Miyagi, it had been 16 years since audiences saw the franchise’s previous movie, namely Hilary Swank’sThe Next Karate Kid. However, with Netflix’sCobra Kaijust having recently wrapped up its exceedingly popular streaming run,Karate Kid: Legendswill need to work hard to maintain the goodwill and nostalgic appeal generated by the sequel show.
With so much ofCobra Kai’ssuccess built on its deep reverence for the franchise’s lore and existing characters, rather than its fight scenes, the new movie’s stunt work will only be one ingredient in a much larger mix.
Wang’s assertion that the movie’s action sequences will surpass anything audiences have seen previously may seem like a good start. However, it isimportant that the latest sequel does not stray too far from the established tropesand traditions of the earlier films. With so much ofCobra Kai’ssuccessbuilt on its deep reverence for the franchise’s lore and existing characters, rather than its fight scenes, the new movie’s stunt work will only be one ingredient in a much larger mix that determines whether the franchise can forge a successful return to the big screen.
Our Take On Karate Kid: Legends' Use of Chinese-Inspired Stunt Work
The Franchise Has Always Been About Its Characters' Journeys Rather Than Martial Arts
While martial arts have always been at the heart of theKarate Kidfranchise, they have often been used more as a vehicle to propel the various stories and characters forward, rather than any serious attempt to primarily frame the films as action movies. In a world where modern Western audiences are becoming increasingly exposed to the influences of other cinematic traditions and styles of action,Karate Kid: Legendsmay certainly benefit from a more energetic style of fight choreography, butCobra Kaihas already proven that the franchise’s true heart lies in its characters’ respective journeys.
Cast
WHERE TO WATCH
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.
