Ben Wang’s love for the Karate Kid franchise began in 2010 when he watched Jaden Smith’s The Karate Kid at a theater. The movie, set in Beijing, featured Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, mentoring Dre Parker (Smith) through the iconic “jacket on, jacket off” routine. For Wang, it was more than just a film; it was a personal connection.
“I was the target audience when that movie came out,” Wang shared with Entertainment Weekly. “I was the same age as the character, and having recently returned from living in Beijing for a year, it felt like my world on screen. Plus, I grew up watching Jackie Chan, who was my first introduction to what an actor is.”
Table of Contents
Landing the Role of Li Fong
Fast forward 13 years, and Sony announced a global search for a new Karate Kid to star alongside Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in Karate Kid: Legends, directed by Jonathan Entwistle. Despite his lead role in Disney+’s American Born Chinese and experience in Taekwondo, Wang didn’t initially consider auditioning.
“I thought, ‘That’s going to be awesome for the kid who gets it,’” Wang recalled with a laugh.
However, humility couldn’t hold him back. Wang outshone over 10,000 other hopefuls to land the role of Li Fong, a teenager from Beijing who moves to New York City with his mother, played by Ming-Na Wen.
The Story of Karate Kid: Legends
The upcoming movie follows Li Fong’s struggles as he adjusts to life in New York, facing challenges at school and finding himself in unwanted fights. A friend’s plight draws him into a karate competition, but his skills alone aren’t enough.
Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han steps in, bringing in the legendary Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) to help Li blend their martial arts styles for an epic showdown. According to Entwistle, the film connects the Karate Kid universes, creating a “Miyagi-verse” where Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi’s legacy unite.
Behind the Scenes
Entwistle revealed that finding Wang was a challenge. “We needed someone who could speak Mandarin, perform martial arts, and deliver a standout acting performance,” he explained. Wang’s audition, recorded in a rural Chinese school gymnasium while visiting his mom, stood out.
“We thought, ‘This kid is in the middle of nowhere, and he’s perfect!’” Entwistle said, laughing.
Training for the Role
Although Wang had prior Taekwondo experience, preparing for the film’s intense martial arts sequences required extensive training. He worked with a stunt team led by Larry Lam and Peng Zhang for over a month and a half, practicing five days a week and refining his moves on weekends.
“The stunt team made even the hardest fight scenes manageable,” Wang said, crediting their expertise for the film’s action-packed sequences.
Jackie Chan: The On-Set Legend
Jackie Chan brought his signature energy to the set. Entwistle described him as a “magical Dumbledore,” constantly offering creative ideas.
“Jackie would find ways to enhance every scene,” Entwistle shared. “He’d suggest rolling over a table or jumping from a staircase, and we’d always go with it because it’s Jackie. His presence elevated everything.”
Connecting with Cobra Kai
Entwistle worked closely with the creators of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, ensuring that Karate Kid: Legends fits seamlessly into the larger universe. The film takes place after Cobra Kai’s series finale, bridging storylines and expanding the franchise’s legacy.
A Glimpse of New York
Set partly in New York City, the film explores Li’s journey as a fish out of water. Entwistle emphasized the importance of making the city a character in the story. Filming on location and incorporating Manhattan’s skyline added authenticity and vibrancy to the action sequences.
Challenges on Set
For Wang, the most difficult scenes weren’t the fight sequences but enduring the harsh winter conditions while filming summer scenes. “Pretending it’s warm when you’re freezing and doing 17 takes is tough,” he joked.
Release Date
Karate Kid: Legends hits theaters on May 30, 2025, promising to deliver a cinematic blend of nostalgia, action, and heartfelt storytelling.
Fans of the franchise can look forward to seeing the legacy of Mr. Miyagi and Mr. Han unite in a movie that bridges generations and styles, creating a martial arts saga for the ages.
