*Karate Kid: Legends* marks a significant revival in the beloved Karate Kid franchise, blending nostalgia with a fresh martial arts narrative. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, the film brings back iconic faces—Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han—while introducing a new protagonist, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang .
Set three years after the conclusion of *Cobra Kai*, this sixth installment bridges multiple eras of the franchise—melding elements from the original films, the 2010 reboot, and the TV series. Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy, relocates to New York City with his mother following a family tragedy and finds himself struggling to fit in at school .
As Li begins a friendship with Mia Lipani, daughter of former boxer Victor (Joshua Jackson), tensions arise when he crosses paths with Connor Day, a local karate champion and Mia’s ex-boyfriend , . To navigate increasing harassment, Li decides to enter a local – and highly competitive – karate tournament. Recognizing his potential and the challenge ahead, Mr. Han invites Daniel LaRusso to help train Li by merging kung fu with Miyagi-Do karate
The resulting training and choreography are a highlight of the film. Critics praised the cross-style martial arts sequences, marveling at the acrobatics and dynamic action brought to life by both Chan and Wang . However, the story itself received mixed feedback—while its nostalgic tone and feel-good energy struck a chord with many viewers, some critics felt the narrative lacked depth, with the antagonist Connor portrayed as somewhat one-dimensional 
Released widely on May 30, 2025, after premiering in Mexico City in early May, the film earned roughly \$106 million worldwide on a \$45 million budget . Audience reception leaned positive, with CinemaScore reporting an average grade of “A–”
Ultimately, *Karate Kid: Legends* succeeds in delivering fan service with warmth, action, and intergenerational bonds. While it may not surpass the emotional weight of the original 1984 classic, it offers an entertaining, respectful continuation of the franchise that will appeal to both nostalgic fans and new audiences alike
