“Karate Child: Legends”, the eighth entry in a franchise that counts six motion pictures, Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” and a short-lived 1989 animated collection, kicked up about $20 million this weekend. When 2010’s “The Karate Child” hit theaters, it was thought-about a remake of the unique 1984 movie, with Jackie Chan taking part in karate grasp Mr. Han — a facsimile of Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) from the primary 4 motion pictures. However now, 15 years later, that film has been retconned right into a sequel, and Chan introduced Mr. Han again for “Legends.”
Ralph Macchio, who has appeared in each “Karate Child” incarnation minus the cartoon and the 2010 movie, was excited to work with Chan regardless of preliminary apprehension.
“I used to be territorial upon first listening to of [the 2010 movie],” Macchio mentioned throughout a current interview with THR. “I didn’t perceive what they had been going for, and I had walked within the footwear for thus lengthy. I simply felt, ‘How are you going to do a retread of [‘The Karate Kid’]. However they made a film that was well-crafted and extremely profitable. I at all times describe that film as a lesson in how one can inform nearly the identical story however nonetheless make it a totally totally different film.”
Macchio mentioned that when he heard how the beforehand unrelated entries could be tied collectively, he informed them, “You may have the footage.”
“It was all related in a manner. Miyagi tells the story that the key to Okinawa karate got here from China, and we laced that by way of ‘Cobra Kai.’ So it’s constant, and it’s within the scriptures, if you’ll. Then Hollywood steps in to determine the right way to make a film, and right here we’re,” he mentioned.
Macchio added that it was a “pleasure to work” with Chan.
“It’s actually the reward that retains on giving, and now that’s working with somebody like Jackie. I didn’t know him personally, however I clearly knew his work. He paved the best way for thus many, and he’s like a child in a sweet retailer. He simply loves being on set. He loves making motion pictures, and he cares. We each come from that place, and regardless that we’ve two totally different views, we’ve the identical finish lead to thoughts,” Macchio shared.
Simply as he has for many years, the 71-year-old Chan carried out all of his personal stunts in “Legends” and didn’t want coaching, although he says he does take somewhat simpler than throughout his martial arts heyday.
“I’ve been coaching daily for 64 years. I’ve been combating, combating, combating,” the “Rush Hour” star informed Selection. “I’m not appreciated I was once I was 20 and will do a triple kick within the sky. Now, I do one kick.”
“Legends” hits theaters only a few months after “Cobra Kai” streamed its sixth and remaining season. So as to not confuse the larger “Karate Child” viewers,” “Legends,” initially set to premiere earlier than “Cobra Kai” dropped its remaining installment, noticed its launch date delayed.
“As soon as advertising acquired collectively and realized that [a December ‘24 release] wouldn’t profit both [project], they did the fitting factor [and delayed it until May 2025]. ‘Karate Child: Legends’ is now coming at a time the place I prefer to consider that ‘Cobra Kai’ followers are thirsty for one more chapter,” Macchio mentioned.