The long-lasting Karate Child franchise is again with a contemporary twist in Karate Child: Legends, premiering as we speak, Might 30, 2025. This newest installment, which has been a very long time coming, introduces audiences to titular character Li Fong, portrayed by rising star Ben Wang. Set in New York Metropolis, the movie follows Li, a younger martial artist from Beijing, as he navigates private loss, cultural transitions, and the challenges of a brand new surroundings. Guided by mentors and franchise legacies, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Ben Wang’s casting marks a major milestone, as he turns into the primary Asian American to guide the Karate Child sequence. His portrayal of Li Fong brings depth and authenticity to the position, reflecting the evolving panorama of illustration in Hollywood. Wang’s efficiency captures the essence of a younger man grappling with grief and id, resonating with each longtime followers and new audiences alike. With a lot driving on the star’s shoulders, who precisely is Ben Wang, and the place have viewers seen him earlier than?
Karate Child: Legends
- Launch Date
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Might 30, 2025
- Runtime
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94 minutes
- Director
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Jonathan Entwistle
- Writers
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Rob Lieber
Who Is the New Karate Child, Ben Wang?
Ben Wang, born on January 1, 2000, in Shanghai, China, and raised in Northfield, Minnesota, has quickly climbed the ranks of Hollywood’s rising abilities. His early ardour for efficiency noticed Wang get entangled in native theater productions, the place he honed his craft and developed an appreciation for storytelling. He then went on to review musical theater at New York College.
Wang made his breakthrough within the leisure business together with his position as Jin Wang within the Disney+ sequence American Born Chinese language (2023), the place he portrayed a highschool pupil navigating cultural id and adolescence. His efficiency garnered important acclaim, showcasing his potential to convey advanced feelings with nuance and authenticity.
The place Have Audiences Seen Ben Wang Earlier than?
Earlier than taking up the mantle of the Karate Child, Ben Wang constructed a powerful portfolio of roles that showcased his versatility and depth as an actor. In 2021, Wang appeared in an episode of MacGyver because the character Eli Brown, marking one among his earliest tv roles. This was adopted by his position as Franklin in 2022’s Intercourse Attraction. Wang then went on to achieve consideration for his efficiency as Bo within the Disney+ movie Chang Can Dunk (2023), the place he performed a highschool pupil decided to defy expectations and obtain his basketball goals.
Wang’s starring position in American Born Chinese language (2023) is thought to be his largest venture but. He starred alongside different esteemed abilities, together with Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan. The position solidified Wang’s standing as a rising star. The sequence, primarily based on Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel, delves into themes of id, acceptance, and cultural heritage, with Wang’s efficiency incomes reward for its uniqueness and emotional resonance.
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Along with these roles, Wang has lent his voice to an episode of Bob’s Burgers in 2024 and appeared within the reboot of Imply Women (2024) as Jacob Zheng. His various physique of labor demonstrates a dedication to roles that problem stereotypes and supply significant illustration. Wanting forward, Wang is about to look in The Lengthy Stroll (2025) as Hank Olson and in The Starvation Video games: Dawn on the Reaping (2026) as Wyatt Callow, additional increasing his presence in main movie franchises.
How Did Ben Wang Change into the New Karate Child?
Touchdown the position of Li Fong in Karate Child: Legends was a end result of Ben Wang’s dedication, expertise, and connection to the franchise’s legacy. Based on reviews, Wang’s audition stood out for his deep understanding of the character and his potential to convey Li’s emotional journey authentically. His martial arts background and dedication to the position are reported to have impressed the casting staff, resulting in his choice as the brand new face of the franchise.
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Wang has expressed his pleasure about becoming a member of the Karate Child universe, whereas additionally crediting co-star Ralph Macchio for offering the inventive freedom essential to form the character of Li Fong, permitting Wang to carry private parts to the position. Talking about how the position is a dream come true for him, Wang mentioned:
“Even as we speak, it’s nonetheless an OMG second for me, pondering that I’m a part of this legendary franchise. I wasn’t born when the unique trilogy the place Ralph was the Karate Child, however I used to be in highschool when the variation with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan was within the theaters. I bear in mind pondering ‘wow, it will be so superior to be a part of this film in the future,’ and over a decade later, right here I’m.”
Ben Wang’s casting not solely brings a contemporary perspective to the Karate Child franchise but additionally represents a broader shift in the direction of inclusive storytelling in Hollywood. His portrayal of Li Fong gives a nuanced exploration of id, resilience, and cultural heritage, aligning with the franchise’s enduring themes whereas introducing new dimensions to its narrative.
Karate Child: Legends is now in theaters.