Sony Pictures has found their new Karate Kid in the shape of American Born Chinese actor Ben Wang.
According to The Hollywood Reporter Wang will don the famous Gi to star alongside Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in the studio’s latest installment of the martial arts franchise.
Wang saw off thousands of auditionees to secure the role, with studio insiders reportedly impressed that he displayed a deep connection to the character previously portrayed by the returning Macchio, and then Jaden Smith in the 2010 reimagining. Wang is also fluent in Mandarin, as well as being skilled in a variety of martial arts, including the titular karate, wing chun/kung fu, gumdo, kempo and taekwondo.
I’m Not Okay with This and The End of the F***ing World‘s Jonathan Entwistle is directing from a script by Peter Rabbit‘s Rob Lieber.
Little is known about the plot of this latest Karate Kid film, aside from the fact that the action will relocate to the East Coast and tell the story of a young teen from China who finds strength and direction via martial arts under the tutelage of a wise mentor. Presumably either Chan or Macchio.
Karate Kid is scheduled for release on Dec. 13, 2024.
Originally published February 12, 2024. Updated February 29, 2024.
