It’s only a matter of time that legends Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan come together for the ultimate martial arts film, and time has finally come in Karate Kid: Legends. “Bringing these two legends together is beyond a producer’s dream,” says producer Karen Rosenfelt. “What’s fresh and unique about this movie is that both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso are training a Chinese, Mandarin-speaking boy. It’s a story about family and recovering what’s important. And it works as a standalone if you have never seen a Karate Kid film, and it’s also a love letter to those who were there for The Karate Kid in 1984.”
In Karate Kid: Legends, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) has moved across continents to New York City. Adjusting to his new home, he finds himself attracting unwanted attention from the local karate champion. Preparing for the ultimate martial arts showdown, Li’s kung fu mentor Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists the help of Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) to merge the two unique disciplines together.
The filmmakers have taken care to honor the franchise and bring in exciting new concepts to appeal to new and longtime fans, and none has brought in more effort into Karate Kid: Legends than actor and executive producer Ralph Macchio. “I’ve been careful over the years with protecting this franchise, protecting this character,” Macchio says. “The evolution of these characters, the themes in the original movie, they still stand the test of time and win over each generation.”
Jackie Chan was eager to get back into the franchise, reprising the role of Mr. Han. “I wanted to come back to this role because the audience wants to come back,” he says. “We’ve been looking for a good story. We’ve been waiting.”
Having the martial arts icon with decades of films under his belt was a unique learning experience for Macchio. “I have so much respect for him as an artist and entertainer,” he says. “He’s a legend in the field, whether it be motion pictures and martial arts or even comedy. He cares very much, and he’s very involved in every take, certainly in the martial arts takes. He’s like, ‘No, no, this is how it’s done!’ I kind of just say, ‘Okay!’”
The feeling was mutual with Chan, who felt like he had immediate chemistry with Macchio. “Our first time meeting was the premiere of The Karate Kid ten years ago. He’s an actor like me—so experienced,” says Chan. “He knows what a film needs. Immediately we just melded together. Whatever I’d say, he was already thinking.”
Watch the two legends foster the new generation of martial arts fighters as Karate Kid: Legends arrives in Philippine cinemas on May 28. Karate Kid: Legends is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #KarateKidMovie @columbiapicph