The new Karate Kid has officially been found as Disney+ series American Born Chinese star, Ben Wang, has been cast in the leading role of the latest installment of the beloved coming-of-age martial arts franchise, per The Hollywood Reporter. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are set to reprise their iconic characters from the previous Karate Kid films and will star alongside Wang.
DETAILS ON BEN WANG’S CASTING IN THE NEW KARATE KID FILM
According to THR’s report, studio insiders claimed that Wang delivered a standout audition that demonstrated his deep connection to the character. The 24-year-old actor is fluent in Mandarin while also highly skilled in different forms of martial arts, such as Karate, Wing Chun/Kung Fu, Gumdo, Kempo, and Taekwondo.
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Having those skills in his back pocket probably didn’t hurt, and’s put them on display in American Born Chinese. The critically acclaimed coming-of-age fantasy series is based on the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang and also stars Michelle Yeoh.
Wang had a starring role in Disney+’s original film Chang Can Dunk while he has other credits including CBS’s MacGyver, Search Party on HBO, Hulu’s teen comedy Sex Appeal, and more. He is also a musical theater actor who has done some work in the Broadway-bound cast of Sting Street the Musical. He also has directorial and writer credit for the 2021 short film Walter and France. Wang’s current project is a role in the Mean Girls musical movie.
Plot details of the film are still under wraps but the new installment is set to bring the story to the East Coast and focus on a teen from China who finds strength and direction via martial arts and a wise mentor. Jonathan Entwistle is directing the feature and the script will be written by Rob Lieber.
Entwistle is known for his regarded and award-winning teen television dramas I’m Not Okay With This and The End of the F***ing World. Lieber is credited with being part of Sony’s Peter Rabbit and Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.
Karen Rosenfelt is set to produce the film and Sony Pictures has slated the upcoming film for Dec. 13, 2024. The Karate Kid franchise has become a massive hit since the first film launched back in 1984. Ralph Macchio starred as Daniel LaRusso, a Brooklyn kid who moves to California and finds himself a Karate champion under the guidance of Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Pat Morita. Due to the success of the first film, three sequels were made and the franchise made a resurgence in YouTube and Netflix series, Cobra Kai.
In 2010, Sony revived the title with an updated story. focusing on an American kid, played by Jaden Smith, who moves to Beijing and is mentored by a handyman/martial arts master played by Chan. The films have earned $618 million globally and the series earned several Emmy nominations.
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The final season of Cobra Kai is set to release in 2024. The official release date has yet to be confirmed but filming is set to conclude in late July of this year. There’s a possibility we may get the final season in late 2024, possibly around December.
What do you guys think? Are you guys excited for the new Karate Kid? What about the casting of Ben Wang as the lead actor? Have you watched American Born Chinese on Disney+? Let us know and don’t forget to check out our socials! If you liked this article and want to read more, make sure to follow us for more content.
SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter
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