Sony pictures announced last week an open casting call to find the next Karate Kid and it’s been reported that the studio has already received more than 10,000 submissions!
The new movie will star Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan who starred in separate Karate Kid films decades apart.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but Macchio will reprise his role as Daniel LaRusso, whom he played in the original Karate Kid film trilogy, starting in 1984 and brought back on Netflix’s Cobra Kai series, which announced its sixth and final season earlier this year.
Chan will return to the role of Mr Han, a kung fu master based on Mr Miyagi, who coached Jaden Smith’s Dre Parker in the 2010 remake movie.
Making the announcement in a video posted to YouTube, Macchio and Chan launched a global casting search for a brand new karate kid to lead the movie which is expected to hit cinemas on 13 December 2024.
According to the website for the casting call, the team is looking for someone to portray Chinese or mixed-race Chinese in the age range of 15-17 years old. This smart, scrappy character is skilled in martial arts, and though he speaks fluent English, conversational Mandarin is seen as a strong plus to play the part. Previous acting experience is preferred but not necessary and any background in martial arts, movement, gymnastics and dance is also ideal.