If you grew up watching The Karate Kid or found yourself hooked on Cobra Kai, you’re in for something pretty special with the newest entry in the franchise: Karate Kid: Legends. I had a chance to watch it recently on Apple TV, and as someone who owns the entire Karate Kid collection, I didn’t hesitate to buy this one too. I’m glad I did.
This movie brings together two worlds: Jackie Chan’s 2010 reboot and the original trilogy with Ralph Macchio. And yes—they’re finally on screen together. Jackie returns as Mr. Han, the quiet and powerful kung fu teacher we met over a decade ago, while Ralph slips back into the role of Daniel LaRusso like he never left. But the real surprise here is the breakout star: Ben Wang as Li Fong.
The Story – A Familiar Twist with New Emotion
The plot flips the script we saw in the Jaden Smith version. Instead of an American kid heading to China, this time it’s Li Fong, a young teen from Beijing, who moves to New York with his mother. She’s taken a job at a hospital, trying to build a new life for the two of them after a devastating family tragedy.
Li’s older brother was a martial arts champion—until he was killed in an act of violence following a tournament win. That loss hangs heavy over Li’s family, and his mother makes him promise to never fight again. So when they land in New York, Li’s just trying to fit in and keep a low profile. That doesn’t last long.
One of the first places Li finds is a little neighborhood pizza joint run by a guy named Victor—played by Joshua Jackson, who brings a great mix of warmth and edge to the role. Victor seems like just another local business owner, but as we learn, he was one of the best boxers in New York. He decided to retire when he had Mia. After an incident in a back ally, very reminiscent of the the ambush scene from Karate Kid 1 and the (2010) scene with Mr. Han. Victors ask Li Fong to teach him Kung Fu. So now the student turns out to be the instructor.
That twist hit me in the best way. It ties Li’s journey with Victor’s, creating this cool reverse dynamic where the kid from China becomes a student again—but on very different terms. Their paths cross with Daniel LaRusso’s a little later in the movie, and when Ralph Macchio shows up, the nostalgia hits hard.
Throwbacks, Legacy, and Heart
What I really appreciated about Karate Kid: Legends is how it respects the past without being stuck in it. There are definitely nods to the old movies—some obvious, like a modern take on the classic crane kick moment, and some subtle, like the way Daniel and Mr. Han talk about their shared values in teaching. There’s even a brief scene that references Mr. Miyagi, and it honestly gave me chills.
The film connects Mr. Han’s kung fu with the Miyagi-Do philosophy in a meaningful way. They frame it as “two branches from the same tree,” which I thought was a beautiful sentiment—especially since this movie is so much about legacy, grief, and finding strength in unexpected places.
Ben Wang is excellent as Li Fong. He has great screen presence, nails the action scenes, and really sells the emotional weight of the story. His chemistry with Sadie Stanley (who plays Mia, a new friend and potential love interest) feels natural and heartfelt, while his bond with Victor brings out some of the best parts of the film.
How Does It Hold Up?
I’ll be honest—this movie isn’t perfect. At about 90 minutes, it moves quickly, and some of the character arcs feel like they could’ve used more time to breathe. A few scenes lean a little too hard on nostalgia instead of developing the newer characters, and the final act feels a bit rushed.
But even with those flaws, I still think Karate Kid: Legends is a strong addition to the franchise. It balances heart, action, and legacy in a way that made me feel like a kid again. And let’s face it—seeing Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio together in the same movie? That alone is worth the watch.
Final Thoughts – Should You Watch It?
If you’re a longtime Karate Kid fan like me, this is a no-brainer. Legends honors the spirit of the originals while introducing a new generation of characters that feel like they belong. It’s got emotional depth, fun action, and a meaningful message that fits perfectly into the franchise’s world.
Even if you’ve only seen Cobra Kai or the 2010 reboot, this movie still works as a standalone story. You don’t need to be a superfan to follow along, but if you are, you’ll definitely pick up on some rewarding easter eggs.
So yeah—if you’re on the fence, I say go for it. Stream it, buy it, whatever works for you. For me, Karate Kid: Legendswas a worthwhile addition to my digital collection. And who knows? Maybe it’s just the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
~ Sean Flac 2.0
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