The Karate Kid franchise has been sweeping legs and winning hearts since 1984, and now it’s back with Karate Kid: Legends, a legacy sequel that pairs Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso with Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han. Set three years after the Cobra Kai finale, this sixth installment introduces Li Fong (Ben Wang), a kung fu prodigy navigating life in New York City. After early screenings in Mexico City, the first reactions have hit, and the question looms: does Legends keep the franchise’s spirit alive, or is it time to leave the dojo? Here’s what the early buzz says about this nostalgic kick.
Striking a Balance Between Old and New
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the F*ing World) and written by Rob Lieber (Peter Rabbit), Karate Kid: Legends blends the karate of LaRusso with the kung fu of Mr. Han. The story follows Li Fong, a teen who relocates from Beijing to New York after a family tragedy. Drawn into a karate tournament, he trains under both mentors to merge their fighting styles, all within a lean 94-minute runtime—the shortest in the franchise, per AMC Theatres. This brevity has sparked debate for a series known for its heartfelt character arcs.
Early reactions are a mixed kata. Some are cheering Legends for capturing the underdog charm that made Karate Kid a classic. The Hollywood Reporter praised its “zippy, crowd-pleasing energy” and appeal to younger audiences, with Ben Wang’s charisma and crisp cinematography carrying the day. Variety hailed it as a “lively reimagining” that honors the franchise’s roots while introducing a new hero in Li. The pairing of Macchio and Jackie Chan, teased in the trailer as a mentor duo, delivers nostalgic sparks, and a hinted connection between Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi adds depth for longtime fans.
Others, though, aren’t feeling the balance. The Wrap called it “one of the franchise’s lesser efforts,” slamming its “rushed, by-the-numbers” plot that doesn’t give Macchio or Chan enough to chew on. Critics have flagged choppy editing and a pace that stuffs too much into too little time, leaving villains and female characters underdeveloped. ScreenDaily noted its reliance on “worn-out tropes” and “tepid nostalgia,” suggesting it lacks the emotional heft of the 1984 original or Cobra Kai’s serialized depth. The 94-minute runtime, while keeping things brisk, seems to be a double-edged sword.
What’s Landing the Punches
For those shouting “wax on,” Legends shines with its nostalgic heart and action-packed sequences. Macchio and Chan mentoring Li together feels like a warm hug from the franchise’s past, with their chemistry a major draw. Ben Wang, pitched as a “Chinese Peter Parker,” is earning raves as Li Fong, bringing a relatable, scrappy energy to the underdog role. The fight scenes, blending karate and kung fu, are a highlight, with New York’s urban grit amplifying the tournament’s intensity. Ralph Macchio’s comments to Entertainment Weekly about honoring Mr. Miyagi’s legacy resonate, giving the film a soulful anchor for fans.
The visuals also get a nod, with the cinematography capturing both the chaos of the city and the precision of the dojo. Entwistle’s direction, known for its youthful edge, brings a modern flair to the action, making Legends feel accessible to a new generation while nodding to the old guard.
Where It Misses the Mark
The biggest critique is that Legends feels like it’s sprinting through a marathon. The 94-minute runtime, while snappy, skips key tournament moments and rushes to the final fight, leaving plot threads dangling. The Hollywood Handle was blunt, calling it “soulless” and overly reliant on nostalgia without earning its emotional beats. Editing issues, described as “jarring” and “TikTok-esque,” disrupt the flow, and the story leans heavily on familiar Karate Kid beats—training montage, bully showdown, tournament climax—without much innovation.
Secondary characters, especially villains and female roles, get short shrift, making the world feel thinner than in past entries. For a franchise that thrived on the Miyagi-LaRusso bond or Cobra Kai’s layered drama, Legends risks feeling like a highlight reel rather than a full story. Some fans hoped for a bolder leap forward, especially after Cobra Kai’s success in expanding the universe.
The Cobra Kai Connection and Beyond
Set post-Cobra Kai, Legends doesn’t require you to have watched the Netflix series, making it a standalone entry. LaRusso ties it to the broader franchise, but no other Cobra Kai characters appear. Macchio has teased the possibility of a Cobra Kai movie in a few years if Legends performs, per ScreenRant, and early box office projections of $45–58 million (via MovieWeb) suggest it could hold its own against Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. The 2010 remake’s $360 million global haul, fueled by Chan’s star power in China, hints at strong international potential.
Should You Step Into the Dojo?
Karate Kid: Legends is a bit like a sparring match: thrilling in bursts but not always landing clean. Its nostalgic warmth, electrifying fights, and Ben Wang’s star-making turn make it a treat for fans, with Macchio and Chan’s reunion worth the price of admission alone. But the rushed pacing, shaky editing, and paint-by-numbers plot might leave you wanting more, especially if you’re expecting Cobra Kai’s depth or the original’s heart.
When Karate Kid: Legends hits theaters on May 30, 2025, it’s likely to charm Karate Kid loyalists and hook newcomers with its energy. Whether it’s a knockout or a near miss, though, depends on what you’re looking for. So, grab your gi, settle into your seat, and see if this sequel finds its footing. Wax on—or switch off? The choice is yours.
