Karate Kid: More than 10,000 kids apply within 24 hours of casting call

A fierce competition is underway to join the ranks of Ralph Macchio, Hilary Swank, and Jaden Smith.

Just this week, Macchio and Jackie Chan revealed their collaboration on a new Karate Kid film.

The significant news, however, is Sony Pictures launching a global search for the film's young co-star.


Remarkably, within a mere 24 hours of the announcement, there were 10,000 submissions to the open casting call, as reported by THR.

The Karate Kid team is seeking a "smart, scrappy, and skilled martial artist" aged between 15-17, capable of portraying Chinese or mixed-race Chinese. Proficiency in English is essential, and conversational Mandarin is a plus.

The chosen actor will have the perfect mentor in Macchio, who originally did the role of Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 film "The Karate Kid" and its sequels, as well as the ongoing Netflix series Cobra Kai.

On the other hand, Chan portrayed Mr. Han, mentoring Jaden Smith's Dre Parker in the 2010 remake of "The Karate Kid.”

Jonathan Entwistle directs the sixth installment of Karate Kid, scripted by Rob Lieber, hitting theaters on December 13, 2024.

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, known for their roles in different "Karate Kid" films released years apart, are set to collaborate in an upcoming martial arts franchise movie.

Produced by Karen Rosenfelt, directed by Jonathan Entwistle, and written by Rob Lieber, this Sony Pictures production is scheduled to hit theaters on December 13, 2024.

The Plot

The plot of the new movie is shrouded in secrecy, but Macchio is set to revive his character as Daniel LaRusso from the original "Karate Kid" trilogy, which began in 1984 and was later featured in Netflix's "Cobra Kai" series.

Chan will also make a comeback as Mr. Han, a kung fu master inspired by Mr. Miyagi, who mentored Jaden Smith's Dre Parker in the 2010 remake.

Since 1984, the "Karate Kid" series has evolved into a cherished sports story in Hollywood, giving rise to the acclaimed "Cobra Kai" series and amassing over $430 million in global box office revenue.

FAQs:

Q1: Who played Daniel Larusso's character in Karate Kid?
A1: Ralph Macchio

Q2: What year did the Karate Kid come out?
A2: 1984