Sony Pictures has cast Ben Wang, best known as the star of Disney+ series American Born Chinese, to star in its latest installment of the coming-of-age martial arts franchise.

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are already on board to reprise their roles from previous installments.

The two actors had announced that they were searching for a Chinese actor to play the role, and it's reported that Wang landed the casting after thousands of hopeful actors had submitted auditions.

Plot details are vague other then it being set on the East Coast and focuses on a teen from China who finds strength and direction via martial arts from a mentor.

The new Karate Kid movie is being directed by Jonathan Entwistle, while Rob Lieber wrote the script. Karen Rosenfelt serves as a producer on the film.

In November 2023, it was announced that Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan are both reprising their roles in the forthcoming movie. Macchio played Daniel LaRusso in 1984’s The Karate Kid, along with the movie’s two sequels, 1986’s The Karate Kid Part II and 1989’s The Karate Kid Part III.

Macchio also reprised the role for Netflix’s Cobra Kai sequel series, which will release its final season later this year. It’s not immediately clear if the new Karate Kid movie will play into the events of Cobra Kai.

Source: Press Release