Wax On, Wax Off: Where Are The Karate Kid (2010) Cast Members Now In Late 2025?

The 2010 remake of The Karate Kid, starring Jaden Smith and the legendary Jackie Chan, was a global box office phenomenon that introduced the classic martial arts story to a new generation. Over 15 years later, as of late 2025, the core cast members have all taken fascinatingly divergent career paths: one is a genre-bending musician, one is an action film icon with a 2025 release, and another has dedicated their life to elite stunt work in China.

This deep dive reveals the latest, most up-to-date career and personal developments for the actors who brought Dre Parker, Mr. Han, and the fierce rival Cheng to life. The question of "Where are they now?" is more intriguing than ever, especially as the original franchise's legacy continues with the success of Cobra Kai and the announcement of a new film that may tie all the timelines together.

Karate Kid (2010) Main Cast: A Biographical Snapshot

The success of the 2010 film, directed by Harald Zwart, hinged on the chemistry and talent of its international cast. Here is a quick profile of the main actors, their roles, and their career trajectories since the film's release.

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• Jaden Smith (Dre Parker)
  • Born: July 8, 1998 (Age 27 in late 2025)
  • Role in Film: Dre Parker, the American teenager who moves to Beijing and learns Wushu from Mr. Han.
  • Known For: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), After Earth (2013), and his music albums SYRE and ERYS.
  • Current Focus: Music, fashion, and environmental activism.
• Jackie Chan (Mr. Han)
  • Born: April 7, 1954 (Age 71 in late 2025)
  • Role in Film: Mr. Han, the maintenance man and Kung Fu master who reluctantly teaches Dre.
  • Known For: An unprecedented career spanning hundreds of films, including Rush Hour, Drunken Master, and his pioneering stunt work.
  • Current Focus: Producing, directing, and starring in major action films.
• Taraji P. Henson (Sherry Parker)
  • Born: September 11, 1970 (Age 55 in late 2025)
  • Role in Film: Sherry Parker, Dre's supportive mother who moves them to China for her job.
  • Known For: Oscar-nominated performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and her iconic role as Cookie Lyon in the TV series Empire.
  • Current Focus: Film, television production, and mental health advocacy.
• Zhenwei Wang (Cheng)
  • Born: October 20, 1995 (Age 30 in late 2025)
  • Role in Film: Cheng, the primary antagonist and top student of Master Li's Fighting Dragon school.
  • Known For: His exceptional Wushu and martial arts skills, which he demonstrated throughout the film.
  • Current Focus: Stunt work and martial arts choreography in the Chinese film industry.
• Wenwen Han (Meiying)
  • Born: August 24, 1995 (Age 30 in late 2025)
  • Role in Film: Meiying, Dre's love interest and a talented violinist.
  • Known For: Her acting, dancing, and musical talents, specifically the violin.
  • Current Focus: Chinese television and film projects.

Jaden Smith's Pivot to Music and Surrealist Art in 2025

Jaden Smith, who played the lead role of Dre Parker, has undergone the most dramatic career transformation since the film's release. While he continued acting in major projects like After Earth, his primary focus in the mid-2020s has been on his genre-defying music career and his entrepreneurial ventures.

In a major career update for late 2025, Jaden released his highly anticipated EP, "2025: A Surrealist Ball or Elephants Reflecting Swans." This project further explores the conceptual, alter-ego-driven universe he established with his acclaimed albums SYRE and ERYS.

His music blends elite rap with experimental beats and club-ready vibes, showcasing his evolution as an artist. This move cemented his reputation as a multi-hyphenate artist who uses his platform for more than just entertainment, often speaking out on environmental issues and launching his own sustainable fashion and water companies. The former child actor is now a full-fledged cultural figure, known for his unique philosophy and style, far removed from the world of competitive Wushu.

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Jackie Chan and Taraji P. Henson: Hollywood Icons' Latest Blockbusters

While Jaden Smith pursued music, the adult stars of the 2010 reboot have continued to dominate their respective fields with major, high-profile projects well into 2025.

Jackie Chan: The Unstoppable Action Legend

Jackie Chan, who brought depth and emotional weight to the role of Mr. Han, remains one of the most prolific actors in the world. Even in his 70s, he is showing no signs of slowing down. For 2025, Chan is starring in the action-thriller 'The Shadow's Edge,' which is being hailed as one of his best action films in years.

This new film continues his legacy of blending high-octane martial arts choreography with compelling storytelling. His consistent output ensures his status not just as a global superstar but as a mentor to the next generation of action stars, a role that mirrors his character in The Karate Kid.

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Taraji P. Henson: From Cookie Lyon to Major Producer

Taraji P. Henson, who played Dre's mother Sherry Parker, has maintained an incredibly successful career across film and television. Her recent work includes a powerful performance in the 2023 film adaptation of The Color Purple.

In 2025, Henson is further expanding her influence behind the camera. She recently inked a multi-year, first-look production deal with Fox for new scripted and unscripted content, showing her dedication to shaping the future of television. On the acting front, she is starring in Tyler Perry's upcoming thriller 'Straw,' demonstrating her continued versatility across different genres.

The Martial Artists: Zhenwei Wang and Wenwen Han's Paths

The two young Chinese actors who rounded out the main cast have followed paths that keep them close to their roots in martial arts and Chinese entertainment, respectively.

Zhenwei Wang: Joining the Elite Jackie Chan Stunt Team

Zhenwei Wang, who played the intimidating antagonist Cheng, has perhaps the most fitting career update for a film focused on martial arts. After his breakout role, Wang dedicated himself to his training and has become an active member of the highly respected Jackie Chan Stunt Team.

Based in Tianjin, China, Wang Zhenwei works as a professional stuntman, continuing to train at the Jackie Chan Stuntman Training Center. This career choice—moving from a child actor to an elite, professional martial arts stunt performer—is a testament to his dedication to the Wushu discipline he showcased in the movie. His current work involves blending traditional martial arts with modern filmmaking, a clear continuation of the themes of the 2010 film.

Wenwen Han: Focusing on Chinese Dramas and Music

Wenwen Han, the talented violinist who played Dre's friend Meiying, has primarily focused her career on the Chinese entertainment industry.

While she has not had a major international film role since The Karate Kid, she has worked on domestic projects like the 2018 film Ink & Rain and the 2020 TV series Hai mei ai gou. Han continues to leverage her multi-talented background as an actress, dancer, and violinist, often appearing in Chinese television dramas and soap operas. Her career demonstrates a conscious choice to establish herself within the competitive and rapidly growing mainland Chinese market, a world away from the Hollywood spotlight that shone on her co-stars.

The Enduring Legacy of the Karate Kid (2010)

The 2010 remake holds a unique place in the overall Karate Kid canon. While it exists separately from the original trilogy and the popular Cobra Kai series, its success proved the franchise's enduring global appeal, paving the way for further expansions.

The careers of the cast members—from Jaden Smith's creative independence to Jackie Chan's relentless action output and Zhenwei Wang's commitment to the Jackie Chan Stunt Team—show that the spirit of discipline, reinvention, and personal mastery from the film continues to guide their lives. As new Karate Kid projects are developed, fans remain curious if the paths of Dre Parker and Mr. Han will ever cross with the Miyagi-verse, but for now, the 2010 cast is thriving on their own distinct and successful journeys in late 2025.