The Full Cast Of Karate Kid: Legends (2025) Revealed: Who’s Returning And The New Martial Arts Prodigy

The highly anticipated return of the Karate Kid franchise is finally here with the new film, Karate Kid: Legends, set for release in 2025. This movie is not just another sequel; it's a monumental crossover event, officially merging the worlds of the original Daniel LaRusso saga and the 2010 Jaden Smith/Jackie Chan film. As of today, December 14, 2025, the full main cast has been confirmed, promising an epic martial arts drama that spans continents and generations. Fans can expect a fresh, unique story centered on a new martial arts prodigy, guided by two of the most iconic mentors in cinematic history: Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han. The film is a direct continuation of the *Karate Kid* legacy, focusing on a new character finding his way in a new city.

The new installment, directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, introduces a new lead from Beijing who must navigate the challenges of New York City, bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the classic underdog narrative. The ensemble cast is packed with both legendary veterans and exciting new talent, guaranteeing a blend of nostalgia and new-era storytelling that will appeal to both longtime fans of the Miyagi-verse and a new generation of viewers. Below is the complete breakdown of the main cast and the characters they will be portraying in the biggest martial arts crossover event of the decade.

The Complete Cast and Character Biographies for Karate Kid: Legends

The cast of Karate Kid: Legends brings together actors from across the globe and multiple generations of the franchise. The film's core strength lies in its ability to unite the different cinematic branches of the *Karate Kid* universe, making the casting announcements a major event. Here is a detailed look at the main actors and their pivotal roles:

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• Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso: The original Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso, returns to his iconic role. Following his journey in the *Cobra Kai* series, Daniel now teams up with Mr. Han to mentor the new protagonist. His character provides the connection to the Miyagi-Do legacy and the classic New Jersey/Los Angeles setting.
• Jackie Chan as Mr. Han: Reprising his role from the 2010 film, Mr. Han is the kung fu master who trained the new lead, Li Fong, back in Beijing. His return is the critical element that unites the two major film continuities. He travels to New York to help his former student.
• Ben Wang as Li Fong: The new protagonist and the film's "Karate Kid." Li Fong is a highly skilled kung fu prodigy who is uprooted from his home in Beijing and moves to New York City with his mother. He is the central figure who must adapt to a new culture and confront a local karate champion, requiring the guidance of both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso.
• Ming-Na Wen as Dr. Fong: A celebrated actress known for roles in *Mulan* and *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*, Ming-Na Wen plays Li Fong's mother. She is a doctor who relocates with her son from Beijing to the bustling environment of New York City after a family tragedy. Her character is described as bringing a nuanced portrayal of an Asian mother to the franchise.
• Joshua Jackson as Victor: Known for *Dawson's Creek* and *Fringe*, Jackson plays Victor, a former boxing champion and the owner of a popular pizzeria in Brooklyn. He is Mia Lipani's father and an important adult figure in the new protagonist's life, though his background is in boxing, not traditional martial arts.
• Sadie Stanley as Mia Lipani: Stanley, who previously starred in *The Goldbergs*, plays Mia Lipani, Victor's strong-willed and heartfelt daughter. She befriends Li Fong in New York, offering him a sense of belonging. Her character is a key emotional anchor, though she reportedly does not engage in physical fighting.
• Aramis Knight as Connor Day: Knight takes on the role of the primary antagonist, Connor Day. He is a local karate champion in New York City who becomes the main rival and bully to the new kid, Li Fong, setting up the central conflict of the film.

The Legends Crossover: Bridging Two Worlds

The most significant and exciting aspect of Karate Kid: Legends is its successful integration of the two separate film timelines. For years, fans have wondered how the Daniel LaRusso/Miyagi-verse, which was expanded by the hit series *Cobra Kai*, would ever connect with the 2010 film starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. This new movie provides the answer, officially making the 2010 film's events canon within the broader *Karate Kid* universe.

The plot establishes a clear connection: Li Fong, the new lead, was trained by Mr. Han in Beijing. After moving to New York City, he encounters Daniel LaRusso, who is now a seasoned mentor and a successful businessman. The film’s core premise revolves around these two distinct martial arts masters—the Chinese kung fu of Mr. Han and the Japanese Miyagi-Do Karate of Daniel LaRusso—coming together to train Li Fong. This collaboration is the ultimate martial arts dream match for fans, promising a unique blend of fighting styles and philosophies.

The setting of New York City is also a fresh departure, moving away from the familiar locales of the San Fernando Valley and Okinawa. This new urban environment introduces a different kind of challenge for the characters, with Li Fong having to navigate a new school, a new city, and a new bully, Connor Day, who represents the local dominance in the martial arts scene. This geographical shift allows the film to introduce new, diverse characters like Victor and Mia Lipani, who enrich the new protagonist's support system.

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The New Generation: Ben Wang and the Li Fong Story

The success of the new film hinges on the performance of Ben Wang as Li Fong. Wang, known for his role in the Disney+ series *American Born Chinese*, was reportedly chosen for his deep connection to the character and his fluency in Mandarin, adding authenticity to the role of a kung fu prodigy from Beijing.

Li Fong's journey is a classic underdog tale infused with modern sensibilities. The official synopsis reveals that Li Fong’s move to New York is prompted by a family tragedy, suggesting a profound emotional depth to his character. His search for solace leads him to a new friendship with Mia Lipani and, eventually, to the combined tutelage of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. This narrative structure is a powerful re-imagining of the original film's themes of mentorship, displacement, and overcoming adversity.

The character of Li Fong is not just a copy of Daniel LaRusso or Dre Parker (the lead from the 2010 film). He is a master of kung fu from the start, but he faces a new challenge in the form of American-style karate and a new environment. The film explores the contrast between the disciplined, traditional martial arts he learned in China and the aggressive, competitive world of American high school and local karate culture. This conflict is personified by the antagonistic Connor Day, played by Aramis Knight, who represents the local champion Li Fong must overcome.

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Key Entities and Topical Authority in Karate Kid: Legends

To fully appreciate the depth of *Karate Kid: Legends*, it is essential to recognize the key entities and thematic elements that anchor the film within the broader martial arts and cinematic landscape. The movie is rich with topical authority, drawing on established lore while forging a new path:

• Miyagi-Do Karate: Represented by Daniel LaRusso, this is the philosophical and defensive martial art taught by Mr. Miyagi.
• Kung Fu: The martial art practiced by Li Fong and taught by Mr. Han, emphasizing discipline and respect, contrasting with the more aggressive style Li Fong encounters in New York.
• New York City (NYC): The new setting, specifically Brooklyn, which provides a gritty, urban backdrop for the martial arts drama.
• Beijing, China: The origin of Li Fong and Mr. Han, emphasizing the international scope of the film.
• Jonathan Entwistle: The director, known for his work on *The End of the F***ing World*, bringing a fresh, modern directorial eye.
• Rob Lieber: The screenwriter, tasked with weaving together the two separate *Karate Kid* continuities.
• The All Valley Karate Tournament: Though not the central focus, the spirit of martial arts competition and championship remains a key thematic entity.
• The LaRusso Auto Group: Daniel's successful business, a subtle nod to his adult life established in the *Cobra Kai* series.
• Pizzeria Owner: Victor's role as a Brooklyn pizzeria owner grounds the new characters in a local, relatable setting.
• Family Tragedy: The emotional catalyst for Li Fong and Dr. Fong's move to the United States.

The movie is poised to be a landmark entry in the franchise, not only by bringing together Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan but by successfully launching a new, compelling story with Ben Wang at its center. The blend of seasoned stars and rising talent, coupled with the ambitious crossover plot, solidifies *Karate Kid: Legends* as a must-see event for martial arts cinema enthusiasts.