The legacy of the *Karate Kid* universe is set to explode onto the big screen with the highly anticipated film, *Karate Kid: Legends*. As of December 10, 2025, the full cast list has been officially confirmed, promising a monumental crossover that unites two separate cinematic sagas—the original Daniel LaRusso storyline and the 2010 remake's Mr. Han narrative—for the very first time. This new martial arts drama, slated for a May 2025 release, introduces a fresh protagonist while bringing back the iconic mentors, creating a true "Legends" ensemble that fans have dreamed of for decades.
The film shifts the action to the East Coast, following a teenage martial arts prodigy from China who relocates to New York and finds guidance from both Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han. The blend of classic Miyagi-Do, the wisdom of Mr. Han's kung fu, and the intensity of a new generation of fighters is poised to deliver a fresh and emotionally resonant chapter. Here is the definitive, confirmed cast list and the essential details about the stars who are bringing this epic crossover to life.
Karate Kid: Legends—Confirmed Cast and Character Biographies
The new film is built on the shoulders of two returning legends, but its heart lies with a talented new generation of actors. This list details the main cast, their roles, and what you need to know about the stars.
- Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso: The original "Karate Kid" from the 1980s trilogy and star of the hit series *Cobra Kai*. His character, Daniel-san, brings the Miyagi-Do philosophy and a wealth of experience to the new story.
- Jackie Chan as Mr. Han: Reprising his role as the maintenance man and kung fu master from the 2010 *Karate Kid* film. His return officially links the two cinematic branches of the franchise.
- Ben Wang as Li Fong: The new protagonist of the franchise. Li Fong is a kung fu prodigy who moves from China to the East Coast of the United States. Wang is a rising star, known for his lead role as Jin Wang in the Disney+ series *American Born Chinese*.
- Joshua Jackson as Victor Lipani: Jackson plays Victor Lipani, a significant new character and the father of Mia Lipani. Victor is described as a former local boxing champion in New York, suggesting a potential new source of conflict or mentorship outside of the traditional karate/kung fu rivalry. Jackson is a veteran actor known for roles in *Dawson's Creek*, *Fringe*, and *Dr. Death*.
- Sadie Stanley as Mia Lipani: Mia is Victor Lipani's strong-willed daughter and a New Yorker. Stanley is a talented young actress best known for her lead role in the live-action Disney Channel film *Kim Possible* and her work in *Cruel Summer*.
- Ming-Na Wen as Dr. Fong: Wen plays Dr. Fong, the mother of the new lead, Li Fong. Wen is an iconic actress, a true Hollywood legend known for voicing Mulan in the Disney animated film, playing Agent Melinda May in *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*, and Fennec Shand in *The Mandalorian* and *The Book of Boba Fett*. Her role is expected to provide a nuanced perspective on Asian motherhood and the challenges of moving to a new country.
- Shaunette Renée Wilson as Ms. Morgan: Wilson is cast as Ms. Morgan, Li Fong's schoolteacher. Wilson is recognized for her main cast role as Dr. Mina Okafor in the medical drama *The Resident*.
The Crossover Event: Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han's Unprecedented Partnership
The biggest news surrounding *Karate Kid: Legends* is undoubtedly the pairing of Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan. This is more than a simple cameo; it establishes a unified cinematic universe that was previously separated by decades and geographical locations.
The plot centers on Li Fong, a teenager from China who is forced to move to New York for his mother's job. Here, he finds himself navigating a new school and a new culture, facing the universal struggles of an outsider. His journey mirrors the experiences of both Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 film and Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) in the 2010 film, where a new environment leads to bullying and the need for a mentor.
The film’s brilliance lies in its ability to bring together two distinct martial arts philosophies. Daniel LaRusso’s Miyagi-Do Karate, rooted in defense and balance, contrasts with Mr. Han’s disciplined and powerful Kung Fu. The synergy between these two "legends" is the core of the film's topical authority and its appeal to a global audience. Fans are eager to see how the two mentors will co-teach Li Fong, blending their styles to help him find his own path and overcome the formidable local challenges, potentially including the character played by Joshua Jackson.
The New Generation: Ben Wang, Sadie Stanley, and Joshua Jackson's Role
While the returning stars provide the nostalgia, the new cast members are crucial for the franchise's future. Ben Wang’s casting as Li Fong is a deliberate choice to ground the story in a modern, cross-cultural context. His character's move from China to the U.S. allows the film to explore themes of immigration, identity, and finding one's voice, which are central to the enduring appeal of the *Karate Kid* story.
Sadie Stanley’s character, Mia Lipani, and her father, Victor Lipani, played by Joshua Jackson, are expected to serve as the new film's primary antagonists or, at the very least, as a major source of conflict. Victor Lipani’s background as a former local boxing champion in New York suggests a different kind of fighting style and a more grounded, street-level threat compared to the organized dojo rivalries of *Cobra Kai*. This introduces a compelling new dimension to the martial arts battles, moving beyond just karate and kung fu to include boxing, a brutal combat sport.
The dynamic between Mia and Li Fong is a key element of the youth storyline, reminiscent of the relationships Daniel LaRusso had with his rivals and allies. Mia, as a strong-willed New Yorker, is likely to challenge Li Fong, both personally and perhaps physically, as the daughter of a former champion.
Release Date and What This Means for the Karate Kid Universe
The *Karate Kid: Legends* film is officially set to hit theaters on May 30, 2025. The announcement of this film and its star-studded cast has created immense excitement, effectively bridging the gap between the original trilogy, the 2010 reboot, and the popular *Cobra Kai* series. This movie marks a significant expansion of the franchise's lore, confirming that all previous iterations exist within a single, interconnected continuity.
The film’s success will determine the future direction of the franchise, potentially paving the way for more cinematic sequels or even spin-offs centered on the new characters, Li Fong and Mia Lipani. The inclusion of Ming-Na Wen as Dr. Fong adds considerable star power and depth, ensuring the parental figures are just as compelling as the students and mentors. With Daniel LaRusso’s return and the conclusion of *Cobra Kai*’s final season, *Karate Kid: Legends* is perfectly positioned to carry the torch, introducing the next generation of martial arts students to a global audience and solidifying the franchise's status as a timeless narrative about mentorship, struggle, and respect.
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