From the creators of a legacy that spans generations, Karate Kid: Legends brings a fresh chapter to the beloved martial arts saga. This time, it’s not just about kicks and katas—it’s about the people who shape a fighter’s journey.
Li Fong’s Journey: From Beijing to the Big Apple
When teen martial artist Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates from Beijing to bustling New York City with his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen), he quickly realizes that a change in scenery doesn’t mean a break from challenges. Faced with a fierce local karate champ, Li finds himself thrown into conflict—but also, into a destiny of epic proportions.
That’s where Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) come in—two legends, one united mission: to guide Li through a unique fusion of kung fu and karate.
But legends don’t work alone.
Mia Lipani: Pizza, Sass, and Heart
Enter Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley), the street-smart, no-nonsense New Yorker who becomes the first to welcome Li with an unexpected act of kindness—one that sets the tone for an unforgettable friendship.
“The key to Mia as a character is she’s grown up in New York, but she’s grown up working in New York, in a pizza shop with her dad,” director Jonathan Entwistle says. “She’s not an uber hipster. She’s not super cool. And Sadie was the perfect person to encapsulate that. She has a little vulnerability and a lot of backbone—she’s a very, very strong person.”
Stanley herself describes – “Mia is a very sarcastic girl, very headstrong, and very funny,” says Stanley. “And when Li Fong and Mia first meet, he’s overwhelmed with this new reality, this new life. Mia kind of comes in and shows him that first bit of kindness, that support he needs.”ew world.”
Victor Lipani: The Fighter Turned Father Figure
Mia’s dad, Victor (Joshua Jackson), is more than a pizza shop owner—he’s a retired boxer with a heart for tough kids and a soft spot for fighters like Li.
“I grew up in a neighborhood where there were a lot of kids, a lot of parents, a lot of people who weren’t your blood relation,” he says. “It takes everybody to raise kids, right? So as a trusted older male, Victor is there for Ben, because he’s dealing with quite a lot of trauma.”
For many viewers, Victor’s fatherly role will strike a nostalgic chord, echoing the franchise’s timeless message: it takes a village to raise a hero.
Dr. Fong: A Mother’s Strength
Ming-Na Wen steps into the role of Li’s mother, bringing both gravitas and warmth. “To be part of the Karate Kid world, being an Asian American, it’s just different,” she says. “Even though Miyagi is Japanese and I’m Chinese, we have a shared Asian-American experience. It had such an impact on my life, when I was younger watching it.”
On set, her bond with Ben Wang felt natural. “I told Ben, ‘You’re the perfect son.’ He’s so courteous and soft spoken. And yet there’s like this little wicked sense of humor. I think that the fans are going to fall in love with him!”
It’s Not Just a Fight—It’s a Family
Karate Kid: Legends isn’t just about training montages and showdowns (although yes, there are plenty). At its heart, it’s about the people who lift us up, push us forward, and catch us when we fall.
Whether it’s an uncle with ancient wisdom, a pizza-slinging best friend, or a mother holding the fort—Li Fong’s real strength comes from the team in his corner.
Don’t miss the next chapter of this iconic saga. Karate Kid: Legends opens in Philippine cinemas on May 28.
Distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Follow the conversation online with #KarateKidMovie and tag @columbiapicph.
Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”
