Martial arts meets Hollywood glam at the black carpet premiere of the action-packed reboot
Justin Brown, Jackie Chan, Sadie Stanley, Ben Wang, Jonathan Entwistle (Director), Aramis Knight, Wyatt Oleff, and Joshua Jackson all pose together at the New York Premiere of Karate Kid: Legends
The energy was electric and nostalgia was high at the black carpet premiere of “Karate Kid: Legends”, held at the SVA Theatre in New York. Fans gathered in droves—many donning their best Karate Kid attire—to catch a glimpse of the iconic cast and filmmakers behind the latest chapter of the beloved martial arts saga.
A Star-Studded Showdown on the Black Carpet
Leading the charge were global legends Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, and rising star Ben Wang, joined by fellow cast members and producers. Adding a touch of whimsy to the red-carpet glamour (or should we say black carpet), Jackie Chan delighted fans by bringing along his signature panda plushies for photo ops—a heartwarming moment that had everyone smiling.
A martial artist performs a demonstration at the New York premiere of Karate Kid: Legends
Martial Arts in Motion
In a thrilling surprise, martial artists from various disciplines lit up the black carpet with a high-energy demo that had the crowd roaring. Their showcase served as the perfect teaser for what’s in store in Karate Kid: Legends, a film that fuses tradition, action, and heartfelt storytelling.
Jackie Chang pose with fans while holding adorable panda plushies at the New York premiere of Karate Kid: Legends
Ready for a midweek movie pick-me-up? From high-kicking heroes and ninja antics to eerie nightmares and time-hopping hilarity, the big screen is bursting with stories you won’t want to miss. This week’s movie drop is stacked: a new chapter in the Karate Kid: Legends saga, Isang Komedya sa Langit a historical comedy with a local twist, Nintama Rantaro: Invincible Master of the Dokutake Ninja animated ninja misadventures, You Shall Not Sleep Tonight a chilling horror tale, and an electrifying live concert from BTS star j-hope. Time to mark your calendars and book those tickets, here’s everything showing in theaters starting this week!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2025 • G • 1 hr 35 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, DRAMA, FAMILY BUY TICKETS
Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy, leaves Beijing for New York after a family tragedy. When a friend needs his help, Li enters a high-stakes karate competition. His teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), teams up with Karate Kid icon Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) to blend their styles, creating a martial arts fusion that’s as thrilling as it is heartfelt.
Why watch? This reboot delivers a nostalgic punch with Macchio and Chan bridging old-school cool and fresh energy. Expect jaw-dropping fight scenes and a story about resilience that’ll leave you cheering. Perfect for fans of Cobra Kai or anyone who loves a good underdog tale.
Picture this: it’s 1872, and three priests are facing execution by Spanish authorities. But, plot twist! They’re zapped to the present day. Navigating modern life with old-world charm, these time-displaced clerics stir up chaos and comedy in a fish-out-of-water adventure.
Why watch? This local gem is a riot, blending historical quirks with today’s absurdities. The trio’s chemistry is pure gold, and the laughs are non-stop. Grab your friends for a lighthearted escape that’s equal parts silly and sweet.
2025 • PG • 1 hr 30 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, DRAMA GET SHOWTIMES
When Mr. Doi vanishes after a duel with the Tasogaredoki ninja, his students, including the plucky Rantaro, launch a rescue mission. Meanwhile, rival ninjas scheme, and a mysterious strategist who looks eerily like Mr. Doi stirs the pot. It’s a whirlwind of ninja battles, laughs, and surprises.
Why watch? This animated adventure is a treat for anime fans and newcomers alike. With vibrant visuals, quirky humor, and edge-of-your-seat action, it’s a family-friendly romp that packs a punch. Got kids? They’ll love the ninja antics!
A boy’s nightmares turn terrifyingly real when a monster lurks in his closet. His father’s midnight pep talks seem to help until the boy uncovers chilling truths about his dad’s fate and a sinister force closing in.
Why watch? This horror-thriller is a masterclass in creeping dread. It’s less about jump scares and more about unraveling a haunting mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Perfect for a late-night movie date if you’re brave enough to face the dark.
Catch BTS’s j-hope in his electrifying solo world tour, HOPE ON THE STAGE, filmed live in Japan. Showing one night only on May 31, this concert film features hits like Chicken Noodle Soup and Arson, plus BTS classics and the never-before-performed Sweet Dreams with Miguel. It’s a celebration of dreams, energy, and pure musical magic.
Why watch? ARMY or not, j-hope’s charisma and stage presence are undeniable. This live viewing is a front-row ticket to a global phenomenon, packed with infectious beats and heartfelt moments. Don’t miss this one-night event, book your seats now!
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Missed last week’s releases? No worries—these crowd-pleasers are still packing theaters with action, laughs, and heart. Here’s what’s holding strong:
With summer vibes kicking in, there’s no better time to escape into a movie theater’s cool, dark embrace. Karate Kid: Legends brings the action, Isang Komedya sa Langit serves up laughs, and You Shall Not Sleep Tonightdelivers chills. Anime fans get their fix with Nintama Rantaro, and j-hope’s concert film is a musical must for May 31. Don’t miss the fan favorites still lighting up screens, visit our Movies Section and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!
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.
After a worldwide search that had fans buzzing, Ben Wang has emerged as the next Karate Kid in Karate Kid: Legends. Handpicked by producer Karen Rosenfelt, Wang blends youthful charisma with powerful martial arts skills—earning comparisons to none other than Back to the Future’s Marty McFly.
“It’s always like threading a needle when you’re looking for the center of a film,” she says. “I couldn’t be happier with Ben. He’s exactly what I saw in my mind. I think he’s the Marty McFly of our generation. He’s so talented—he performed most of his own stunts—and I think he’s got an amazing career ahead of him.”
And it’s easy to see why.
Meet Li Fong: From Beijing to the Bronx
In this bold reboot, Wang stars as Li Fong, a kung fu fighter uprooted from Beijing and dropped into the culture shock of New York City. As Li navigates school bullies and martial arts turf wars, he finds mentorship in the legendary Mr. Han (Jackie Chan)—and eventually teams up with none other than Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) to master the way of karate.
The result? A thrilling, emotional showdown where kung fu and karate collide with purpose.
Ben Wang: A Star Born for the Role
Having grown up on the 2010 Karate Kid remake starring Chan and Jaden Smith, Wang’s connection to the franchise runs deep.
“It gets me emotional, this idea of going somewhere completely new and having to start over and finding people who help you along the way. And that’s what these movies are really about, you know? Behind the kung fu and the karate and all that cool stuff, it’s about finding your way, learning to fit in, and finding good teachers.”
Wang not only performs most of his own stunts but also breathes authenticity into his role—drawing from his real-life journey of moving from Beijing back to the U.S.
The Stamp of Approval: Ralph Macchio Weighs In
Ralph Macchio, the OG Karate Kid, couldn’t be more impressed with his young co-star.
“His work ethic, his preparedness, his not taking anything for granted—he will be this generation’s Karate Kid!” Macchio says. “Yes, I carry that, that’s not going away for me, ever. And I am extremely proud and privileged to have it. He’s in almost every frame of the movie, like I was.”
And with a laugh, Macchio adds:
“I didn’t have to speak another language, though, like he does. So he’s already ahead of me right there!”
Mark Your Calendars: May 28
Get ready to experience heart-pounding action, touching mentorship, and a new chapter in martial arts cinema. Karate Kid: Legends kicks into high gear in Philippine cinemas on May 28. Reserve your cinema tickets here.
Follow the conversation: #KarateKidMovie | @columbiapicph
For fans of the classic Karate Kid and the 2010 reboot, the cinematic dream is finally coming true. Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan join forces in the highly anticipated Karate Kid: Legends, landing in Philippine cinemas on May 28, brought to local screens by Columbia Pictures.
“Bringing these two legends together is beyond a producer’s dream,” says producer Karen Rosenfelt. “What’s fresh and unique about this movie is that both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso are training a Chinese, Mandarin-speaking boy. It’s a story about family and recovering what’s important. And it works as a standalone if you have never seen a Karate Kid film, and it’s also a love letter to those who were there for The Karate Kid in 1984.”
A Brand-New Story That Honors the Classics
In Karate Kid: Legends, we meet Li Fong, a gifted kung fu teen played by rising star Ben Wang, as he adjusts to life in New York City. Facing bullies and cultural challenges, Li finds guidance in none other than Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). But with the stakes rising, Han reaches out to another legend—Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio)—for help. Together, they train Li in a unique blend of kung fu and karate, preparing him for the ultimate showdown.
Whether you’ve followed The Karate Kid since 1984 or are just meeting the dojo for the first time, this film promises a fresh and emotional journey rooted in mentorship, family, and personal growth.
Ralph Macchio on Returning to LaRusso
Macchio, also serving as an executive producer, took special care in reviving the franchise. “I’ve been careful over the years with protecting this franchise, protecting this character,” Macchio says. “The evolution of these characters, the themes in the original movie, they still stand the test of time and win over each generation.”
For Macchio, stepping into the dojo again wasn’t just nostalgic—it was essential. His dedication ensures that the legacy of The Karate Kid is preserved while evolving for today’s audiences.
“I have so much respect for him as an artist and entertainer,” he says. “He’s a legend in the field, whether it be motion pictures and martial arts or even comedy. He cares very much, and he’s very involved in every take, certainly in the martial arts takes. He’s like, ‘No, no, this is how it’s done!’ I kind of just say, ‘Okay!’”
Jackie Chan: “The Audience Wants to Come Back”
The excitement was mutual for Jackie Chan, who reprises his role as Mr. Han. “I wanted to come back to this role because the audience wants to come back,” he says. “We’ve been looking for a good story. We’ve been waiting.”
Working with Macchio also proved to be a highlight. “Our first time meeting was the premiere of The Karate Kid ten years ago. He’s an actor like me—so experienced,” says Chan. “He knows what a film needs. Immediately we just melded together. Whatever I’d say, he was already thinking.”
The Power of Legacy—and a New Beginning
What makes Karate Kid: Legends truly stand out is its ability to feel both fresh and familiar. By uniting two iconic characters and introducing a new hero, it speaks to both old fans and a whole new generation.
With Chan and Macchio passing on their hard-earned wisdom to a young protégé, the film becomes more than just another sequel—it becomes a celebration of everything the franchise stands for: honor, resilience, and self-discovery.
Catch the magic and the martial arts in full force as Karate Kid: Legends opens in Philippine cinemas on May 28.
Distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines, the film is a must-watch summer blockbuster. Join the conversation online with #KarateKidMovie and follow @columbiapicph for updates.
A new chapter in The Karate Kid saga unfolds as Karate Kid: Legends brings together legendary martial arts masters for an electrifying story of discipline, resilience, and heart. Starring Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, and original Karate KidRalph Macchio, this highly anticipated film lands in Philippine cinemas on June 4, 2024.
Joshua Jackson and Ben Wang
A New Fighter Rises
In Karate Kid: Legends, Ben Wang takes on the role of Li Fong, a skilled kung fu student uprooted from China to New York City. As he struggles to adapt to his new life, he quickly finds himself at odds with local bullies and a powerful karate champion. With a major tournament on the horizon, Li’s kung fu mentor, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), seeks help from none other than Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio)—the legendary Karate Kid himself.
Watch the new trailer now:
A Legacy Reborn
This fresh take on the beloved franchise unites East and West in an inspiring story of perseverance and self-discovery. As Li Fong trains under both Mr. Han’s kung fu wisdom and Daniel LaRusso’s karate expertise, he must forge his own path—blending styles, honoring tradition, and pushing his limits to face his toughest challenge yet.
Get ready for breathtaking action, emotional depth, and an unforgettable martial arts showdown.
Check out the official character posters!
Jackie ChanBen WangRalph Macchio
Mark Your Calendars!
Karate Kid: Legends arrives in Philippine cinemas on June 4, exclusively distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local arm of Sony Pictures Releasing International.
Follow the conversation with #KarateKidMovie and tag @columbiapicph for updates!
“Karate Kid: Legends” follows the journey of Li Fong (Ben Wang), a kung fu prodigy grappling with the devastating loss of his father. Forced to leave Beijing behind, Li and his mother start anew in New York City. But fitting in is no easy task.
Li tries to avoid trouble, yet it always finds him. When a close friend is in need, Li must put his martial arts skills to the test by entering a high-stakes karate competition. However, his kung fu expertise alone won’t be enough.
With the help of his teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and none other than the original Karate Kid himself, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li discovers a new way to fight by blending the best of both worlds: kung fu and karate. Together, they prepare for an epic martial arts showdown that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats!
Blending nostalgia, thrilling action, and heartfelt storytelling, Karate Kid: Legends honors the legacy of the original while introducing a new generation to its enduring themes of discipline, resilience, and friendship.
Don’t Miss It!
Coming soon to Philippine cinemas, Karate Kid: Legends is distributed locally by Columbia Pictures, the Philippine arm of Sony Pictures Releasing International.
Stay updated on the latest news and content by following Columbia Pictures Philippines on social media and using the hashtag #KarateKidMovie.
The much-anticipated return to the iconic Karate Kid universe is finally here! Introducing Karate Kid: Legends—a cinematic adventure that promises to deliver the same heart and thrill that fans of the original series adore. The film is directed by the talented Jonathan Entwistle, with a gripping screenplay written by Rob Lieber. Behind the scenes, veteran producer Karen Rosenfelt lends her expertise, while the legendary Ralph Macchio himself joins Jenny Hinkey as an executive producer. Talk about an all-star lineup!
In the starring roles, we see the ever-charismatic Jackie Chan, who continues to shine as a martial arts icon. Joining him is the rising star Ben Wang, and, of course, Ralph Macchio reprising his fan-favorite role. Adding more excitement to the mix, the film also features Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen—creating a powerhouse ensemble that promises to deliver on action, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling.
The Legacy Continues
Fans old and new, prepare to be swept into a world where honor, perseverance, and epic fight scenes reign supreme. As the new poster teases, “Legends are Forever,” and this film is ready to make its mark in Karate Kid history. Stay tuned for more updates, teasers, and exciting news leading up to the big premiere.
Release Date and Distribution
Get ready, Philippines! Karate Kid: Legends will be making its way to local cinemas soon. Distributed by Columbia Pictures, the film marks the latest addition to Sony Pictures Releasing International’s lineup. Don’t miss updates and exclusive content by following @columbiapicph on social media and using the official hashtag #KarateKidMovie.
