Karate Kid: Legends, the much-anticipated revival of the iconic martial arts saga, has officially made its way into cinemas—and audiences have a lot to say. The film introduces rising actor Ben Wang as Li Fong, a gifted kung fu prodigy forced to start anew in New York City, under the mentorship of two legends – Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Blending the stylistic worlds of Chan’s kung fu and Macchio’s classic karate, the film attempts to bridge generations of fans. Set against a backdrop of culture shock, rivalries, and personal growth, fans who caught early screenings flooded social media with praise and criticism alike. One viewer wrote, “KARATE KID: LEGENDS is so breezy, fast-paced, and effortlessly likable from the first frame to the last… JACKIE CHAN steals every scene!” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling it a “roundhouse kick of fun and nostalgia”, lauding Wang’s performance and the film’s blend of spirited action and heartwarming moments.“Ben Wang held his own with the GOAT Jackie Chan,” read one post. “All I wanted was a fun, montage-filled Karate Kid film with great music and fun fights—and they delivered!”However, not all reviews were glowing. Some viewers criticised the underuse of the franchise’s original stars. “Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio don’t get much. They either needed bigger roles or none at all,” one user noted. Others lamented the story’s pacing and editing, calling the film “recycled” and “cliche-riddled.”Despite the polarised reception, many agree that Ben Wang brings a fresh energy to the role, with several viewers calling this the best Karate Kid film since the 2010 reboot. Ralph Macchio also praised Wang, stating, “His work ethic, his preparedness, his not taking anything for granted—he will be this generation’s Karate Kid.”Speaking about his casting in the film, Ben said in a statement, “The 2010 reboot was the first Karate Kid I saw. It was set in Beijing—I had just moved back from there,” said Wang. “The idea of starting over and finding mentors resonates deeply with me.”The film also marks a unique milestone in India—the Hindi-dubbed version features Yug Devgan, son of actor Ajay Devgn, making his voice acting debut as Li Fong.Karate Kid: Legends released nationwide today in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The film also stars Sadie Stanley (Kim Possible), Joshua Jackson, and boasts a diverse ensemble that reflects the franchise’s expanding cultural footprint.With its blend of martial arts legacy and Gen-Z freshness, Karate Kid: Legends opened to an average 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, with fans eager for their dose of adrenaline, it remains to be seen how it will hold up in the week ahead.
