Karate Kid: Legends has a significant advantage over any of the other installments in the Karate Kid franchise, but it will still have to fight hard to prove itself. The movie, which is expected to hit theaters in May 2025, is a highly anticipated sequel to both 1984's The Karate Kid and its 2010 remake. Though the semantics of how these two stories will come together is still unclear, the union of Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan's Mr. Han is undoubtedly promising. Still, these two actors and their respective characters aren't all Karate Kid: Legends has going for it over its predecessors.

The 2024's Karate Kid: Legends has something none of the rest had.

Karate Kid: Legends Has A More Impressive Cast Than Any Other Karate Kid Movie (Or Cobra Kai)

The Cast Goes Beyond Returning Stars

Macchio and Morita were the main draws of the first three Karate Kid movies, but they were known predominantly for these roles. In general, their cast mates were talented but relatively unknown actors, so their presence in the films wasn't necessarily drawing leagues of fans to the theaters. Jackie Chan ing up with the franchise in 2010 was certainly a big deal, but, once again, the majority of his cast mates were making their acting debuts in The Karate Kid. Cobra Kai certainly had the benefit of featuring Macchio and Billy Zabka in its cast. However, yet again, these actors remain best known for their Karate Kid roles anyway.

The Karate Kid: Legends, however, is a different story. This is Macchio's first return to play Daniel on the big screen since 1989, and that certainly pulls some interest. Still, this time around, the actors are beloved outside the Karate Kid franchise. Chan is a legend in the world of movie martial arts, with films like Police Story, Drunken Master, and even Shanghai Noon regarded as classics. The movie also stars Ming-Na Wen, known for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Mulan, and Joshua Jackson, known for Dawson's Creek. Combined with Ben Wang from American Born Chinese, this cast is an excellent setup.

Karate Kid: Legends' Cast Is Promising, But The Sequel Still Needs To Prove Itself

Karate Kid: Legends Needs a Fresh, Nostalgic Story

There has never been such a stacked cast in the Karate Kid franchise, and this certainly makes Karate Kid: Legends promising. Still, while this could be enough to draw audiences to the theaters, the movie will need something special to gain their approval from there. With five films and a spinoff series already in existence, it will be difficult for Karate Kid: Legends to remain unique, stand out, and prove that this is a franchise worth continuing. There's a great deal riding on the story itself and whether Macchio and Chan's movie can justify its own existence (and exceptional cast).