Karate Kid: Legends' cast also includes Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Aramis Knight, Wyatt Oleff, and Shaunette Renée Wilson.

Now, following its premiere in Mexico City on May 8 and ahead of its theatrical release, Karate Kid: Legends has debuted with a 51% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has 35 reviews at the time of writing, so the score will fluctuate as more are published. It doesn't yet have an audience score, though it will begin to take shape once the movie releases in theaters. See how Karate Kid: Legends' Rotten Tomatoes score compares to past movies and all six seasons of Cobra Kai below:

What Karate Kid: Legends' Rotten Tomatoes Score Means For The Movie

What Are The Critics Saying?

Karate Kid: Legends' Rotten Tomatoes score indicates that its reviews are decidedly mixed, with critics split almost right down the middle. For instance, in ScreenRant's mostly positive Karate Kid: Legends review, Mae Abdulbaki calls the movie "wildly entertaining and charming," proving that the franchise "has not yet lost its spark." She goes on to call Karate Kid: Legends an "easygoing film that doesn't simply bank on our nostalgia and builds enough tension and good character relationships."

Otherwise, the reviews are mixed, with critics praising Ben Wang's performance and the movie's nostalgic charm, with some highlighting its wholesome tone, modern energy, and kid-friendly appeal. However, many found the story predictable, emotionally shallow, and overly reliant on the past formula. Several critics feel Legends lacks the heart and originality of previous Karate Kid movies, especially compared to Cobra Kai. While some see the potential for a new generation, others view the movie as a missed opportunity weighed down by clichés and uneven execution.

Our Take On Karate Kid: Legends' Reviews

Can Ben Wang Carry The Franchise Forward?

While critics are divided on Karate Kid: Legends, praise for Ben Wang's performance is near unanimous. His charisma, athleticism, and screen presence as Li Fong stand out even to detractors of the film's script and structure. Many reviews describe Wang as the highlight, bringing a freshness and emotional depth that the rest of the movie often lacks. With the franchise likely eyeing future installments, Wang's standout performance positions him as a promising and worthy successor to carry the mantle of the Karate Kid.

Karate Kid: Legends releases in theaters on May 30.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes