History of Karate Kid: Legends in Timeline

Karate Kid: Legends, directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, is the sixth film in The Karate Kid franchise. It sees the return of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles, while Ben Wang takes the lead alongside Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen. This installment marks the first film in the series not produced by the late Jerry Weintraub. While details about the plot are scarce as of November 2023, the film promises to continue the martial arts drama legacy of its predecessors, bringing back familiar faces while introducing new characters to the universe.

1984: The Karate Kid Release

The original Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio, was released in 1984.

1986: The Karate Kid Part II Release

The Karate Kid Part II, the first sequel, was released in 1986.

1989: The Karate Kid Part III Release

The Karate Kid Part III, the second sequel, was released in 1989.

1994: The Next Karate Kid Release

The Next Karate Kid, the third sequel, was released in 1994.

2010: The Karate Kid Remake Release

A remake of The Karate Kid was released in 2010, starring Jackie Chan.

2010: The Karate Kid (2010)

The remake of The Karate Kid, starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, was released in 2010.

April 2014: Sequel to 2010 Remake Announced, Director Hired

In April 2014, a sequel to the 2010 Karate Kid remake was announced, and Breck Eisner was hired to direct.

2015: Jerry Weintraub's Passing

Jerry Weintraub, the producer of the previous Karate Kid films, passed away in 2015.

April 2017: Director Returns

Breck Eisner returned to direct the sequel to the 2010 remake in April 2017.

2018: Cobra Kai Premiere

Cobra Kai, a television series continuing the Karate Kid storyline, premiered in 2018.

September 2022: New Karate Kid Film Announced

A new Karate Kid film, described as a return to the original franchise, was announced in September 2022.

August 2023: Jackie Chan Returns

Jackie Chan was reported to be reprising his role in the new Karate Kid film in August 2023.

November 2023: Chan and Macchio Confirmed, Open Casting Call Announced

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio were officially confirmed for the new Karate Kid film in November 2023, and an open casting call was announced for the lead role.