A Karate Kid franchise first: Uniting the worlds of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.
Jonathan Entwistle, best known for The End of the F**ing World*, steps into martial arts cinema with Karate Kid Legends, a bold new entry that brings together two generations of Karate Kid fans. For the first time, the worlds of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio collide on screen in a cinematic crossover that blends legacy and innovation.
In an interview with Nerdtropolis, I spoke with Entwistle to discuss the experience of reviving this iconic franchise, working with legends, and casting a new Karate Kid to carry the torch.
Jackie Chan’s presence: A master class in motion
Entwistle didn’t hold back his awe when it came to collaborating with martial arts icon Jackie Chan.
“It’s everything you imagine and more,” Entwistle told Nerdtropolis. “He’s such a smart filmmaker when it comes to stunts. He knows exactly the right moment, the right prop, the right spin—always for the camera and the story. It was a master class in all things martial arts.”
The director described the surreal experience of having Chan not only star in the film but also help shape how each fight was executed.
“Just watching him work out why a kick goes here instead of there, or why it’s funny to roll one way and not the other—it was pure cinema magic.”
Fighting for authenticity on screen
More than anything, Entwistle was committed to bringing real, visceral action to Karate Kid Legends—something he says was non-negotiable.
“The in-camera martial arts were something I really fought for,” he said. “From casting Ben [Wang], to executing the fights, I wanted audiences to feel those punches. That authenticity mattered.”
The director even took it a step further during a key boxing sequence involving actor Joshua Jackson.
“I told him, ‘You’re going to take punches to the face,’ and he was like, ‘OK, cool, let’s go.’ That energy carried through the whole film.”
Spotlight on Ben Wang: A new Karate Kid is born
Ben Wang (American Born Chinese) steps into the iconic role of the Karate Kid, and Entwistle believes audiences are in for a surprise.
“People are going to see how much of the stunts he did himself,” he said. “It’s not something most actors can do—act in a Hollywood movie and still take all those hits. His commitment is something special.”
Entwistle emphasized that this film is not just about nostalgia—it’s about evolving the legacy while honoring its roots.
“I hope people can feel that this movie was made with real care for the franchise.”
Karate Kid Legends hits theaters May 30
With high-impact action, heartfelt mentorship, and a seamless blend of old and new, Karate Kid Legends aims to satisfy diehard fans and attract a whole new generation. Featuring Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, and Joshua Jackson, the film is a standout martial arts experience this summer. Read our Review.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
