Sequels and Reboots
Ben Wang Becomes First Asian American ‘Karate Kid’ in Franchise History: A Hollywood Milestone
In a historic move that’s generating buzz across Hollywood and beyond, Ben Wang has officially stepped into the iconic role of the Karate Kid, becoming the first Asian American lead in the franchise’s 40-year history. The new film, Karate Kid: Legends, releases this Friday and reunites the original stars, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, bridging generations of martial arts movie fans while delivering a long-overdue moment of representation.
“When I found out, it didn’t even hit me at first,” Ben Wang told the Associated Press. “But looking back, it feels like such a privilege. I’m proud to be in this position — and optimistic that it’s now normal for an Asian American to be the Karate Kid.”
Ben Wang’s character, Li Fong in Karate Kids: Legends competes in a high-stakes New York City karate tournament with guidance from both Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han — a passing of the torch that not only honors the franchise’s roots but also redefines its future.
The original Karate Kid (1984) featured Pat Morita as the beloved Mr. Miyagi, one of the few major Asian American characters in the film, despite its setting in Southern California. At the same time, Morita earned an Oscar nomination. Asian actors have often been relegated to mentor roles, sidekicks, or villains, not the hero.
Asian American film critic and author Jeff Yang said Ben Wang’s casting is both powerful and overdue. “For decades, martial arts wisdom has been handed down to non-Asian students in movies,” Yang noted. “Now, we finally get to see a young Asian American in the center of the story.”
That shift matters to fans like Steven Ho, a martial artist and stunt coordinator who grew up idolising Pat Morita. Ho says seeing Wang lead a mainstream martial arts film without relying on outdated stereotypes is precisely what today’s audiences need — especially for young Asian American boys growing up with few on-screen heroes who look like them.
The excitement around Karate Kid: Legends is shared by the next generation too. The “Twinjas,” 12-year-old karate prodigies Jonny and Ollie, say they’re hyped for the film not just because of Jackie Chan’s return, but because Wang represents a breakthrough moment. “It’s awesome seeing an Asian lead who’s actually the hero,” said Jonny. “It’s something we notice and celebrate.”
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Wang, who trained extensively in combat choreography for the film, remains humbled. “I still can’t believe I got to fight next to Jackie Chan,” he said. “He’s everything you think he is, on and off set.”
For Ben Wang, this isn’t just about breaking barriers — it’s about opening doors. “The word I keep coming back to is privilege,” he said. “What’s beautiful about this franchise is that it says anyone can be the Karate Kid. And now, for the first time, that includes someone who looks like me.”
