Karate Kid: Legends' first trailer shows the union of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, teasing a connection that goes back centuries.TheKarate Kidreboot/sequel storywas announced in 2022, tying together the original story ofThe Karate Kidfrom the 1980s and its 2010 companion film. This caused a great deal of excitement, especially given the modern resurgence of theKarate Kidfranchise that will be all but completed thanks toCobra Kaiseason 6.
As anticipation grows for the movie’s May 2025 release date, the firsttrailer forKarate Kid: Legendsshows the titular characters united. The legend of 2010’sThe Karate Kidand the fabled fighter of 1984’s version united on screen, with Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han teaming up. Beyond the surface-level excitement of seeing these two on screen together,Karate Kid: Legendsteases a deeper story that explains why Mr. Han sought out Daniel in the first place, and how this all ties to theever-inspiring and wise Mr. Miyagi.
Mr. Han Knew Mr. Miyagi And Is Now Going To Daniel For Help With A Student
Old Connections Bear Fruit
The first reason as to why Mr. Han is searching out Daniel is Mr. Miyagi himself. TheKarate Kid: Legendstrailer opens with Mr. Han training a new student before eventually arriving at the now-iconic Miyagi-do dojo. As he looks at images of Miyagi on the wall, Daniel can be heard saying"You knew Mr. Miyagi?“Mr. Han replies"I did not come looking for Sensei Miyagi. I came looking for you.“Not only does this imply that Han and Miyagi did know each other as the former does not deny Daniel’s question, but it raises another reason for Daniel’s involvement.
Daniel knows what it is like to be in Li’s position, but also Mr. Han’s afterCobra Kai, meaning the two can help each other…
Later in the trailer, Mr. Han is heard speaking about his new student, Li Fong. Played by Ben Wang inKarate Kid: Legends’cast, Li is important to Mr. Han, as evidenced by the latter’s words:“Li is to me, what you meant to Sensei Miyagi.“Based on this, Mr. Han may be unsure how to teach a student he is so connected with, thus seeking out someone who has had a similar relationship. Daniel knows what it is like to be in Li’s position, but also Mr. Han’s afterCobra Kai, meaning the two can help each other teach Li in the best way.
Mr. Han And Mr. Miyagi’s Family Were Connected “All The Way Back To Old Times”
Interestingly, the point of Mr. Han knowing about Mr. Miyagi raises the question of how they are connected. After all, Mr. Han was shown to be from Beijing, China in 2010’sThe Karate Kid, while Mr. Miyagi is originally from the Japanese island of Okinawa. Despite this, there is a connection between the two, one that has been described as stretching back generations.
How Jackie Chan’s Karate Kid Character Connects To Mr. Miyagi & Daniel Teased By Director
The director of Karate Kid: Legends sheds more light onto how Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han from the 2010 film is connected to Mr. Miyagi and Daniel LaRusso.
The director ofKarate Kid: Legends,Jonathan Entwistle, confirmed this, even hinting that priorKarate Kidmovies confirm the connection between the Miyagi family and the Han family. Since then, audiences have noted how Miyagi once mentioned his ancestor, Shimpo Miyagi, falling asleep in a fishing boat and drifting to China. Shimpo stayed in China, learned martial arts, and came back with a wife. Shimpo’s time in China could explain how the Miyagis are linked to the Hans, potentially explaining why Mr. Han seeks out Miyagi’s protégé inKarate Kid: Legends.
Karate Kid: Legends
Cast
Karate Kid: Legends is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.
