Jackie Chan is reportedly in talks to return for the upcoming “Karate Kid” film at Sony Pictures according to Discussing Film.
Chan is expected to reprise the role of Mr. Han, previously seen in 2010’s “The Karate Kid” led by Jaden Smith and directed by Harald Zwart. It is unknown if Smith will return in any capacity.
The potential casting adds to the confusion regarding the project following its announcement in September last year and which promised a “return of the original ‘Karate Kid’ franchise”.
Of course, most of the talent involved in the original “Karate Kid” franchise are now over on Netflix’s sequel series “Cobra Kai” – but it was made clear at the time no one in that show is involved in this film.
That led to rumors of a period prequel showcasing the early days of the late Pat Mortia’s famed karate master character Mr. Miyagi. This potential casting would appear to shoot down that talk, but it also doesn’t necessarily confirm this is a straight sequel to the reboot which grossed $359 million worldwide on a $40 million budget.
Jonathan Entwistle (“I Am Not Okay With This,” “The End of the F—— World”) directs and executive produces the project, one of several he’s linked to alongside a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers biopic and a reboot of the “Power Rangers” franchise.
The project was previously announced for a release on June 7th 2024, but that date will be pending any delays caused by the ongoing WGA strike along with other scheduling.
