On December 17, Sony Pictures Entertainment dropped a massive trailer for the Karate Kid franchise without drumming up too much hype. However, the trailer generated it’s own hype, as the original trailer currently stands at over 6 million views in just one day. Besides being the next chapter in a beloved franchise, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s appearance together in one film helped the reveal go viral. After all, the last Karate Kid film debuted nearly 15 years ago in 2010.

However, the film was a letdown for fans of the original Karate Kid trilogy, as the 2010 film took a different route and setting. While the base formula remained the same, Jayden Smith’s debut film opted to choose Kung Fu, with Jackie Chan acting as the stoic Kung Fu teacher. However, despite taking a new direction, the film was a commercial success. Shot on an estimated budget of $55.5 million, the film earned over $176.5 million, pushing the franchise total well beyond $420 million.

Fans praised Jackie Chan and Jayden Smith, with the martial arts icon even confessing to connecting to his fatherly side thanks to the film. The honorary Oscar winner didn’t shy away from admitting to his problematic parenting. “I was too Chinese, traditional — you, son, go away, I don’t want to help you, you have to help yourself,” Jackie Chan told the Associated Press.

However, the cracks didn’t heal, as four years after the film’s release, the 70-year-old’s son, Jaycee Chan, was arrested for d*ug charges. “I failed to teach my son and I must also bear responsibility. Jaycee and I bow deeply to apologize to society.” Chan said in the light of his son’s arrest, adding, “I hope young people will see Jaycee as a cautionary tale.” But the Armor of God star relationship with his daughter isn’t one to write home about either.

While the actor has remained mostly tight-lipped about his family affairs, Chan’s treatment of his children has divided netizens’ opinions. But despite the events that followed the 2010 film, or what many on the internet think, the ‘Rush Hour’ actor’s star power has remained intact. A 2019 re-release of the 2010 Karate Kid film earned $215,447, according to Box Office Mojo. YouTube and later Netflix also saw the potential of exploring the franchise with the Kobra Kai series. And now, with Karate Kid: Legends announced for 2025, the two worlds are set to collide on screen.

Jackie Chan in the Karate Kid multiverse

While the 2010 film deviated from the established lore of the franchise, Cobra Kai was a callback and homage to the iconic 80s trilogy. The original actors reprise their roles as teachers for a whole new generation. The show exploded in popularity, eventually making its way to Netflix after 2 seasons. Currently, the show is in its 6th season, with Season 6 Part 3, planned for February 2025.

However, the trailer for Karate Kid: Legends showed the creators merging the two separate branches of the franchise into one. “Two branches, one tree,” as Ralph Macchio says in the trailer, perfectly encapsulates their intent. However, Jayden Smith is not reprising his role this time, with Ben Wang debuting as the new karate kid. This franchise is one of the few examples of revival done right; while Chan’s 2010 film gave a new direction to the IP, Cobra Kai showed there was more exploration in the Karte Kid universe.

It seems director Jonathan Entwistle has taken that step with Karate Kid: Legends. What do you think of the film as it nears the release date? Share below.