Jackie Chan Joins Karate Kid Remake as Mr. Miyagi

The classic 80's film The Karate Kid starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita as Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi respectively will be remade by Columbia Pictures and released in 2010.

The film is set to star Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith, who was last seen playing in the Pursuit of Happyness. Some concern has been expressed over Jaden's ability to fill the role at such a young age. He is currently eleven. 

WAX ON, WAX OFF

The new film will still follow the formula of "bullied youth meets eccentric but wise old mentor". Smith also revealed an interesting twist on the plot. "We're making it with the China Film Group, so it'll be based in Beijing," he said.  "Mr. Miyagi was originally Japanese, so there'll be a Chinese adaptation to it." This explains of course, how Jackie Chan is able to fill Morita's shoes. Pat Morita passed away in 2005.

A remake of the 1984 classic is sure to have a few loyalists up in arms about straying from the original background of the story. The most glaring issue is a film called "The Karate Kid" set in China.

Perhaps it should be the "Kung Fu Kid"...?

Ralph Macchio made his first-ever public statements addressing the remake of the film which made him famous to MTV.

Macchio has also noted the complexities of Jaden's age and how it might effect the love story angle that he and Elisabeth Shue played out in the original.

“(The ‘Karate Kid’ remake is) going to be interesting, from the respect that I think if they intend on copying some of the elements that are still present now (it won’t be easy),” Macchio said of the original film’s classic moments. Jaden has already been schooled in martial arts, although it has not been specified which styles.

The original "Karate Kid" centers on Daniel LaRusso, who has been a victim of school bully. Meeting a kindly and humble Okinawan immigrant, Mr. Miyagi, he then learns to defend himself using karate.

The movie received commercial success, spawning three other sequels.