While speaking to a reporter for New Zealand’s 3 News in Hong Kong, Jackie Chan confirmed that he will star in producer Will Smith’s upcoming remake of THE KARATE KID and that shooting will begin after he finishes working on Chinese historical epic BIG SOLDIER, SMALL GENERAL. He also had something to say about the title.
“They don’t want to call it KARATE KID any more,” said Chan. “They want to call it THE KUNG FU KID.”
…good looking out, Jackie. This is so not a remake anymore we don’t know WHAT to call it. This movie will have as much to do with the original Karate Kid as JJ Abrams’ film has to do with Star Trek. (or, did you think Chekov knew Kirk from the Academy days?). The movie is set in China. Jaden Smith is 10 years old. Doubt if Jackie Chan’s Miyagi will be a WWII vet. So all you have left are a few “show me sand the floor” references to even tie this movie to the original.
We’ll see what happens after they start production, but for now, we’ve no problem not calling this a comeback for the Karate Kid.
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