Karate Kid: Legends Draws Mixed Reviews, Omits Key Cast

Karate Kid: Legends, released in 2025, brings together franchise veterans Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio while introducing a new protagonist, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang. The film does not feature Hilary Swank's Julie Pierce and excludes characters from Netflix's Cobra Kai due to intellectual property restrictions, as clarified by director Jonathan Entwistle. With a runtime of 94 minutes—the shortest in the series—critics have cited rushed pacing alongside a formulaic plot as reasons for a mixed critical response, reflected in a Rotten Tomatoes score of 59%. While nostalgic elements and strong performances are praised, the lack of meaningful character development and compelling villains leaves many fans disappointed. The film's reception highlights the enduring popularity of the franchise but underscores the difficulties in matching the narrative depth of Cobra Kai. Overall, Karate Kid: Legends is seen as a well-meaning but ultimately forgettable addition to the franchise.