Joshua Jackson will make his return to film after near decade-long absence – will star alongside Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan in new installment of Karate Kid franchise
Joshua Jackson has officially been cast in the upcoming installment of the Karate Kid franchise, according to… The Hollywood Reporter.
While it is currently unclear what role the 45-year-old actor will play, his role is described as one of the main characters of the feature film.
The performer – who is currently dating Lupita Nyong’o – last starred in a feature film in 2015’s Sky, in which he appeared alongside his former partner, Diane Kruger, and Norman Reedus.
The Dawson’s Creek star has yet to make any public comments about his casting.
Jackson will be joined by Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, who will reprise their respective roles as Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Joshua Jackson has officially been cast in the upcoming installment in the Karate Kid franchise; seen in 2023
The former of the pair made his debut in the film franchise in the 2010 feature film The Karate Kid, in which he co-starred with Jaden Smith.
The latter made his debut as LaRusso in the original 1984 Karate Kid, and he reprized his role in two of the sequels.
Ben Wang, best known for his work in the Disney+ series American Born Chinese, currently stars in the film.
Set on the East Coast, the latest installment in the Karate Kid series follows a teenager from China as he tries to find direction in his life through the study of martial arts and the help of various mentors.
Jonathan Entwistle will direct the upcoming film, which features a script by screenwriter Rob Lieber.
The development of the feature was originally revealed to the public in June 2022.
The project was later described as a “return to the original Karate Kid franchise,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Macchio, who also starred as LaRusso in the hugely successful Netflix series Cobra Kai, and Chan signed on to appear in the project in November 2023.
Jackson will be joined by Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, reprising their roles as Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han will resume.
The development of the feature was originally revealed to the public in June 2022
Ben Wang, who is best known for his work in the Disney+ series American Born Chinese, will currently star in the film; seen in 2023
The new installment in the Karate Kid franchise is currently set to premiere on December 13
A worldwide casting search was then undertaken in search of the feature film’s star, and both Macchio and Chan appeared in a promotional video to announce its start.
Wang’s fluency in Mandarin and his proficiency in various martial arts styles are said to have been the deciding factors in his casting, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Although the film was scheduled for release in June, its production was paused due to the outbreak of the WGA and SAG strikes.
The new installment in the Karate Kid franchise is currently set to premiere on December 13.