Karate Kid Legends First Reviews
Table of Contents
ToggleThe wait is finally over! Karate Kid: Legends, the much-anticipated sequel that unites Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio for the first time on screen, had its grand premiere in New York, and early fan reactions are in—and they’re mostly glowing!
A Nostalgic Return with Fresh Energy
This film is being hailed as a beautiful blend of nostalgia and fresh energy. Fans of the original Karate Kid series and the Netflix spin-off Cobra Kai are in for a treat, as this sixth installment bridges the gap between generations while introducing a new hero: Li Fong, played by Ben Wang.
In a special highlight for Indian fans, the Hindi version features voice-overs by Bollywood star Ajay Devgn and his son Yug. This marks Yug’s voice debut and their first-ever project together—a big emotional moment for fans of the Devgn family.
What Critics and Fans Are Saying
Let’s dive into what people are saying after watching the premiere:
🗣️ Jonathan Sim (@TheJonathanSim)
“Kung fu meets karate in #KarateKidLegends — a fun, predictable underdog story that sees Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio unite for entertaining results. Ben Wang is superb as the series’s first Asian kid. He brings physicality and charm to a franchise that’s still kicking.”
🗣️ Jeremy Kazieva (@jeremy_kazieva)
“#KarateKidLegends is a great tribute for fans of karate and Cobra Kai. While it sticks to a familiar storyline, it brings in fresh and exciting karate sequences from the talented Ben Wang. The chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio was a standout highlight.”
🗣️ Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt)
“I loved #KarateKidLegends way more than I ever expected to. Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang are fantastic. This film delivers a solid kick of entertainment, nostalgia, action and comedy. A brilliant film for the family and fans of the franchise.”
🗣️ Bill Bria (@billbria)
“#KarateKidLegends is the SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING of the series; it cleverly switches up the structure while featuring a ton of energy & oodles of charm. The Jackie Chan Stunt Team brings speed & inventiveness to the fights, Ben Wang is easy to like, & Chan & Macchio are super.”
🗣️ Klepcx (@Klepcx)
“Action over emotion. #KarateKidLegends struggles to fuel off of what Karate Kid/Cobra Kai fans grew to love. However, it still manages to rear off on its own thing while delivering an explosive final act worthy of the franchise.”
What’s the Story?
Karate Kid: Legends takes place three years after the events of Cobra Kai and is directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film follows Li Fong, a young fighter taken under the wings of two legends—Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). As he battles personal demons and external rivals, he learns valuable life lessons through martial arts.
Highlights From the Film:
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⚔️ High-Octane Action: The Jackie Chan Stunt Team choreographed the fight scenes, bringing speed and innovation.
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🥋 Mentorship & Legacy: The film balances the themes of honor, discipline, and growth through its dual-mentor dynamic.
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👊 Ben Wang’s Breakout Role: Viewers are already calling him “a star in the making.”
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🎤 Ajay & Yug Devgn’s Hindi Dub: Indian audiences are especially excited about this father-son duo in voice roles.
The Downsides?
While many loved the film, not everyone was entirely satisfied. Some critics mentioned that:
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The movie felt too short.
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Emotional depth was lacking compared to previous entries.
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Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio have limited screen time, with the story focusing more on the new generation.
Still, even critics who had issues praised the explosive final act and called it a worthy addition to the Karate Kid universe.
Release Info
📅 India Release Date: May 30, 2025
🎬 Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu
🎥 Distributed by: Sony Pictures Entertainment India
Final Verdict
If you love martial arts, nostalgic throwbacks, or just want a good family movie night, Karate Kid: Legends seems like a solid pick. Whether you’re team Miyagi-Do or Cobra Kai, this film brings together action, legacy, and new beginnings in one energetic package.
⭐ What do you think? Will you watch it in theatres or wait for the OTT release? Let us know!