Jackie Chan released a video casting call for Sony Pictures Entertainment to find the star for a new “Karate Kid” movie.
Ralph Macchio will be co-starring with Chan and stood by his side in the video on Tuesday, stating, “We’re starring in a new ‘Karate Kid’ movie together.”
Then Chan noted, “That’s big news, but we have even bigger news.”
“Bigger than that?” Macchio asked
“We’re looking for the new karate kid,” Chan added
“That’s right! The global search for the star of our new film starts right now. So let’s wax on, wax off, everybody,” Macchio went on.
Both Macchio and Chan expressed their excitement. Then Chan directed those interested to, “Submit your audition video.”
Sony’s link, karatekidcasting.com notes they are searching for a 15-17 year old boy who is Chinese of mixed-Chinese race.
The casting call notes, “He speaks fluent English. Conversational Mandarin is a strong plus. He’s smart, he’s scrappy and a skilled martial artist.”
“Acting experience is preferred but not required!!!” the call also states.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Macchio—who portrayed Daniel-san in the original film—is teaming up with Chan—who played Mr. Han in the 2010 reboot.
The production will start in 2024 and is the latest installment of the popular ongoing ”Karate Kid” franchise.
Macchio is currently finishing up his sixth season and final season of the “Cobra Kai” Netflix series. This installment of the “Karate Kid” storyline forges a friendship between Daniel-san and his childhood rival.
Whether this will tie into the new flick or not is uncertain, but last year Macchio told Entertainment Weekly he had no information regarding the new movie.
Despite originally stating, “I think that (will be figured out) in the near future, or I may have nothing to do with it,” he will be featured in the upcoming film.