MUMBAI: Jackie Chan is stepping back into familiar territory — and he couldn’t be happier. After a 15-year absence from the Karate Kid universe, he’s reprising his role as Mr. Han in the latest installment, The Karate Kid: Legends.
“I was for sure super excited,” he says in an interview during global promotions. “It’s been almost 15 years!”
This time, the story shifts from China to the streets of New York City, where Mr. Han encounters Daniel LaRusso, played once again by Ralph Macchio. Set after the events of the Cobra Kai series finale, this sixth film in the franchise pushes the legacy forward with a new generation and a unique East-meets-West narrative.
“We both aged 15 years, that’s for sure!” Chan jokes about the long gap between films. “Well, this time, Mr. Han comes to New York and experiences the Big Apple. But he’s still the shifu who cares the most about his students.”
At the heart of this new chapter is Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang — a gifted kung fu practitioner from Beijing, uprooted to New York following a family tragedy. As he grapples with adapting to a new culture, Li is drawn into a karate tournament under unexpected circumstances, sparking a fusion of disciplines as Mr. Han and LaRusso team up to train him.
“It’s the first time, and I’m glad we had this opportunity to work together and teach this lucky kid both karate and kung fu. It’s definitely different styles, but I think with the same goal. We work together easily, and since our families know each other from long before, it makes everything even easier,” he says.
Chan is full of praise for Wang’s performance, crediting the young actor’s attitude and work ethic.
“Ben must have done something right to earn this,” he says. “To me, he’s a good boy, a really good boy. He learns stuff fast and is always so humble and dedicated to this role.”
The climax of the film delivers a breathtaking rooftop fight that not only highlights Li’s growth but reinforces the story’s deeper themes — resilience, mentorship, and unity across cultures.
Naturally, the movie doesn’t shy away from martial arts spectacle, but when asked for details, Chan remains teasingly evasive. “[It’s] the kind you haven’t seen in 15 years! I can’t say too much!”
Still, he assures audiences that the soul of the franchise remains intact. “There definitely is some really good action, but you also see friendship and dedication. And you’ll see [that] when people hold hands and work together, there’s a miracle.”
For Chan, this return isn’t just about action — it’s about passing on timeless values to a new audience. And even after decades in the industry, his passion for real stunt work is unwavering.
“Of course, I always do my own stunts. It’s who I am. That’s not changing until the day I retire, which is never!” he says with a laugh. “And to be honest, when you’ve done it for 64 years straight, there’s no physical preparation anymore. Everything is in your heart and soul; it is muscle memory.”
Though the modern action genre leans heavily on technology, Chan remains a staunch advocate for authenticity in stunts.
“In the old days, the only [choice we had] was to be there and jump; that’s it. Today, with computers, actors can do anything, but there’s always a sense of reality that you feel is missing,” he reflects. “It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, actors become more and more capable of doing impossible stunts with the help of technology, and yet, on the other hand, the concept of danger and limit gets blurred and the audience is numb [to it]. But I’m not encouraging anybody to risk their lives to do the stunts like I did; it truly is too dangerous.”
With The Karate Kid: Legends, Jackie Chan isn’t just making a comeback — he’s bringing the legacy full circle, and reintroducing the spirit of martial arts to a new generation in a way only he can.
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