'Mulan' star Ming-Na Wen joins new 'Karate Kid' movie with Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio
MANILA, Philippines — Disney legend Ming-Na Wen has been included the cast for the upcoming "Karate Kid" movie helmed by franchise returnees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan.
The two latter actors confirmed late last year the development of a new "Karate Kid" film coming out 40 years since Macchio starred in the original, and began the search for the titular character.
That role will be portrayed by "American Born Chinese" star Ben Wang, with Joshua Jackson and Sadia Stanley also in the cast.
The new film will be directed by "The End Of The F***ing World" and "I Am Not Okay With This" showrunner Jonathan Entwistle on a script by Rob Lieber.
Macchio starred as Daniel LaRusso in the first three "The Karate Kid" movies during the 1980s opposite the late Pat Morita's Mr. Miyagi; the latter appeared in a fourth movie with Hilary Swank.
Related: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio looking for new 'Karate Kid'
Chan then appeared in a 2010 remake of set in China as Mr. Han, kung fu mentor to Jaden Smith's Dre Parker.
The popularity of "The Karate Kid" franchise saw a resurgence due to spin-off sequel series "Cobra Kai," where Macchio reprised his famous role as the show approaches its sixth and final season.
Wen is best known for voicing Mulan in Disney's original animated films, Melinda May in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D," and Fennec Shand in the "Star Wars" franchise.
The actress was annointed a Disney legend in 2019 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last year.
The new "Karate Kid" movie is currently set for a December 2024 release.
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