Start practicing your crane kick.In case you hadn't heard, a remake of the 1984 favorite 'The Karate Kid' is set to fight its way into theaters on June 11, 2010 -- and we're guessing fans of the original are wondering what the deal is. To that end, here's a rundown of what we know about the flick thus far.
For starters, the movie employed the working title of 'The Kung Fu Kid' for a while, but Sony has done the smart thing and renamed it, well, 'The Karate Kid.' Jaden Smith (Will's son) takes over for Ralph Macchio as the titular kid, while Jackie Chan tackles the role of the inspirational, goatee-sporting, bon-mot-spouting karate sensei, so memorably portrayed by the late Pat Morita in four 'Karate' installments.
The plot will follow the key points of the beloved Ralph Macchio flick, about a boy who turns to martial arts after being bullied. The action is now set in China and the main character's name has been changed from Daniel to Dre, and his mentor is called Mr. Han instead of Mr. Miyagi. And judging by photos from the set that have popped up online at Filmofilia, it looks like Dre won't be getting any by-the-books training from Mr. Han.
Macchio (who turns -- gasp! -- 48 tomorrow) can currently be seen as Hilda Suarez's politician boyfriend on 'Ugly Betty,' but is still best known for his role as underdog Daniel(san) Larusso. Macchio is among those who aren't sure a remake of such a beloved film is a good idea. As he recently told MTV.com, "It feels pretty good that some people are pretty angry that they're trying to remake 'The Karate Kid.' ... From my personal view, the filling the void of what Mr. Miyagi was -- and the magic of that character -- is going to be the toughest task. I [also] don't know where the romantic story-arc goes [with the character] at that age."The only other cast member listed at the moment is Taraji P. Henson as, we assume, Smith's mother, who moves her son to Beijing. And Harald Zwart, who previously helmed 'Agent Cody Banks' and 'The Pink Panther 2,' is directing.
Will the new flick honor the memory of its '80s feel-good predecessor? Or is the mere idea of a remake a punch below the belt?
Reader Comments (66)
Peetmoss at 4:03PM on Nov 12th 2009
What a stupid concept! Why distroy what was once a good movie.
I'm sure the rainbow lovers would love this.
Gary at 1:30PM on Nov 6th 2009
Creativity is dead in Hollywood. Instead of coming up with something new and original they trot out the retreads. Most remakes absolutely stink. I'm sure this will be another stinker floating in the toilet of the Hollywood Executive Washroom.
Hollywood needs to leave the classics alone. With all the remakes coming out in the next few years I can tell you which industry isn't getting my entertainment dollars.
Deez Knuts at 1:08PM on Nov 6th 2009
Peetmoss,
You are an idiot. You are probably the same person that thought doing a remake of Star Trek was a bad idea. I can't wait for them to remake part 2 and part 3 also! I will be the first in line to watch this movie.
Peetmoss at 6:08PM on Nov 3rd 2009
Deez Knuts,
What’s the dealio dirtbag, don't you understand that the sole purpose of this movie is to get Will's kid on board. We don't need a Mini Will Smith playing Kung fu master. What we need is an overweight teen aged ninja chopping his/her way to the top. Besides, Chuck Norris should play the role as Mr. Miyagi vs. Mr. I do all my own stunts and can't speak a lick of English.
Can you dig it!
Deez Knuts at 6:00PM on Nov 3rd 2009
I'm sorry but you know nothing about Jaden Christopher Syre Smith. His acting career started in 2006 in a movie called The Pursuit of Happyness. He also appeared in the 2008 Keanu Reeves movie called The Day the Earth Stood Still. Those are 2 big movies that he was in. He has done more at the age of 11 then you have your entire life!
Your Taint at 1:10PM on Nov 6th 2009
It is scary that you pay so much attention to a child,
pedophile hopeful maybe?
A black 9 yr old ninja, wow that sound like a load
of deez knuts
Peetmoss at 6:25PM on Nov 3rd 2009
You are the slime on the bottom of my shoe and your evil un-influentual BS has nothing to do with my well put comment. My point is this movie, should they remake it, is not suitable for Will’s son, but a fat boy with acne and the desire to emerge as a star. This is what would make a good movie and help capture the audience.
As for my Chuck Norris selection, well I think his role in Walker Texas Ranger speaks for itself. Also his accomplishments in “K A R E T E” are far superior to that of Jack me up Chan.
Despite your anger toward me and negative comments, I will not let you Hy YA..! Chop me down, for I am a true Ninja Star warrior and my comments should be taken to the heart.
God bless you Deez Dirty Nuts, may work hard to keep this clean.
Mike at 12:57PM on Nov 4th 2009
No way am I happy about this remake. We all need to ban together and stop this movie. I made a video on how I feel about this remake.
A long time ago fans banned together to stop the remake of Animal House. We can do the same!
Here's my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olXAM53kCjU
Peetmoss at 4:06PM on Nov 4th 2009
Your little movie is as entertaining as watching a golf tournament on TV. Do you have something wrong with your head or did Chuck Norris use it to demonstrate how to do a roundhouse kick.
Relax man, I just expressing my frustration for the remake. This OG movie was such an inspiration to me and enabled me to become the Ninja Star Warrior I am now. I would hate for this movie to ruin the intensity and emotional rollercoaster that made the original one so spectacular. The superb acting offered was enough to even make me cry, and that says a lot coming from someone like me.
Consider yourself lucking having received a reply from a real life hero. Yeah that’s right, you heard me. You have to understand that when I'm holding a screwdriver in my hands it’s not just a screwdriver, but a POWER TOOL.
Eat Strong, live strong, and devour the weak. A phrase I live by and will die by.
Ninja Star OUT…! I just chopped a 4x4 piece of wood with my bare hands. This is nothing to me and I am capable of so much more.
James at 10:19AM on Nov 6th 2009
Ur are silly
gr8bsn at 11:55AM on Nov 6th 2009
You may be a ninja star warrior, but you can not overcome the power of my mighty Hadouken! My sensei masters, Ken & Ryu taught me the secret of Hadouken and no one can face my powers!
erich at 5:15PM on Nov 6th 2009
I am not crazy about a remake period being that almost every movie I had seen remade is worse than the original This one is no different. I am sorry to say no one can replace the original Mr Miyagi. Remember no more wax on just wax off RIP original Mr Miyagi.
julie at 10:36AM on Nov 6th 2009
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Peetmoss at 7:26PM on Nov 20th 2009
What the F does this have to do with Karate Kid. Go promote your stupid crap elsewhere.
PembertonFred at 9:28AM on Nov 6th 2009
Dre, There naming the main character, Will Smiths Son, after Dr Dre. you've got to be kidding right?
You can't be serious.
Wow, way to F-up a real classic.
And that movie isn't even that old. It still holds up great.
Why remake it. Why not try and come up with and original idea.
tangilct at 9:56AM on Nov 6th 2009
Actually, "Dre" is a common name for an African American boy as it is often used as a nickname (or shortened version) of the name Andre. It has nothing to do with Dr. Dre.
seller at 9:26AM on Nov 6th 2009
hollywood is running out of ideas so they have to re make things personal note they need to try to re make welcolm back cotter
Dave at 9:34AM on Nov 6th 2009
I've been disappointed with most "RE-MAKES" that Hollywood does. When you have a classic movie that is loved by millions, a bad remake leaves a BAD taste in your mouth toward all of them! Anyone Remember Home Alone 3 & 4? They were trash! How about the Beverly Hillbillies remake? TRASH!... The list goes on and ONNNNN!
kevin at 10:17AM on Nov 6th 2009
I DO REALLY CARE WHO STARS IN THE REMAKE OF THE KARATE KID,CAUSE I KNOW THE STORY & HAVE SEEN IT A FEW TIMES.YOU CAN CHANGE THE ZIP CODE ,THE ACTORS . IT IS STILL THE SAME STORY . AS FOR THOSE WHO COMMENTED ON STAR TREK IT WAS MADE AS A PREQUEL TO THE ORGINAL STORY OF KIRK & HOW HE BECAME A CAPTAIN. SO YOU CAN NOT COMPARE THESE MOVIES TO EACH OTHER.
budo at 9:46AM on Nov 6th 2009
Sorry to see this even considered. the original was a classic and Morita cannot be replaced. Chan is great but not sensitive enough to make it work. It is somewhat disgraceful and definitely unnecessary IMHO.