karate kid 2 movie review

Find Family Movies, Movie Ratings and Movie Reviews

The Karate Kid 2 Parent Guide

In this sequel to The Karate Kid , Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and his mentor Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), travel to the elderly man's home in Okinawa where the two accidentally re-ignite a bitter feud with an old enemy (Danny Kamekona).

Release date June 20, 1986

Run Time: 113 minutes

Get Content Details

The guide to our grades, parent movie review by donna gustafson.

Just incase you haven’t seen, or don’t remember, the first Karate Kid , this sequel opens with a montage of past scenes to acquaint you with the characters. Extra footage (apparently shot during the first movie) continues the storyline from the triumphant end of the karate tournament into the parking lot where a disappointed teacher verbally and physically berates his losing student. (This sequence includes portrayals of bloody injuries.)

Then the script jumps ahead six months. Daniel (Ralph Macchio) is graduating from high school, however his celebrations are cut short by a break-up with his girlfriend and the announcement his mother is getting a transfer to Fresno. However when he goes to seek sympathy from his mentor, he finds Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) caught up in his own problems.

Sensing his best friend may now need his support, Daniel gets permission to travel with the aging gentleman. During the voyage, Mr. Miyagi explains that despite his deep feelings for Yukie, he left Okinawa rather than fight his best friend for the right to her hand. Yet when the pair arrives on the Asian island they quickly discover Sato (Danny Kamekona), who has spent the intervening years becoming a celebrated karate instructor, still wants to duel to the death.

Of course Mr. Miyagi refuses to battle. So Sato sends his nephew and best student Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) to pressure the pacifist into accepting the challenge. Happy to obey, the young adult eagerly carries out his assignment by threatening, harassing and vandalizing the property of Mr. Miyagi and the villagers in his hometown. He also provokes Daniel, which results in scuffles, kicks, punches, throws and attempted choking.

Although this chapter of The Karate Kid saga spends more time than the last developing dramatic plot lines, including a romance between Daniel and a local teen (Tamlyn Tomita), there are still plenty of martial arts action and violent depictions. And this time the participants are not engaged in tournament games, but mortal combat. Parents may find these stakes make The Karate Kid 2 even more frightening for younger viewers.

Between these contests, Mr. Miyagi does prove a worthy role model of courage and self-control. Preaching the best defense is not to be involved in the conflict at all, the man urges Daniel to ignore the taunting and Sato to forgive past offenses. While this is wise advice, don’t expect the story to strictly follow it. Such a plot would not make for a very exciting movie.

About author

Donna Gustafson

The karate kid 2 rating & content info.

Why is The Karate Kid 2 rated PG? The Karate Kid 2 is rated PG by the MPAA

Throughout this film various characters engage in martial arts combat, often with the intent to kill their opponent. Violent depictions include belittling, bullying, taunting, death threats, car jacking, kicks to the abdomen and groin, punches, throws, choking and brandishing a weapon. These hand-to-hand conflicts lead to a woman being hit, bloody fists cut from smashing glass, and facial wounds. Property is vandalized as a form of blackmail. Characters are in peril during a bad storm that traps a man in the wreckage of a collapsed house and strands a child in close proximity to an electrical power line. The demonstration of a defensive karate move almost results in impaling. Characters carryout unethical business practices. Gambling and stealing are depicted. Smoking and drinking are seen in a pub and at a community party. A teen couple holds hands and kisses. The bare chests of boys are shown in a shower room setting.

Page last updated February 13, 2012

The Karate Kid 2 Parents' Guide

Sato accuses Mr. Miyagi of offending his honor and then being too cowardly to meet the challenge of a duel. What is the difference between honor and pride? What is the difference between cowardliness and self-control?

Mr. Miyagi claims, "For person with no forgiveness in heart, living is worse punishment than death." Why? How does this statement reflect Sato’s desire to pursue past grievances, even after so any years?

What does Mr. Miyagi mean when he tells Daniel, "Never put passion before principle—even if you win, you lose?" Do you agree with him?

The most recent home video release of The Karate Kid 2 movie is May 11, 2010. Here are some details…

Release Date: 11 May 2010

The Karate Kid and The Karate Kid 2 release on Blu-ray as a Collector’s Edition Box Set. Bonus extras include:

- Karate Kid I Commentary with Director John G. Avildsen, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Actors Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita.

- Featurettes: Making-of Karate Kid I, The Way of the Karate Kid, Beyond the Form, Life of Bonsai and East Meets West: A Composer’s Notebook.

- Blu-Pop (pop up trivia for Karate Kid I ).

- Featurette: The Sequel

- Blu-Pop - (pop up trivia for The Karate Kid 2 ).

Related home video titles:

The Karate Kid II is the sequel to the 1984 film The Karate Kid . A remake of The Karate Kid releases in 2010. Other martial arts underdog films include Kung Fu Panda , Mulan and The Forbidden Kingdom .

The Karate Kid Review

28 Jul 2010

140 minutes

Karate Kid, The

Rap with us, everyone: “Mom moved us to China, my name is Dre. On the playground was where I spent most of my days. Chillin’ out, maxin’ relaxin’ all cool, shootin’ some b-ball outside of the school. When a couple of guys, who were up to no good, started makin’ trouble in my neighbourhood. I got in one li’l fight and my mom got scared… And I said, ‘Bugger this, I’ll learn kung fu from the maintenance man…’”

Jaden Smith truly has become a Mini-Me to dad Will, and he’s the focus of this mutant crossbreed of the original, 1984 Karate Kid’s DNA with Fresh Prince sensibility and a honking great advert for the architectural and environmental wonders of China (forget the oppression! Look at the pretty walls!). It’s an odd mix, but despite being lumbered with a title that now makes little sense (not much karate here) and Pink Panther 2 director Harald Zwart in charge, the result, with a surprising $62 million opening weekend, is modestly (and pleasingly) successful.

Despite Smith as the putative star, most of the credit for that lands squarely at the feet of Jackie Chan, who brings out a version of his Drunken Master. “Master” in how he teaches Dre the true meaning of kung fu (hint: it’s not all merciless pain delivery like the evil Cobra Kai-stand-in children think) and his almost clown-like demolishing of the bullies who pick on the lad. And “drunken” in his more emotional scenes, laying bare the tragic past that weighs him down like an anchor. For the first time since he started making family films for Hollywood, he gets to share the screen with a child and really act, delivering sincere, unforced emotion instead of mugging and martial arts pratfalls.

The rest of the time when the filmmakers want to drag some feeling out of you, they forget Han’s lesson in noble kung fu and batter us over the head with James Horner’s orchestral noodlings, or go for the gut-punch with clichés torn straight from the Underdog Sports Film Handbook. And someone really needed to drag Zwart aside and advise him to chop down the hefty running time. But this new Karate Kid offers enough fighting and feel-good-fu satisfaction to conceivably launch a new franchise, headed for its inevitable conclusion with The Next Next Next Karate Kid, starring Willow Smith.

Related Articles

Movies | 07 03 2024

Movies | 09 12 2020

Shopping | 06 11 2020

Movies | 03 02 2016

Movies | 06 07 2015

Movies | 07 04 2014

Movies | 13 06 2010

Movies | 24 02 2010

Alternate Title

Mpaa rating, produced by, released by, the karate kid part ii (1986), directed by john g. avildsen.

• AllMovie Rating 6
• User Ratings ( 0 )
• Your Rating
• Overview ↓
• AllMovie Review Review ↓
• User Reviews ↓
• Cast & Crew ↓
• Awards ↓
• Releases ↓
• Related ↓

Review by Derek Armstrong

The Karate Kid Part II is basically more of the same from director John G. Avildsen, a sequel that studies the high points of the original so closely that it could be considered a remake set in a different location. Instead of being cheered and applauded by an American tournament crowd won over by his underdog status, this time Daniel is urged onward by the swell of handheld percussive instruments scattered through a Japanese crowd won over by his underdog status. However hastily it was rushed into production, The Karate Kid Part II does manage to duplicate the original's winning vibe, including prompting pleased moviegoers to karate chop the air on their way out of the theater, in turn expelling their adrenaline. The fact that it cleared over $115 million domestically, compared to the $90 million taken in by the original, indicates the appetite for escapism that prompted two more similar sequels. This also probably corresponded with a hike in enrollment at karate studios around the country. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita exude considerable comfort with the traits expected of them, with Macchio hauling back out his blue-collar New Jersey pride and Morita getting more laughs from wise eccentricity. The series began a serious slide after this installment, though it did feature future Oscar winner Hilary Swank in part four (The Next Karate Kid).

• Recent Releases
• Retrospective
• Retrospective (Page 2)
• Comic Book (Page 2)
• Science Fiction
• Science Fiction (Page 2)
• Netflix Originals
• Horror/Supernatural
• Action/Thrillers
• Community Requests
• International
• Raze Energy

Movie/TV Reviews, News & Nostalgia This is the Way

The karate kid ii (1987) review.

Hate it or love it, there is no denying that The Karate Kid 2 is a strange sequel. We knew this to be true as kids but rather than appreciate the huge chance the movie takes in shifting the story almost entirely from Daniel to Mr. Miyagi, I think most of us were just confused at how far it strays from the tone and setting of the original. The 1987 sequel to smash hit The Karate Kid returns Miyagi to his Japanese roots and tells the deeply adult story of the fallout from his decades old, life-altering decision to flee Okinawa rather than stay and fight his best friend to the death for the hand of a woman they both love. It’s an extremely impactful and emotional story…that feels more like a karate kid spinoff than a sequel. Most of the story stakes were lost on me as a seven-year-old. Sato, played by gravelly voice Danny Kamekona holds onto the aforementioned “death by combat” grudge for 40 years. His commitment to feuding with Miyagi is the films key plot point. It too went right over my head as a kid. I distinctly remember wondering why the two old guys can’t just get along and why the karate kid never does karate until the literal end. Speaking of which, the conflict between Daniel and the mustache twirling Chozen, played by Yuji Okumoto, is weightless in comparison to that of Miyagi/Sato and the movie makes the curious decision to turn the climax of their battle into a literal joke. The general consensus is that The Karate Kid 2 is a lesser film than the original and for younger audiences it’s easy to understand why. There isn’t any karate until the beginning of the final act and essentially all of the dramatic heft in the first hour is conveyed via dialogue between a quietly wistful Miyagi and doe-eyed Daniel. For anyone under the age of 15 there simply isn’t much happening in this film that features the words karate and kid in the title. That all being said, I enjoyed my recent re-watch more than any previous viewing. It’s hard to believe that this Chozen is the same guy from season 3 of Cobra Kai. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that each day is an opportunity to be and do better.

The Quick Critic

Copyright © 2024 The Quick Critic - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Karate Kid 2 Review: A Look at the Sequel of the Cult Classic

The Karate Kid 2, released in 1986, is a sequel to the popular movie, The Karate Kid. Directed by John G. Avildsen, the movie picks up right where the first instalment left off, introducing new characters and expanding the story. The follow-up has been a much-debated movie, with fans and critics alike questioning whether it lived up to the standard set by the original.

In this review, we will analyse The Karate Kid 2, evaluating the plot, characters, performances, and other key aspects of the movie to give you an honest opinion about the sequel’s quality.

The plot of The Karate Kid 2 picks up several months after the events of the first movie. Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio) plans to spend his summer break with his girlfriend, but a family emergency brings him to Okinawa, Japan. He reunites with the Okinawan handyman Mr Miyagi (Noriyuki „Pat“ Morita) who is dealing with his own problems related to his past love life with the arrival of his old flame, Yukie (Nobu McCarthy). The duo must confront their pasts and navigate their way through a new set of challenges, including fighting against a rival karate dojo led by Chozen Toguchi (Yuji Okumoto), a former classmate of Daniel’s love interest, Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita).

While the movie fails to offer a completely fresh storyline, it expands on the first movie’s concepts and themes while deepening the characters‘ connections. The central message of the movie, „There is no such thing as a bad student, only a bad teacher,“ remains a central pillar of the story, emphasising Miyagi’s teachings and taking viewers deeper into his past.

The Characters and Performances

The Karate Kid 2 has a cast that is consistent with the original movie, with the inclusion of the new characters adding depth and substance to the story. Ralph Macchio portrays Daniel with the same sense of vulnerability and determination he displayed in the first movie, while Noriyuki Morita emanates compassion and wisdom as the kind-hearted Mr Miyagi. The new characters have the courage to shine, with both Tamlyn Tomita and Nobu McCarthy performing well in their roles of Kumiko and Yukie, respectively.

Yuji Okumoto also delivers an emotionally charged performance as the hateable villain, Chozen. He brings the right balance of malice and arrogance to the character, providing a perfect sparring partner for Daniel. The chemistry between the two characters adds more excitement to the movie’s action sequences.

The Action and Cinematography

The Karate Kid 2 offers some exceptional martial arts scenes, staying true to the standard set by the first movie. The action sequences are well choreographed, with the camera angles placed effectively to capture each move. The final showdown between Daniel and Chozen is particularly satisfying, with the tension maintained throughout the sequence.

The cinematography of the movie is also noteworthy, with the Japanese setting adding a fantastic backdrop to the story. The breathtaking landscapes of Okinawa are particularly well-captured, adding a sense of authenticity to the movie’s story.

The Verdict

Overall, The Karate Kid 2 is a likeable sequel that builds on the original’s themes and storylines while introducing new characters and expanding the universe. While it may not receive the same level of admiration as the first instalment, fans of the Karate Kid franchise will undoubtedly enjoy this movie. The well-crafted characters, engaging plot and engaging martial arts sequences make for an enjoyable watch, with strong performances from the cast and outstanding cinematography only add to this movie’s charm.

If you are a fan of martial arts and are looking for a movie with a strong core message, then The Karate Kid 2 is one you should watch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Karate Kid 2 Review

If you’re a fan of the original Karate Kid movie, you were likely thrilled to hear about the release of Karate Kid 2, the highly anticipated sequel. Does the new installment live up to the hype? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Karate Kid 2 review.

Q: What’s the basic premise of the movie?

A: Karate Kid 2 picks up where the first movie left off, with young Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) returning home to California after his big tournament win. When his karate mentor, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), receives news that his father is dying in Japan, Daniel accompanies him for emotional support. Once in Japan, they discover that Mr. Miyagi’s old nemesis, Chozen, is still up to no good, and the pair find themselves embroiled in a karate showdown to protect Mr. Miyagi’s village and honor.

Q: Is the movie as good as the first Karate Kid?

A: While it’s tough to top the original 1984 movie, Karate Kid 2 is a worthy follow-up. It brings back the beloved characters of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, introduces new characters who add depth to the story, and has plenty of heartwarming and action-packed moments to keep viewers engaged.

Q: Do I need to have seen the first movie to understand Karate Kid 2?

A: While it’s not strictly necessary to have seen the first Karate Kid movie, it certainly helps put Karate Kid 2 in context. You’ll have a better understanding of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi’s relationship and the significance of some of the plot points if you’ve seen the first movie. Plus, fans of the original will appreciate the nods to the first movie sprinkled throughout the sequel.

Q: Is the movie appropriate for kids?

A: Karate Kid 2 is rated PG and is appropriate for most kids, though very young children might find some of the fight scenes intense. As with any movie, parents should use their discretion and consider their child’s sensitivity to violence before deciding if it’s appropriate for them.

Q: How does the movie compare to other recent sequels?

A: Karate Kid 2 is one of the better sequels in recent memory. It stays true to the spirit of the original while offering plenty of new material to keep the story fresh. Fans of the original will appreciate the nostalgic nods, while new viewers will be able to follow along without feeling lost.

Q: Do I need to be a fan of karate or martial arts movies to enjoy this movie?

A: No, you don’t need to be a fan of martial arts movies to enjoy Karate Kid 2, though it certainly helps. The movie has plenty of heart and humor that will appeal to a wide range of viewers, regardless of their interest in martial arts.

Q: What are some of the standout performances in the movie?

A: Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita both deliver strong performances reprising their roles as Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, respectively. Yuji Okumoto is also fantastic as Chozen, Mr. Miyagi’s former rival turned enemy. And Tamlyn Tomita brings a new energy to the movie as Kumiko, Daniel’s love interest.

Q: Should I see the movie in theaters, or is it better to wait for streaming?

A: For the full immersive experience, it’s worth seeing Karate Kid 2 in theaters if it’s available near you. The fight scenes are particularly thrilling on the big screen. However, if you prefer to watch movies at home, waiting for the streaming release is also a viable option.

How to Write a Comprehensive Review of Karate Kid 2

If you are an avid fan of martial arts and are looking for a movie to watch, then you might want to consider Karate Kid 2. The movie is a sequel to the 1984 film Karate Kid and follows the story of Daniel LaRusso as he travels to Okinawa, Japan, with his mentor Mr. Miyagi. If you have recently watched the movie and want to share your thoughts, then writing a review could be a great idea. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of writing a comprehensive review of Karate Kid 2.

Step 1: Watch the Movie

Before you start writing your review, you need to watch the movie from start to finish. While watching, take notes of your impressions and reactions to different scenes. This will help you to form your opinion of the movie and will give you material to include in your review.

Step 2: Provide Context and Background

In your review, it’s important to provide context and background for the movie. This includes details about the characters, storyline, and any relevant themes or issues that are explored. You can also include information about the production and reception of the movie if it is relevant.

Step 3: Analyze the Story and Characters

One of the main components of any movie review is analyzing the story and characters. Was the plot engaging? Did the characters have depth and development throughout the movie? What themes and messages were portrayed? These are all questions you can answer in this section.

Step 4: Comment on the Visuals and Soundtrack

Another important aspect of a movie review is commenting on the visuals and soundtrack. This can include the cinematography, special effects, and music. How did these elements contribute to the overall viewing experience? Did they enhance or detract from the story and characters?

Step 5: Provide a Final Verdict

Lastly, provide a final verdict of the movie. This is where you sum up your opinion of Karate Kid 2 and recommend whether or not others should watch it. Be sure to support your verdict with examples and evidence from your analysis.

SEO Optimization Tips

When writing your review, keep the following SEO tips in mind to ensure your content is discoverable and engaging:

– Include relevant keywords in your title and throughout your post. – Use descriptive meta descriptions, headings, and subheadings to highlight the main topics of your post. – Write for your audience, not just for search engines. Make sure your review is informative and engaging for readers. – Add internal and external links to provide additional context and value. – Use proper HTML formatting for headings and paragraphs to make your content easy to read.

Writing a comprehensive review of Karate Kid 2 can be a rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to provide an informative and engaging review that will help others decide whether or not to watch the movie. Remember to watch the movie with a critical eye, provide context and background, analyze the story and characters, comment on the visuals and soundtrack, and provide a final verdict.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Ähnliche Beiträge:

Ähnliche beiträge.

How Many Different Color Belts Are There In Karate?

How Many Different Color Belts Are There In Karate? Karate is a Japanese martial art that has been popularized throughout the world, and one of the unique features of karate is its ranking system, which utilizes different colored belts to distinguish between different levels of expertise. Many people who practice karate are curious about how…

What is Karate?

What is Karate? If you have ever heard of martial arts, then you’ve probably heard of Karate. This traditional form of Japanese martial arts has gained popularity all over the world due to its practical applications and striking techniques. Karate is a martial art that involves using punches, kicks, and strikes as self-defense mechanisms. Karate…

What Type of Karate Does Cobra Kai Use?

What Type of Karate Does Cobra Kai Use? If you’re an avid fan of the Cobra Kai series, you may be wondering what type of karate they use in the show. With its unique blend of drama and karate action, Cobra Kai has captured the attention of audiences around the world. In the series, the…

Is Karate Effective in Real Life?

Is Karate Effective in Real Life? Karate is a popular martial art that originated in Japan but has spread worldwide. It has gained popularity thanks to its inclusion in movies and sports events, such as the Olympics. However, there is a growing debate on whether karate is actually effective in real-life self-defense situations. In this…

Karate Script Example: A Step-by-Step Guide

Karate Script Example: A Step-by-Step Guide Are you familiar with the concept of Karate Script? It’s a testing framework used for web automation testing. It allows testers to write tests in a more readable and efficient way, using a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) that resembles English. In this article, we’ll walk you through a Karate script…

What is Karate in Spanish?

What is Karate in Spanish? Karate is a popular form of martial art that originated in Japan. However, its popularity has spread worldwide, and many people around the world practice it. If you’re interested in learning karate in Spanish, continue reading to find out more. Karate in Spanish is called „Karate“ as it is a…

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Fandango at Home
• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Challengers Link to Challengers
• I Saw the TV Glow Link to I Saw the TV Glow
• Música Link to Música

New TV Tonight

• Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1
• The Jinx: Season 2
• The Big Door Prize: Season 2
• Them: Season 2
• Knuckles: Season 1
• Velma: Season 2
• Secrets of the Octopus: Season 1
• Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story: Season 1
• We're Here: Season 4

Most Popular TV on RT

• Baby Reindeer: Season 1
• Fallout: Season 1
• Shōgun: Season 1
• Ripley: Season 1
• Under the Bridge: Season 1
• 3 Body Problem: Season 1
• We Were the Lucky Ones: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1 Link to Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

All Zendaya Movies Ranked by Tomatometer

Video Game TV Shows Ranked by Tomatometer

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2024

Poll: Most Anticipated Movies of May 2024

• Trending on RT
• Marvel Movies In Order
• Seen on Screen
• Most Anticipated Movies of May
• Play Movie Trivia

The Karate Kid

Where to watch.

Rent The Karate Kid on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

What to Know

Utterly predictable and wholly of its time, but warm, sincere, and difficult to resist, due in large part to Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio's relaxed chemistry.

Audience Reviews

Cast & crew.

John G. Avildsen

Ralph Macchio

Daniel LaRusso

Mr. Kesuke Miyagi

Elisabeth Shue

Randee Heller

Lucille Larusso

Martin Kove

John Kreese

Movie Clips

More like this, movie news & guides, this movie is featured in the following articles., critics reviews.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

SCREEN: 'KARATE KID PART II'

By Vincent Canby

• June 20, 1986

AS junk food, John G. Avildsen's ''Karate Kid'' (1984) was popcorn soaked in hot margarine - not great as a steady diet but harmless as a short-term binge. There was also something vestigially satisfying in its story, which seemed to have been adapted from those long-ago cartoon ads for Charles Atlas's muscle-building courses.

In the variation by Robert Mark Kamen, who wrote the screenplay for ''The Karate Kid,'' a 97-pound, teen-age weakling, Daniel La Russo (Ralph Macchio), recently transplanted from New Jersey to southern California, is tranformed into a 97-pound, teen-age karate champ by avuncular Mr. Miyagi, Noriyuki (Pat) Morita, an Okinawan master of body-and-mind control.

At the end of ''The Karate Kid,'' after Daniel had won something called the Valley Karate Championship, you might have thought that nobody would ever again dare kick sand in his face. ''The Karate Kid Part II,'' which opens today at the Baronet and other theaters, teaches how ephemeral is the reputation that accompanies such a trophy for high-kicking -a lesson of decidedly limited application.

Even as sequels go in this era of movie mega-series, ''The Karate Kid Part II'' peters out faster than most. Because there apparently are no new worlds for Daniel and Mr. Miyagi to conquer in southern California, Mr. Avildsen and Mr. Kamen have concoted a new script that takes place mostly in Okinawa (actually shot in Hawaii), thus providing some exotic scenery, characters and weather (a typhoon that lasts about two minutes of real time) to take the place of the learning process that was the first film's chief charm.

An air of aimless desperation hangs over ''Part II,'' which starts where the original movie left off, but seems to have forgotten what it was talking about. Mr. Morita's Miyagi remains the film's only halfway interesting person, but he's been frozen into attitudes of such monotonous, Olympian sagacity that most of the humor has been lost. He's also been given a previous history that doesn't quite jibe with the one in the first movie. Like Proust, Mr. Avildsen and Mr. Kamen couldn't care less about such details, leaving them, in trust, for endless speculation by pedants.

Mr. Macchio gives a good, straightforward performance. He's grown appreciably older since the initial film, though the new movie, like a neurotic parent, refuses to recognize the fact.

Appearing in principal support of the two stars are Charlie Tanimoto, as Mr. Miyagi's ancient Okinawan dad; Tamlyn Tomita, as a pretty Okinawan teen-ager with whom Daniel has a chaste liaison, and Nobu McCarthy, as an older Okinawan beauty, with whom Mr. Miyagi was in love when he was a youth.

This was obviously before Mr. Miyagi was married in California, joined the United States Army during World War II and was awarded a Medal of Honor for his heroism battling the Germans - the background given him by the first film.

''The Karate Kid Part II,'' which has been rated PG (''Parental Guidance Suggested''), contains some mildly vulgar language. Back to the Dojo THE KARATE KID PART II, directed by John G. Avildsen; written by Robert Mark Kamen, based on characters created by Mr. Kamen; director of photography, James Crabe; edited by David Garfield, Jane Kurson and Mr. Avildsen; music by Bill Conti; produced by Jerry Weintraub; released by Columbia Pictures. At UA Twin, Broadway at 49th Street; Baronet, Third Avenue at 59th Street; 34th Street East, 241 East 34th Street, and other theaters. Running time: 104 minutes. This film is rated PG. Miyagi...Noriyuki (Pat) Morita; Daniel...Ralph Macchio; Yukie...Nobu McCarthy; Sato...Danny Kamekona; Kumiko...Tamlyn Tomita; Chozen...Yuji Okumoto; Miyagi's Father...Charlie Tanimoto ;

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

The karate kid, common sense media reviewers.

'80s classic is still fun for families with older tweens.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Even though one character says that "fighting

There's a very clear line between the good guy

Several fights -- mostly outside of the martial ar

Daniel and Ali flirt, go on dates, and kiss/embrac

Language includes "s--t" and its derivat

The antagonist, a high-schooler, rolls a marijuana

Parents need to know that The Karate Kids is a classic '80s martial arts movie that's still a fine pick for families with older tweens. The Karate Kid was re-made in 2010 with a younger perspective starring Jaden Smith. It has a fair number of swear words (including "s--t"),…

Positive Messages

Even though one character says that "fighting doesn't solve anything," the script seems to indicate otherwise. The movie also deals with remembrance of U.S. wartime injustices. But hard work, dedication, and discipline are all valued. Respect for your elders is important.

Positive Role Models

There's a very clear line between the good guys and the bad guys. Daniel is inspiring in his tenacity to learn, and Mr. Miyagi is a worthy teacher. Characters demonstrate self-control, perseverance, and courage. It's worth noting that a Vietnam veteran is depicted as a psychopathic scoundrel.

Violence & Scariness

Several fights -- mostly outside of the martial arts competition. Fistfights, which are usually five-on-one, end in black eyes and bruised ribs for Daniel and his rivals. During the karate competition, the sparring is "sanctioned," but people still end up hurt.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Daniel and Ali flirt, go on dates, and kiss/embrace. Johnny kisses Ally without her consent, and she pushes and slaps him.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Language includes "s--t" and its derivative "bulls--t," "jerk," "sucks," "stupid," and other mild insults like "old man," "weakling," and "coward."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

The antagonist, a high-schooler, rolls a marijuana joint. Mr. Miyagi, grief-stricken, gets obviously drunk.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Karate Kids is a classic '80s martial arts movie that's still a fine pick for families with older tweens. The Karate Kid was re-made in 2010 with a younger perspective starring Jaden Smith. It has a fair number of swear words (including "s--t"), insults, and fights -- as well as a scene of marijuana use. This is a standard new-kid-in-town flick, but it's also got soul thanks to the teacher-student relationship between wise Mr. Miyagi ( Pat Morita ) and lonely teen Daniel ( Ralph Macchio ). Issues of class, race, (teen) romance, and even war are explored in this coming-of-age tale, where karate is a metaphor for life. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (26)
• Kids say (85)

Based on 26 parent reviews

I watched it when I was 4

Y'all rlly talking about 16+ it's pg, what's the story.

In THE KARATE KID, fter moving from New Jersey to a small apartment complex in Southern California with his single mom, Daniel LaRusso ( Ralph Macchio) finds himself an outsider at his new suburban high school. The cool guys in school drive expensive convertibles and take karate so seriously that they're more than happy to beat Daniel silly again and again. Daniel's one pretty friend Ali ( Elisabeth Shue ) is unfortunately also the ex-girlfriend of Daniel's chief bully, blackbelt-champion Johnny (William Zabka). Unable to adequately defend himself, Daniel turns to his apartment's Okinawan super, Mr. Miyagi ( Pat Morita ), for help. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel karate -- but in his own, unique way. After some unorthodox training (waxing cars, sanding floors, painting fences, catching flies), Miyagi convinces Johnny's aggressive karate instructor (Martin Kove) to make his pupils back off ... until the next karate championship.

Is It Any Good?

This movie isn't a slick, angsty coming-of-age drama, but there's so much to just enjoy about it. Shue's Ali is sweet -- especially because she doesn't mind Daniel's working-class background -- but the teens' romance is filler for the central relationship in the movie: that of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. Not many movies can make multi-generational friendships seem authentic, but Macchio and the late Morita managed to achieve a closeness that was believably touching. When Daniel tells Mr. Miyagi "You're my best friend," it's not awkward -- it's true. Daniel and Mr. Miyagi are a more relatable Luke and Obi Wan or Harry and Dumbledore, and it's that archetypal teacher-hero dynamic that ultimately makes The Karate Kid a winner.

If you say "wax on!" to anyone born in the late '60s or the '70s, they'll immediately answer "wax off!" -- that's how big a cultural phenomenon The Karate Kid was in the '80s. Like Ferris Bueller's Day Off or Dirty Dancing , this is just one of those special, mid-'80s classics from which fans can quote countless scenes. And despite some dated details (the big hair, the track suits, the funny-looking cars and wardrobe), the story holds up remarkably well, because Daniel is a high-school Everyman. He's not Gossip Girl rich or Zac Efron handsome or extraordinarily gifted in any way; he's just a new kid in town who's willing to train hard, actually get to know an older Japanese man most teenage guys would have made fun of, and better himself in the process. Oh, and he does a killer job at winning the girl, the championship, and the hearts of moviegoers everywhere.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about whether Daniel is the stereotypical "new boy in town" in The Karate Kid . How does he feel about starting over in a completely new place? How does Daniel's relationship with Mr. Miyagi change both of their lives?

This is at its root, an underdog story. What other movies fit into this genre? What are some similarities between the main characters' journeys? Who helps them? Who are their rivals?

How do class and financial status affect Daniel's place in the high-school hierarchy? Ali's country-club parents treat Daniel shabbily. Why? Kids: How do you treat people from different backgrounds or those who are new in town?

How do the characters in The Karate Kid demonstrate self-control , perseverance , and courage ? Why are these important character strengths ?

Movie Details

• In theaters : June 22, 1984
• On DVD or streaming : June 7, 2005
• Cast : Elisabeth Shue , Pat Morita , Ralph Macchio
• Director : John G. Avildsen
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Sony Pictures
• Genre : Drama
• Topics : Sports and Martial Arts , Friendship
• Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control
• Run time : 127 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : thematic intensity and mild violence
• Last updated : January 26, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

The Karate Kid (2010)

The Bad News Bears

Martial arts movies for kids, movies with incredible role models for boys, related topics.

• Perseverance
• Self-control
• Sports and Martial Arts

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, a faithful remake, well done.

Now streaming on:

If you've seen " The Karate Kid " (1984), the memories will come back during this 2010 remake. That's a compliment. The original story was durable enough to inspire three sequels, and now we have an entertaining version filmed mostly on location in China, with 56-year-old Jackie Chan in the role of Mr. Miyagi.

The original was one of its year's best movies. The new one lacks the perfect freshness of that one; there aren't many surprises, as it follows the 1984 version almost point by point. But here is a lovely and well-made film that stands on its own feet. The Chinese locations add visual interest, there are scenes of splendor in mountains and on the Great Wall, and the characters are once again engaging.

The original film's greatest asset was the Oscar-nominated performance by Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi. Jackie Chan is so famous that it can come as no surprise here when his Mr. Han, a reclusive janitor, reveals a hidden talent for the martial arts. But Chan has never been a strutting, macho fighter onscreen; his charm comes from a self-kidding quality. Here he does a good job of cooling down his usual cheerfulness and keeping his cards hidden.

In the role of his young pupil, Jaden Smith , son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, has a natural screen presence. Dre Parker is calmer than the skittish kid played by Ralph Macchio , but so much smaller than his opponents that we can well believe his fear of a bully at school. And when that happens, we can forget obsessing about the 1984 film and enjoy this one. That was then, this is now.

The story once again involves a kid being packed up by his divorced mom and forced to leave his hometown and friends and move far away — from Detroit to Beijing, this time. He hates it. Then a cute young violinist named Meiying ( Han Wenwen ) smiles at him, and life looks more promising — if it weren't for the school bully Cheng (Wang Zhenwei). This creature is so hateful and sadistic, it's hard to explain, until we meet his brutal kung fu coach, Master Li (Yu Rongguang). The monstrous Li teaches a new form of child abuse: Kids beating up on each other.

The story proceeds, as it must, with Dre slowly softening the heart of Mr. Han, who saves him from a beating by Cheng and agrees to teach him the secrets of kung fu. Training goes well, and Dre and Meiying make a pact to attend each other's big days: his kung fu tournament, her recital. There's the usual nonsense about her parents disapproving of him. Gee, why in the world would the parents of a world-class classical musician disapprove of a kung fu student from Detroit who doesn't speak Chinese?

Luckily for Dre and the movie, everyone in China who needs to speak English can do so, even the little monster Cheng. Many Americans not only have little interest in learning another language, they have little interest in reading subtitles of their own. We believe, as Mark Twain put it in The Innocents Abroad, that any foreigner can understand English if it is only spoken slowly enough and loudly enough.

It goes without saying that the whole film leads up to a climactic kung fu tournament, and that Dre is pitted against Cheng for the championship. The lineage of the film is distinguished; the 1984 version was directed by John Avildsen , director of " Rocky ." This film's climax is unusually well-handled; the tension is constructed in a careful way, the characters are developed, and use of a scoreboard makes it seem orderly, not rushed. It's one of the better obligatory fight climaxes I've seen.

The director, Harald Zwart , has not been one of my favorites; he made last year's " The Pink Panther 2 ." But here, with a robust script by Christopher Murphey and cinematography by Roger Pratt (who filmed two "Harry Potters"), he makes a handsome, absorbing movie. It runs a little long, but during the championship, that's the last thing you're thinking of.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

Now playing

Monica Castillo

Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver

Simon abrams.

On the Adamant

Peter sobczynski.

Brian Tallerico

Late Night with the Devil

Matt zoller seitz.

Girls State

Film credits.

The Karate Kid (2010)

Rated PG for bullying, martial arts action violence and some mild language

140 minutes

Jaden Smith as Dre Parker

Jackie Chan as Mr. Han

Taraji P. Henson as Sherry Parker

Han Wenwen as Meiying

Directed by

• Harald Zwart
• Christopher Murphey

Based on a story by

• Robert Mark Kamen

Latest blog posts

Speed Kills: On the 25th Anniversary of Go

Joanna Arnow Made Her BDSM Comedy for You

The Movies That Underwent Major Changes After Their Festival Premiere

Netflix's Dead Boy Detectives Is A Spinoff Stuck In Limbo

• Cast & crew

Untitled Karate Kid Movie

Plot under wraps. Plot under wraps. Plot under wraps.

• Jonathan Entwistle
• Jackie Chan
• Ming-Na Wen
• Joshua Jackson

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia As of October 2020, Jaden Smith is still not confirmed to come back as Dre Parker.
• Connections Featured in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: Part of Halle's World (2022)
• When will Untitled Karate Kid Movie be released? Powered by Alexa
• May 30, 2025 (United States)
• United States
• The Last Karate Kid
• Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Columbia Pictures
• Jerry Weintraub Productions
• Sony Pictures Releasing
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Dolby Digital

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

New 'Karate Kid' Movie Gets Pushed Back to 2025

The film stars Ben Wang opposite Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.

The Big Picture

• The new Karate Kid film delayed to May 30, 2025.
• Ben Wang stars as the new Karate Kid in a fresh take on the classic story.
• Original cast members like Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio will reprise their roles.

Sony has moved one of its most anticipated films from late this year to mid-next year, according to The Hollywood Reporter . The Karate Kid , starring Ben Wang , will now release on May 30, 2025, 6 months later than the original date of December 13, 2024. This date will now be occupied by Kraven the Hunter , which has also been moved from August 30, 2024. The film will now premiere after the final season of Cobra Kai . This move allows the movie to follow Cobra Kai , which is also based in the broader universe the film is set in of martial arts. Sony has not confirmed if there will be any crossover between the two apart from the obvious. Ralph Macchio , who has been with the franchise since 1984, will appear in the new Karate Kid film as Daniel LaRusso, a role he has embodied since Cobra Kai premiered in 2018.

The new iteration of the Karate Kid follows an East Coast Chinese teenager (Wang), who finds his purpose in martial arts. The movie will combine the lore of past films to build a universe for the new protagonist as Jackie Chan and Macchio reprise their roles . Chan played Mr Han in the 2010 Jaden Smith -led Karate Kid . In the film, Smith plays Dre Parker, a Detroit teenager who moves to China with his mother ( Taraji P. Henson ) and learns Kung Fu from a maintenance man named Mr. Han to defend himself from bullies. Specific details about this new film's plot are yet to be revealed.

Who Is Behind the 'Karate Kid'?

Wang leads the film as the titular Karate Kid. As noted before, Chan will reprise his Mr Han character, while Macchio will reprise his LaRusso character. Several other cast members have been revealed, with Sadie Stanley ( Cruel Summer ) being cast as the female romantic lead. In undisclosed roles, Joshua Jackson ( Dr. Death ), Ming-Na Wen ( The Book of Bobba Fett ), Aramis Knight ( Into the Badlands ), and Wyatt Oleff ( I'm Not Okay With This ) were added to the cast. The screenplay was written by Rob Lieber ( Peter Rabbit ). It will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle ( The End of the F****ing World ) and produced by Karen Rosenfelt ( The Summer I Turned Pretty ). Filming began earlier this month, and the director marked the occasion by sharing a clapper board on Instagram .

The Karate Kid will now be released in theaters on May 30, 2025. Cobra Kai will be released sometime in the second half of this year . The original films are available to stream on Netflix.

The Karate Kid

Watch on Netflix

• The Inventory

New Karate Kid Movie Shifts to Line Up With Cobra Kai

Karate kid will now open may 2025 and kraven the hunter swings into december..

Cobra Kai fans finally have some clarity about how, exactly, this new Karate Kid movie fits into everything. Sony Pictures just moved the new movie’s release date from December 13 to May 30, 2025, specifically so it could be released after the sixth and final season of Cobra Kai.

Related Content

Related products.

Unfortunately, there’s still no specific news on when season six will hit Netflix, but production on the show was delayed due to the strikes, pushing plans back a bit. One can safely assume though the streamer is probably aiming at a late 2024/early 2025 release.

With that prime December release date now open, Sony has also moved another one of its big 2024 films, the Spider-Man spinoff Kraven the Hunter , out of late summer and into the holiday season. Previously coming August 30, it now will take that December 13 slot, making it the only big R-rated film coming out during the holidays.

Also from Sony, it redated the Chris Weitz film They Listen starring John Cho and Katherine Waterston, which will now open in the August 30 Kraven slot. And August 15, 2025 will bring Animal Friends , an R-rated road trip comedy blending live-action and animated characters. Ryan Reynolds stars along with Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Daniel Levy, Lil Rel Howery, Addison Rae, and Ellie Bamber.

As for the other films, Karate Kid , as it’s tentatively being called, stars Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles from the larger Karate Kid universe. They’re joined by Ben Wang in the titular role, as well as Joshua Jackson, Ming-Na Wen, and others. Jonathan Entwistle is directing from a script by Rob Lieber which, io9 e xclusively told you last year , has been viewed and given notes by the Cobra Kai creative team of Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg. And now we know why: their show will dovetail right into the movie.

As for the Kraven delay, well, it’s not the first time. Hopefully Sony isn’t keeping it from audiences because it thinks it’s Madame Web 2 . In reality, this prime holiday release date may just prove otherwise.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel , Star Wars , and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV , and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who .

Advertisement

Screen Rant

New karate kid movie release date pushed back beyond 2024 after cobra kai season 6 filming delay.

Sony is officially pushing back the new Karate Kid movie's release date beyond 2024 after Cobra Kai's final season saw a delay in its filming start.

New Karate Kid Movie Cast Recruits 2 MCU Stars

• The next Karate Kid movie release date has been pushed back five months to May 30, 2025 due to production delays on Cobra Kai season 6 from the 2023 strikes.
• The sequel will see Daniel LaRusso crossover with Jackie Chan's Mr. Han from the action franchise's prior reboot.
• Kraven the Hunter will now take over Karate Kid 's December 13 release date.

With its predecessor facing a production delay due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes, the next Karate Kid movie has found its release date pushed back. The next installment in the beloved franchise will continue the story of Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso after the events of Cobra Kai 's final season, teaming him up with new young karate fighter Li Fong, played by American Born Chinese alum Ben Wang, and Jackie Chan's Mr. Han from the 2010 movie. The sequel hails from I Am Not Okay With This ' Jonathan Entwistle in his feature directorial debut and Peter Rabbit 's Rob Lieber.

Sony Pictures is officially delaying the next Karate Kid movie's release date by five months . The sequel, which is set to see Macchio's Daniel LaRusso cross over with Jackie Chan's Mr. Han, is being delayed to allow Cobra Kai season 6 to finish its production after it got a late start due to last year's strikes. The Karate Kid is now set for a May 30, 2025 release date instead of December 13, which will now be taken over by Kraven the Hunter .

Karate Kid's Delay Is Very Telling For Its Cobra Kai Connections

With reports of Karate Kid 's release delay stemming from Cobra Kai season 6's own production delay, it proves rather telling for just how much the final season of the Netflix show will set up the next movie . Prior reports indicated that the movie would follow Li as he moves to the East Coast and begins studying martial arts, which had seemingly squashed hopes for the show to cross over with it given it's set almost entirely on the West Coast.

This story had already led to questions about just how involved LaRusso would be in Karate Kid , but given how the stakes have escalated to life-threatening proportions in Cobra Kai , season 6 could set up the original character moving him and his family away from the Valley towards his childhood home of New Jersey. The Cobra Kai season 5 ending saw John Kreese fake his death and break out of prison to enact the next steps in his plan after Terry Silver betrayed him and nearly killed Daniel, Johnny and Chozen.

Predicting How Cobra Kai Season 6 Ends Every Main Character's Story

Should Cobra Kai season 6 leave the LaRussos feeling like the time has come to leave the Valley behind, particularly as Sam gears up to graduate from college, it would go a long way to explain how Macchio appears in the next Karate Kid , and why the Netflix show's delay would prompt the movie's. However, given Daniel's mother still lives in New Jersey, it could be just as likely he is visiting her when he gets involved with Li, or could learn of a prior unknown connection between Chan's Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi and look to keep his late mentor's legacy alive.

Source: Sony

Karate Kid (2024)

Karate Kid is a 2024 movie based on the original Karate Kid franchise of films directed by Jonathan Entwistle. Plot details currently remain unknown, but it is expected to be a new rendition of the story of a youth finding the courage to stand up for themselves under the tutelage of a former martial artist.

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

‘kraven the hunter,’ ‘karate kid’ pushed back by sony.

The studio made some late Friday afternoon changes to its calendar.

By Aaron Couch

Aaron Couch

Film Editor

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Email
• Show additional share options
• Share this article on Linkedin
• Share this article on Pinit
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Whatsapp
• Share this article on Print
• Share this article on Comment

Kraven the Hunter is seeking new hunting grounds, with the Aaron Taylor-Johnson starrer taking a release date just vacated by The Karate Kid.

On Friday evening, Sony moved the villain-centric Kraven the Hunter to the prime winter spot of Dec. 13, 2024 (back from Aug. 30, 2024). Kraven steps into a date that was occupied by fellow Sony pic The Karate Kid , a crossover event movie starring Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan. Karate Kid now moves to May 30, 2025.

Related Stories

'13 going on 30' turns 20: film's team on jennifer garner-mark ruffalo chemistry, reboot talks, sony and apollo weigh joint bid for paramount global.

Kraven has been delayed multiple times, initially set for October of 2023, but it was pushed by the actor’s strike as the studio did not want to release it without actors being able to promote the film. In addition to Taylor-Johnson, Kraven stars Ariana DeBose, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, Fred Hechinger, Levi Miller, Murat Seven and Russell Crowe and is directed by J.C. Chandor. The film is based on the Marvel antagonist to Spider-Man and has a story by Richard Wenk and screenplay by Wenk and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway.

Its new Dec. 13 date has some competition already, with Warner Bros.’ and New Line’s animated The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim also opening that day.

Karate Kid meanwhile, centers on a teen from China (Ben Wang), who moves to the East Coast and finds guidance from a tough but wise mentor (or possibly, two). It unites Machio’s character, as well as Jackie Chan’s mentor character from a 2010 feature starring Jaden Smith. Jonathan Entwistle directs the new installment, with Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Aramis Knight and Wyatt Oleff also on the call sheet. Rob Lieber penned the script.

And Sony and Legendary’s live-action, animation hybrid Animal Friends will bow Aug. 15, 2025. Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Daniel Levy, Lil Rel Howery, Addison Rae and Ellie Bamber star in the R-rated feature, directed by Peter Atencio and from writing duo Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider.

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Pauly shore says he “was up all night crying” after richard simmons blasted biopic, ethan hawke shares denzel washington’s advice on winning an oscar, hot docs festival: middle eastern films get spotlight amid israel-hamas war, alexander payne making doc directorial debut with project about “finest film professor in the world” (exclusive), awards season calendar: key dates for oscars, emmys, tonys and other major events, ‘humane’ director caitlin cronenberg on why she changed her mind about becoming a director.

Kraven the Hunter & Karate Kid Reboot Release Dates Delayed by Sony

By Tyler Treese

Fans will have to wait a bit longer for the Kraven the Hunter and Karate Kid release dates.

When will Kraven the Hunter & Karate Kid come out?

Sony announced that both films have been delayed. Karate Kid will now be released in 2025 rather than later this year. It was pushed back from December 13, 2024, to May 30, 2025. Kraven the Hunter will take its previous spot of December 13, which sees the supervillain movie delayed from August 30, 2024.

Kraven the Hunter has been delayed several times. Originally, the film was going to be released on January 13, 2023. It was then set to be released on October 6, 2023, before being pushed to August 2024, and will now finally be released in December 2024. That’s nearly two years of delays.

Kraven the Hunter will feature Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Avengers: Age of Ultron) as he takes on the mantle of the titular  Spider-Man villain , a Russian immigrant named Sergei Kravinoff. In the film, which is being billed as the next chapter of  Sony’s Spider-Man Universe , he goes on a mission to prove that he is the greatest hunter in the world.

Joining Taylor-Johnson in  Sony ’s R-rated Marvel movie is Fred Hechinger (Fear Street Trilogy, The White Lotus) as Chameleon, Kraven’s half-brother; Oscar nominee Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) as Calypso, the occasion partner and lover of Kraven; Russell Crowe and Levi Miller in undisclosed roles. Christopher Abbott and Alessandro Nivola have also been tapped as the main villains.

Kraven the Hunter is directed by Oscar nominee J.C. Chandor (A Most Violent Year) from a screenplay co-written by Richard Wenk (The Equalizer films), Matt Holloway, and Art Marcum. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are producing the project.

Tyler Treese is ComingSoon and SuperHeroHype's Editor-in-Chief. An experienced entertainment journalist, his work can be seen at Sherdog, Fanbyte, Rock Paper Shotgun, and more. When not watching the latest movies, Treese enjoys mixed martial arts and playing with his Shiba Inu, Kota.

Share article

Face to Face (2023) Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Netflix

Exclusive Duchess Images Preview Neil Marshall Gangster Movie Starring Charlotte Kirk, Distribution Set

Marvel and dc.

X-Men ’97 Creator Reveals Which Story Arc Should Fans Revisit Before Episode 8

Deadpool & Wolverine Director Says No MCU Knowledge Is Needed for Sequel

Sam Raimi: Tobey Maguire Spider-Man 4 Would Focus on ‘Personal Growth’

Between The Temples Release Date Set for Jason Schwartzman Comedy Movie

Aditya Roy Kapur’s Metro In Dino Release Date Revealed

Rumor: Avengers 5’s Release Date Might Not Be Delayed

Aang: The Last Airbender & Transformers One Release Dates Delayed