It’s been over four decades since The Karate Kid first kicked its way into pop culture history, but the spirit of Mr. Miyagi remains just as present today as it was in 1984. With Karate Kid: Legends hitting cinemas this week, Ralph Macchio is making sure that the legacy of his beloved sensei lives on and reaches a whole new audience.
The film introduces a new lead, Ben Wang, while bridging generations with the return of Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. But even with a fresh face in the spotlight, there’s no mistaking the emotional anchor at the heart of the story. “Paying the legacy forward is part of the connective tissue for me that makes sense, that drives the narrative,” Macchio told GamesRadar+. “Combining the stories, the two styles, kung fu, karate, all that stuff, that’s all exciting and awesome. But if it’s not connected in some way for me as a character, then it becomes more challenging.”
Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi Daniel’s wise, soft-spoken mentor casts a long shadow, and Macchio remains committed to honoring that influence. The actor has been vocal for years about maintaining the original film’s heart amid Cobra Kai’s success, and Legends will continue that.
“This movie is for today’s generation,” Macchio said. “And the beauty of it all in this movie is we’re going to have, hopefully, a lot of young fans for the first time seeing their version of The Karate Kid… and yet come out of it knowing a little bit about who Mr. Miyagi was.”
Still, Macchio is clear: Legends isn’t just a nostalgia trip. He wants it to stand on its own. “You don’t have to even know about those films to enjoy the entertainment and the story and the narrative of Ben’s character going forward, and high five your neighbor and friend and cheer in the movie theater,” he said.
Karate Kid: Legends lands in UK cinemas on May 28 and opens in the US on May 30. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor to the dojo, it’s clear the legacy isn’t just intact it’s evolving.
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