Joshua Jackson.Photo:Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Daniele Venturelli/Getty
Joshua Jacksonis ready to make his long-awaited return to movies.
PEOPLE can confirm that theDawson’s Creekalum will joinRalph Macchio,Jackie Chan, and new lead Ben Wang inthe latest installmentof theKarate Kidfranchise, set to hit theaters Dec. 13.
Although his role in the project has not been announced, it marks his first film since 2015’sSky.The Hollywood Reporterwas the first to report the news.
Joshua Jackson.Emma McIntyre/Getty
The outlet reported that the new film will bring the story to the East Coast and “focus on a teen from China (Wang) who finds strength and direction via martial arts and a tough but wise mentor (or two).”
News of Jackson’s casting comes nearly five months after it was announced that Machchio and Chan would reprise their roles in the upcoming project. With the announcement came the news that there would be a globalopen casting callfor the next Karate Kid.
Ben Wang.Emma McIntyre/Getty
Emma McIntyre/Getty
Wang was announced as the lead in early February after he “delivered a standout audition that demonstrated his deep connection to the character,” according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
TheKarate Kidfilms have earned $618 million globally over the past three decades. In 2021, Macchio told PEOPLE that seeing theKarate Kiduniverselive on throughCobra Kaiwas “really cool.”
“Kids see the show and then tell their parents, ‘Hey, you should check this out. It’s really cool.’ To go through the ebbs and flows of popularity for 36-plus years and now be in a place where parents, kids, and even grandparents are sharing the same excitement is really special,” he told PEOPLE.
Movie for poster for original 1984 “Karate Kid” film.Columbia Pictures/Everett
Columbia Pictures/Everett
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Of being able to still look young on screen sinceKarate Kid’s 1984 premiere Macchio told PEOPLE, “Listen — I blame my parents. They both look very young for their age. I have a youthful energy about me for some reason. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t hurt. But I think I’ve just gotten lucky in the gene department.”
source: people.com
