Jackie Chan’s Secret Past: Almost Quit 42 Years Ago to Star in THIS Cult Action Saga!

Over four decades since the debut of Karate Kid, two generations of the famous franchise have reunited on screen. Released in French theaters on August 13, 2025, Karate Kid: Legends indeed brought together Ralph Macchio, the unforgettable Daniel LaRusso from the original films, and Jackie Chan, who portrayed Mr. Han in the 2010 reboot.

But long before he became one of the saga’s mentors, Jackie Chan had already set his sights on Karate Kid. During a meeting with AlloCiné organized for the release of the new installment, the martial arts star revisited his discovery of the 1984 film and his spontaneous reaction to Ralph Macchio.

Jackie Chan Saw Himself in Ralph Macchio’s Role

At the time, Jackie Chan was immediately captivated by the film’s concept, wondering why Hollywood hadn’t chosen him for the lead role.

“The first time I saw Karate Kid, I thought: Why did they pick him? Hire me! I can do all that,” the actor explained.

However, this wish had little chance of materializing. Jackie Chan was already 30 years old in 1984, whereas Daniel LaRusso was supposed to be a teenager. Ralph Macchio, on the other hand, was 22 at the time of filming but could easily pass for a 16-year-old high school student because of his youthful appearance.

Yet, discovering Karate Kid had a much deeper impact on Jackie Chan. At a time when he was experiencing doubt and even considering giving up, the film inspired him to persevere.

“I was a stuntman, I was depressed, I wanted to quit. Then I saw Karate Kid. And I thought: ‘Don’t give up, keep training!’ Since I’m not that young anymore, I eventually became Mr. Han, the Miyagi of Karate Kid with Jaden Smith. My dream has slowly come true. Now, we are both Miyagis,” he shared, referring to Ralph Macchio.

From Dream Candidate to Mentor of the New Generation

Fate would eventually link Jackie Chan to the franchise, but in a very different way than he had imagined in the 1980s. In 2010, he became Mr. Han, the mentor of young Dre Parker, portrayed by Jaden Smith. Fifteen years later, Karate Kid: Legends allowed him to reprise this character while sharing the screen this time with Ralph Macchio.

Between the two veterans now stood a new face: Ben Wang, who played Li Fong. This young kung fu prodigy leaves Beijing with his mother after a family tragedy and must restart his life in New York. As he tries to find his place in his new environment, trouble soon catches up to him.

When he agrees to participate in a karate competition to help a new friend, Li quickly realizes that his kung fu skills alone will not suffice. Mr. Han decides to seek Daniel LaRusso’s help. Together, the two masters teach the young fighter their respective techniques, allowing him to develop an approach that blends their disciplines.

Ben Wang, Heir to Two Karate Kids

For Jackie Chan, the character of Li Fong represents the convergence of his own legacy in the franchise and that of Daniel LaRusso.

“We’ve found the new Daniel, and the young Jackie. You’re both of us combined,” Jackie Chan told Ben Wang, before adding, “He’s the luckiest boy in the world.”

A remark to which Ralph Macchio immediately clarified, “He earned it.” The actor, who also reprised his iconic character for several seasons in Cobra Kai, particularly enjoyed seeing a new generation take over.

“Working with Jackie, being all three of us together, was really great moments, like the trainings on the rooftop. I also had that through the Cobra Kai series, watching the young actors take on their roles with so much pride and involvement,” he shared.

Meeting ‘Santa Claus Twice’

Ralph Macchio also had high praise for his young co-star, especially after seeing the final product on the big screen.

“It was amazing to see, and especially with Ben Wang on set. When you sit in the movie theater and watch his work… he delivers on all his promises. And that’s important to have,” the actor highlighted.

For Ben Wang, the experience was undoubtedly special. The young actor found himself alongside two actors whose films had been a part of his life for so long, before being chosen to become one of the faces of Karate Kid himself.

“Having had the chance to train, work, and act with these two people who have been with me through their films for so long, it’s crazy. It’s like meeting Santa Claus twice!” he exclaimed.

Forty-two years after watching the first Karate Kid and dreaming of being the hero, Jackie Chan has seen his wish come true differently: not by taking Daniel LaRusso’s place but by standing alongside him to pass the torch to a new generation.

Karate Kid: Legends, whose trailer can be viewed below, is now available for streaming on Canal+.

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