Karate Kid Legends Shatters Records: Will Fans Be Disappointed by Martial Arts Epic?

Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, “Karate Kid: Legends” is set to hit theaters in the United States later this month, with a release in August for international audiences. This fifth installment in the Karate Kid series, originally started by John G. Avildsen, features Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, Ben Wang as Li Fong, and Ralph Macchio reprising his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso.

As the film’s release approaches, its duration has now been revealed. According to AMC Theaters’ website (via ComingSoon), “Karate Kid: Legends” runs for 1 hour and 34 minutes, that’s 94 minutes.

This sets a new record: it is now the shortest film in the Karate Kid saga to date. To put it in perspective, the original Karate Kid (1984) was 127 minutes long, while “Karate Kid 2” (1986) ran for 113 minutes. “Karate Kid 3,” released in 1989, was 111 minutes long, and “The Next Karate Kid,” released in 1994, was 107 minutes long. Lastly, the 2010 reboot was the longest, clocking in at 140 minutes.

A Fresh Story Filled with Action and Heart

“Karate Kid: Legends brings together iconic martial arts masters from one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a fresh story filled with action and heart,” according to the film’s synopsis.

When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) moves to New York with his mother to attend a prestigious school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. However, this newfound peace is short-lived when he catches the unwanted attention of a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a new journey: to compete in the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.

“Karate Kid: Legends” will premiere in cinemas across the United States on May 30, 2025. However, the film’s release has been delayed in France and will not debut until August 13, 2025.

In the meantime, why not catch up with Ralph Macchio in “Cobra Kai”? The entire hit series is available to stream on Netflix!