Karate Kid: Legends is setting the stage for its new protagonist, Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang, to eclipse the legendary Daniel LaRusso. With the star power of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in the mix, anticipation for the film is palpable. The involvement of Mr. Han, seeking guidance from LaRusso, adds to the excitement, uniting the beloved characters from the original Karate Kid trilogy and the 2010 reboot.
Unlike previous generations, where mentorship was pivotal, this narrative shifts focus with Li Fong at the helm. His journey mirrors the experiences of both Daniel and Jaden Smith’s Dre Parker, but comes with its own unique twists. Notably, LaRusso’s character continues his role as a mentor, which cleverly links Karate Kid: Legends to the renowned series Cobra Kai. As evidenced by the latest trailer, it’s clear Li’s skills have already eclipsed Daniel’s abilities from the original films.
Li Fong: A Trained Fighter From the Start
Li’s Established Fighting Background
Li’s superior fighting ability stems from his established martial arts training, a stark contrast to Daniel’s journey in the 1984 classic, The Karate Kid. Recent promotional material reveals that the plot centers on Li’s internal struggle of resisting fights, heavily influenced by his mother’s wishes following a traumatic experience with his fighting brother, portrayed by Ming-Na Wen.
By the time Karate Kid: Legends begins, Li’s training with Mr. Han provides a solid foundation in kung fu. In sharp contrast, Daniel LaRusso began his journey with no prior knowledge of martial arts, trained from scratch by Mr. Miyagi. This disparity positions Li as a far more formidable lead than any of his predecessors in the franchise.
Li’s Kung Fu Background: Setting the Stage for Strength
Especially by the Movie’s Conclusion
Li’s kung fu training is pivotal to his strength, making him potentially more skilled at the outset of Karate Kid: Legends than Daniel was at the conclusion of The Karate Kid Part III. The entire trilogy unfolds within a few weeks, highlighting the rapid growth of both fighters. By the end of this latest installment, Li’s superiority in combat will be irrefutably established.
Interestingly, the film’s trailer emphasizes the distinction between kung fu and karate, something that caused confusion in the 2010 reboot. Li possesses a solid foundation in kung fu, while LaRusso’s contributions are aimed at teaching him the Miyagi-do karate style. By the film’s conclusion, it seems likely that Li will achieve mastery in both disciplines, validating his position as the most accomplished Karate Kid yet.