Will Smith uncovers that the remake to 1984 hit film 'The Karate Kid' has yet to find Daniel LaRusso's sensei, Mr. Miyagi, and adds that the modern version will be leaving U.S. for China.
- Dec 13, 2008
AceShowbiz - Though the remake project of "The Karate Kid", "Untitled Karate Kid Remake", has signed Jaden Smith as the new Daniel LaRusso, the proposed movie is yet to find its own Mr. Miyagi. Actor/producer Will Smith shared the fact with MTV News saying, "We don't have a Mr. Miyagi yet."
Noting that the studio has yet to find the perfect man for the job, Smith continues, explaining that it doesn't mean that they are in the dark with the casting since they already have several names for consideration. "There's a couple of people that we're really intrigued by, but I don't want to say any names because I'll be in trouble," so the "Seven Pounds" actor claimed.
Aside from addressing the Miyagi's casting, Smith also revealed one interesting twist on the plot. "We're making it with the China Film Group, so it'll be based in Beijing," he said of where the modern version of "Karate Kid" will take place. "Mr. Miyagi was originally Japanese, so there'll be a Chinese adaptation to it."
On the possibility that many will question how could Karate which is a Japanese martial art be brought to China, Smith reasoned that although karate was developed in Japan, it is based on Chinese fighting style, Kenpo. "Fortunately, karate is originally a Chinese art form," he said, "so that's the area we're playing around in."
The original "Karate Kid" stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi. It centers on LaRusso, who has been a victim of school bully. Meeting a kindly and humble Okinawan immigrant, Mr. Miyagi, he then learns to defend himself using karate. The movie received commercial success, spawning three other sequels, the last of which helps to launch Hilary Swank's career in movie biz.
