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The Karate Kidfranchise has kept the audience hooked to the edge of their seats for several years now, with the last movie,The Karate Kid, being released in 2010. Now this universe is being further expanded with the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends bringing in several notable faces. The teaser for the same was also released recently and while fans loved the cinematic vision, they also pointed out that a key actor was notably missing from the trailer.
The actor is none other than William Zabka, who played Johnny Lawrence in the firstKarate Kidmovie released in 1984, and reprised the role inThe Karate Kid Part II(1986). While he made a captivating return as hisKarate kidcharacter in the Netflix seriesCobra Kai,him being missing in theLegendstrailer has raised many eyebrows.
Karate Kid: Legendstrailer is a major hit but where is William Zabka?
Karate Kid: Legendswould be the sixth movie ofThe Karate Kidfranchise and has been reigning supreme in the headlines all thanks to Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. In this movie, the duo would be reprising their roles of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso respectively.
Along with them, Ben Wang would be playing the new lead, Li Fong. While anticipation is running high, a new trailer for the same has taken social media by storm with fans appreciating just how perfect the cinematic elements of the movie look. As soon as the trailer surfaced on X, fans rushed to the comments section to add their opinions about the same.
The first trailer for ‘KARATE KID: LEGENDS’ has been released.In theaters on May 30.pic.twitter.com/f0whPZfEPe
One even questioned why William Zabka was missing from the trailer.
The best crossover ever 😭 whoever made this trailer deserves a raisepic.twitter.com/3D734wyxUd
Okay this looks better than I thought it would, but still no Johnny in the film ☹️pic.twitter.com/VCXdSnFTaZ
I was not expecting this film to be good but damn this trailer grabbed my attention.
THIS ACTUALLY LOOKS SO GOOD
Nice trailer, not giving too much away and the editing is on point 👌
Fans quickly noted that William Zabka was missing from the trailer as his role as Johnny Lawrence has become a key part of theKarate Kidfranchise. While he has only participated in the initial twoKarate Kidmovies, his role is much bigger in Netflix’sCobra Kai.His character has developed such a distinct aura, perfectly balancing toughness with vulnerability, making him a fan favorite.
“He still moves like he’s a 20 year old”: Ralph Macchio Confessed to Cobra Kai Star on His Fear of Facing Jackie Chan in Karate Kid: Legends
While it’s definitely surprising why he hasn’t been included in the newly released teaser, it can also be that the makers are saving his appearance for a big cameo in the movie. But on the other hand, it’s also possible that the actor is just not interested in being a part of the upcoming movie, and that’s why he’s been left out.
Director calls Jackie Chan the Dumbledore ofKarate Kid: Legends
Jackie Chanis widely known as an action superstar, but according toKarate Kid: Legendsdirector Jonathan Entwistle, he brought a unique sense of magic to the set of the upcoming movie. In a recent interview viaEntertainment Weekly,he shared how Chan’s personality and creativity made a lasting impression on the cast and crew. The director added“Jackie is warm, wise, and truly one of a kind”and also that“Even after his scenes were done, he stayed on set, talking with the crew.”
He also noted that Chan had a special way of noticing details and coming up with new ideas that made the movie better. Entwistle also described him as a mentor who inspired and guided everyone on set, both during filming and behind the scenes.
Karate Kid: Legendscontinues the legacy of the iconic franchise while connecting the 2010 reboot starring Chan and Jaden Smith to the original Miyagiverse. Entwistle explained how the film bridges the gap, adding,“There’s a deeper connection between Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi than people think.”
Not only that, but he also added that the families of Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi are connected through generations, and this history is included in the story to pay tribute to the franchise.
Karate Kid: Legends Trailer Proves Our Worst Fear to Come True as Franchise Discards Cobra Kai Success for Jackie Chan
The movie follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a teenager who moves from Beijing to New York City with his mother (Ming-Na Wen). When he enters a karate competition to help a friend, he discovers his kung fu isn’t enough. With the help of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, Fong learns to combine their martial arts styles for an epic showdown.
Karate Kid: Legendsis all set to hit theatres on June 02, 2025.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1436
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
