It is just too silly to ignore. Just when you think the man has regained control of his career Jackie Chan is setting himself up to take on role of Mr. Miyagi, the role that was firmly cemented into our brains as kids by the late Pat Morita, in a redo of The Karate Kid. The film itself already drumming up interest, and not the really good kind, when it was announced back in the Fall that Will Smith was producing the redo and that his almost 11 year old son, Jaden Smith, would have the role that was Ralph Macchio's in the original films.
I love this part, International martial-arts star Chan has put his karate skills to use in such English-language films as the "Rush Hour" trilogy, "The Forbidden Kingdom" and the upcoming "The Spy Next Door." - VarietyAsian Sorry. What karate skills? I don't consider myself an 'authority' on Jackie Chan cinema but I have a lot of his movies and I have never seen the man use these 'karate skills' ever. Thought karate itself has some origin in Chinese kenpo Karate itself is Japanese by country of origin via the Ryukyu Islands. I digress. Jackie doesn't do Karate.
This pains me because I love Jackie. Really, honestly I think he would be great in the role. He is someone who has the "MARTIAL ARTS" skills to be the sensai, or sifu, an excellent handling of comedy and a good, sincere heart which would make him perfect for the role of a mentor to a small child. Jackie is Chinese. Pat was Japanese American. The first Karate Kid was done stateside. This redo is being shot in Beijing. This mish-mashing of two distinct cultures and their own separate martial arts is what is putting me off. Can it really be called The Karate Kid after all is said and done?
The director is Harald Zwart. Now he himself is just completing direction on The Pink Panther 2. Don't get me started. BUT here is the odd twist in this whole shenanigan. He is also the executive producer of one Nazi Zombie movie Dead Snow. I kid you, freaking, not! Then again he also directed Agent Cody Banks. Me thinks we're heading into child film territory here with this one folks.
If they are planning on changing the name, then it won't happen in such early stages. They'll be keeping the name for publicity purposes.
But yeah, this isn't looking hopeful, but then Forbidden Kingdom turned out 'half decent' (haven't seen it). The original was just a bit of cheap fun anyway, right?
Actually, i already got pictured the movie. Remember that episode in the Simpson where they go to the movies and see a Zorro movie with hip hop where he gets crowned king of england? There you have it.
Dear Jackie Chan,
I've been a fan for a long time.(I went to screenings of Drunken Master and Cannonball Run, you were WAY cooler than Burt Reynolds.) Jackie, what's going on buddy? I know Hollywood pays REALLY well, but aren't you sort of screen martial arts legend? Leaving that aside I, remember how a while ago you said you wanted to concentrate on your acting more. Um, and sure I'm just a fan and not a studio executive. Shinjuku Incident, step in the right direction.
Karate Kid, not so much.
Your better than Hollywood buddy, next time they call just don't pick up.
All the best,
Gotadventure
The Original 80's Karate Kid is the greatest movie of all time!!! How can you not treasure that film in your heart???
Only one Question: Why?
Why is Jackie doing it?- Money? I think he's one of the richest Men in Asia.
Popularity among Hollywoodsters?- He's done it with Rush Hour.He's well known even for my grandparents.
What the Hack? I'm sur this damn thing of a screenplay is still not completed.
This man is a legend and he's definitly capeable of more.
He has Talent he shouldn't waste. He should definitly do he's own projects.
He's a fu...ing director!
He can pull it off on his own! Damn!
Y'all are really taking this thing waaaaay too seriously. It's just a feel-good movie remake of a 80's feel-good movie. Stop trying to find reasons to hate it before you've even seen it. Good grief...
@ChevalierAguila: GAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRR! HULK SMASH!
I've often bashed and whined about Hollywood's disregard of Asian's in cinema and this is just another massive nail in the coffin.
The only reason I can think that Jackie would do this is because Will Smith asked him or [more likely true], Hollywood just aren't giving him many movies anymore.
Shinjuku Incident would never be made in America.
I dearly love The Karate Kid, it's what started my love for Japan and I'd hate to see it molested but the basic idea is solid. I like the Beijing move [and that's one thing that's bound to impress Jackie and his undying love towards China] A name change and a 'based on' credit is all it really needs.
from HOLLYWOOD REPORTER ASIA
Jackie says
"I don't have to force myself to make a film with Chinese elements and Chinese investments that (rely on) appealing to the U.S. or foreign market. I've done that before but failed," said Chan, citing 2003's "The Medallion," which, he said, cast American actors to appeal to the U.S. market but "didn't do well at all."
"Whereas, 'Rumble in the Bronx,' which I starred in with a Chinese cast, did much better at the American boxoffice," said Chan, adding, "So now I only want to make films in my own way."
What happened to making films in his own way?