One film in theKarate Kidfranchise remains underrated 15 years after its release, but it might finally get the respect it deserves. With a modest budget of $8 million,the firstKarate Kidmoviepremiered in 1984 and instantly became a hit among viewers and critics. After grossing $130 million worldwide, it not only became one of the biggest hits of 1984 but even helped Pat Morita earn his first Academy Award nomination. In hindsight, it is hard not to wonder if the overarchingKarate Kidfranchise would have made it this far if the first movie had not been critically and commercially successful.
Even though theKarate Kidfranchise has lasted for close to 4 decades, it initially had a fairly rocky start after the first film. Each new installment in the original movie series was considered inferior to the original and efforts to start a reboot withThe Next Karate Kidalso seemed futile. The franchise was almost dead beforeCobra Kaicame along and highlighted its growth potential. However, even beforeCobra Kailanded on Netflix, another installment in theKarate Kidfranchise had immense potential but never got the appreciation it deserved.
Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han Return Means 2010’s Karate Kid Will Finally Get The Love It Deserves
The Reboot Movie Deserves More Appreciation Than It Initially Got
2010’sThe Karate Kidis the highest-grossing film in the entire franchise, witha box office earning of $359 million worldwide on a $40 million budget. From a critical standpoint, the movie was not as successful as the original but still managed to get fairly positive reviews. However, despite its promising box office performance and decent critical reception, the film failed to create a legacy for itself like the original. Its sequel was initially confirmed to be in development, but several behind-the-scenes setbacks held it back from seeing the light of day.
While the newKarate Kidmovie’s timeline in the franchise is still confusing, it can finally bridge the gap between the 2010 film and the original movie series by featuring Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han in the same frame.
With this,The Karate Kidbecame another extension of the overarching franchise that struggled to remain memorable. Fortunately, with Jackie Chan reprising his role in the newKarate Kidmovie, the 2010 film might finally get the attention and appreciation it has always deserved. The new movie will likely encourage viewers to either revisit the 2010 film or watch it for the first time.
Why Jackie Chan’s Karate Kid Reboot Failed
While the Karate Kid remake has its share of fans, it still couldn’t stick the landing for most audiences and critics.
While the newKarate Kidmovie’s timelinein the franchise is still confusing, it can finally bridge the gap between the 2010 film and the original movie series by featuring Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han in the same frame. Since the 2010 reboot has often been treated as a separate entity within the franchise, the crossover between the two characters could finally unify the narrative threads. Moreover, the newKarate Kidmovie will also extend the 2010 film’s established lore by featuring Mr. Han, which could potentially add more emotional heft to the 2010 movie’s storyline.
The Karate Kid Was A Tough Remake To Sell In 2010
There Were Many Creative Conflicts Surrounding The Movie’s Title
Remaking movies, especially ones with a well-established legacy, can always be tricky. Owing to this, 2010’sThe Karate Kidwas already walking a tightrope even before its release. Since the Hilary Swank reboot had previously failed to revive the franchise, the 2010 movie also faced skepticism from many when it was first announced. The film also faced the challenge of perfectly balancing original story elements with the ones that made the firstKarate Kidmovie successful.
$300 million
$8 million
$13 million
$12.5 million
$16 million
$12 million
$359 million
$40 million
Since 2010’sThe Karate Kiddoes not feature karate and focuses on kung fu instead, there was reportedly some behind-the-scenes confusion surrounding its title. Whilethe movie’s cast members referred to it asThe Kung Fu Kid, one of the film’s producers, Jerry Weintraub, wanted to stick to the original title. Despite all these creative conflicts and setbacks, however, the 2010 movie eventually managed to carve its own identity in the franchise and also drove impressive numbers at the global box office.
The Karate Kid (2010) Is The Best Karate Kid Film After The Original
Given how the 2010Karate Kidmovie’s critical reception was better than the original 1984 movie’s sequels, it is arguably the second-best movie in the franchise. Since it borrows the original movie’s story structure and plot devices, it does not feel as unique as 1984’sThe Karate Kid. However, it benefits from its change of setting and characters anddoes not come off as a forced extension of the originalKarate Kidmoviebecause of its ability to stand on its own.
Jackie Chan himself came up withThe Karate Kid’s famous “jacket on, jacket off” routine that teaches Jaden Smith’s Dre some basic kung fu moves.
While only time will tell whether the newKarate Kidmovie will perform as well as the 2010 reboot and the original film, it already seems to be on the right path by reuniting the leads of two of the most successful installments of the franchise. Considering how it has been a while since the 2010 reboot came out, the newKarate Kidmovie could bring the attention of a whole new generation of viewers to the overarching franchise. This, in turn, would not only bring new eyes to the 2010Karate Kidreboot but also toCobra Kaiand the original movies.
The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid is a 2010 remake of the original martial arts drama film released in 1984. Directed by Harald Zwart, this new telling follows young Dre Parker who after a big move with his mother from Detroit, Michigan to Beijing, China, finds difficulty fitting in and manages to get caught in a bullies' crosshairs. Dre is saved by the mysterious maintenance worker named Mr. Han, who teaches him Kung Fu in order to defend himself.
Karate Kid: Legends
Karate Kid: Legends is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.
