The kung-fu movies icon, Jackie Chan, has been rumored to play Mr. Miyagi, the eccentric mentor of Daniel LaRusso, in the remake of 1984 hit film 'The Karate Kid'.
- Jan 14, 2009
AceShowbiz - Rumor has it, Jackie Chan is going to be Jaden Smith's mentor in the modern version of "The Karate Kid", "Untitled Karate Kid Remake". Breaking the possible casting news is Entertainment Weekly, stating that the kung-fu movies icon will take on Pat Morita's Mr. Miyagi role in the new project.
The speculation of Chan tackling Miyagi role could be true since previously the movie's producer Will Smith has shared to MTV that the movie will be set in China. "We're making it with the China Film Group, so it'll be based in Beijing," the "Seven Pounds" actor said. "Mr. Miyagi was originally Japanese, so there'll be a Chinese adaptation to it."
Whether Chan has indeed been signed for the part or not has yet to be officially confirmed. Meanwhile, Smith's son, Jaden Smith has been signed to play the new Daniel LaRusso in the proposed feature film project. Scribbler Chris Murphy has been brought in to pen the new script.
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 kind and humble Okinawan immigrant, Mr. Miyagi, he then learns to defend himself using karate.
