Ben Wang
Young actor becomes the new “Karate Kid”
Ben Wang at the premiere of American Born Chinese.
© imago images/ZUMA Wire
Ben Wang is the new “Karate Kid”. He has a lot of martial arts experience and has prevailed against thousands of other actors.
Ben Wang (24) will take on the role of the iconic “Karate Kid” on the big screen. Sony Pictures has confirmed corresponding US media reports on Instagram. “Welcome to the ‘Karate Kid’ movie family, Ben Wang,” says a photo of the young actor on the official account of the upcoming Hollywood film.
This is how Ben Wang was able to beat the competition
How The industry magazine “The Hollywood Reporter” Citing studio insiders, Wang delivered an outstanding audition that showed how deeply the actor connected to the film’s character. Plus, it brings exactly what Sony Pictures is looking for according to the official casting call had been looking for.
The studio was looking for a young actor who could portray a “Karate Kid” of Chinese origin between the ages of 15 and 17 and who could speak English fluently. According to the call, knowledge of Mandarin and previous training in martial arts, movement, dance or gymnastics were a big plus. According to the industry magazine, Wang is fluent in Mandarin and has mastered several martial arts, including karate, Wing Chun, Kumdo and Taekwondo.
Ben Wang had more than 10,000 competitors
Wang, who is known, among other things, from the series “American Born Chinese”, was apparently able to prevail against thousands of competitors. More than 10,000 actors are said to have applied for the role in the first 24 hours after the original casting call alone.
In the new “Karate Kid” film, Wang will star alongside Jackie Chan (69, Mr. Han in 2010’s “Karate Kid”) and Ralph Macchio (62), the original “Karate Kid” Daniel LaRusso from the first films and the series “Cobra Kai”. There are not many other details about the new version, which will be released in cinemas in December 2024. According to the report, the plot will take place on the US East Coast this time and will focus on a teenager from China who finds strength and direction through martial arts. He gets help from a mentor – or maybe two. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle (39).