Karate Kid Remake?

[GeneChing]

WILL SMITH TO DIRECT KARATE KID REMAKE (http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/will%20smith%20to%20direct%20karate%20kid%20remake _1045217)

Actor WILL SMITH will be donning his director's cap for his next project - a remake of 1984's KARATE KID. The Pursuit of Happyness star, 39, is reportedly working on a modern-day version of the martial arts movie, with his nine-year-old son Jaden taking on the lead role of Daniel, originally made famous by Ralph Macchio. Smith Jr. will star alongside Rush Hour's Jackie Chan, who will play the boy's mentor, Mr Miyagi, according to reports.

Any confirmation on this one?

[MasterKiller]

Is nothing sacred?

[sanjuro_ronin]

The horror...the horror....

[mkriii]

Tell me it isn't true. They're going to ruin a perfectly good, wholesome movie by trying to remake it using Will Smith's son and Jackie Chan as the teacher. I love Chackie Chan but he just doesn't seem to fit the charactor that we are all so used to imagining when we think of Mr. Miyagi. Does this mean that Danielson is now going to be Tyronson?

[CLFNole]

If Will Smith's son is 9 is this going to be a kids movie where one of the parents gets ****ed off and jumps in and Jackie opens up a can of whoop arse? I like Will Smith's movies and everything but to remake a project just so your kid can star in it, I am not sure.

Maybe they should remake Sidekicks instead afterall Chuck is still around. :p

[GeneChing]

A Karate Kid Remake?! (http://movies.ign.com/articles/823/823413p1.html)
UPDATED: IGN has heard an interesting rumor.
by Stax

September 27, 2007 - IGN has been informed by a reliable source that Sony Pictures is developing a remake of The Karate Kid that will be produced by Will Smith's Overbook Entertainment and Jerry Weintraub. Weintraub also produced the 1984 film, starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, and its three sequels.

We were also advised that Smith's son Jaden, 9, is attached to star in the remake. Jaden Christopher Syre Smith starred opposite his dad in last year's The Pursuit of Happyness, which was also released by Sony. We understand that this new Karate Kid is currently out to writers.

IGN didn't hear back from Weintraub's office or Smith's reps by time of publish, so until there's official confirmation consider this a rumor.

UPDATED: IGN has verified that the Karate Kid remake is among the projects listed in agencies' open writing/directing assignment newsletters sent to their clients. Sony Pictures, however, has advised us they are not officially developing the project.
There's some buzz about the idea on many film websites.

[doug maverick]

i doubt thats going to happen, its a huge rumour. and probably jut an idea. but if he does a retelling of it it might b good. stop hating.

[TaichiMantis]

And if it succeeds, will kids be begging their parents to sign them up at the nearest McDojo?:rolleyes:

[Jimbo]

I kinda doubt it. I'm not sure many people, including kids, get inspired to take up M.A. due to watching a movie anymore.

[Shaolinlueb]

only if i can done a blond wig and play johnny. that movie was awesome cause of the 80's ness of it. and pat played mr miyagi perfect.

"mr miyagi how did you do that?" (daniels refering to the bottles he just sliced inhalf)

"i don't know, first time!"

[doug maverick]

plenty of kids go to karate schools after seeing ma films man where u at.:D

[Shaolinlueb]

yeah i know, but that movie was a classic. you cant remake it. lol... er well you can but it wont be the same.

[BoulderDawg]

I kinda doubt it. I'm not sure many people, including kids, get inspired to take up M.A. due to watching a movie anymore.

Think again.....

All one has to do is to see the craziness going on with the Hannah Montana Tour. Major arenas are selling out in 10 mintes. Tickets are being scalped for thousands.

For what? For a 14 year old girl who plays a singer on TV.

Kids today believe what they see on TV and in movies. In fact they take TV a lot more serious than when I was a kid.

Now back to the MA....of course they will sign up but probably 98% of them won't last two months. But for the 2% who stick with it the movie was probably worth it.

[Jimbo]

My impression was that more kids nowadays are into American Idol and Lindsay than M.A. Lots of the kids I see walking around before/after karate class with their Gi's on seem to go because their parents want them to. May be different in other areas.

If they can make a good remake, good for them. Maybe they can make it better than the original. But the original was pure '80s, along with the John Hughes "brat pack" films and The Last Dragon. That's how I remember Karate Kid.

[doug maverick]

american idol and all that crap appeals to young girl but not to young boys my man, whats popular with young boys today is still martial arts all the popular japanese anime and even american anime have proved it, and if this movie gets made(which i kinda hope it does) there's gonna be another surge of kids running to take martial arts lessons. you sound out of touch man, is all the hollywood bullsh!t getting to you???;)

[The Willow Sword]

I am sick and fukin TIRED of all these god d@mned REMAKES of movies:mad:

is there no fuking creativity LEFT in hollywood? Do these dumbfuks have ANY new ideas??? Why on earth would they even WANT to remake the Karate Kid???

Some Hollywood actor with more money than he/she knows what to do with is prolly sitting there thinking "gee uhh you know i think we NEED another "Terms of Endearment" movie. YEAH!! what a great idea, ill remake TERMS OF ENDEARMENT and i will put hot young actors in it and make it even BETTER:rolleyes: then the original.

Or HEY because all the black hollywood actors think that Hollywood is more white oriented they will just make a black version of the film. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

sorry i am just ****ed right now that the sanctity of an 80's timeless and oscar worthy that it never got movie is now being put in the hands of the fresh prince:rolleyes:

Peace,TWS

[doug maverick]

i'm gonnatell yu what i tell other firends of mine u don't like it make your own movies or just don; go see it. thats the thing about movies u don;t have to see it. and if if people don;t see it people don;t make it. and i'm not gonna get into the "black verson" comment but whatever

[mkriii]

I feel your pain. Will Smith's son is playing the student. What's this world coming to? I guess instead of Danielson it's going to be Tyroneson. He's going to be a troubled youth on crack and stealing hub caps and Mr. Miyagi is going to teach him karate to get him off crack.

[The Willow Sword]

my POINT about the "black version" comment is that like the remakes that are going on they are nestled deeply in the RIDICULUOUS and STUPID. its not about going to see it or not it is KNOWING that it is out there and that eventually my cat like curiosity will want to rent it or spend a hard earned dollar at the $ movie house and waste 90 minutes of my life:mad:.

Peace,TWS

[mkriii]

How about the movie coming out about the black mafia gangsters. Who ever heard of such. There are black gangs but a black mafia, come on? Get Real. It's about the same thing. Their trying to re-do the Godfather. You can tell by the advertisements for that movie that thats what thier going for. Just ridiculous. Instead of putting a hit out on someone thier just going to cap em'......lol.

[The Willow Sword]

Actually i am looking forward to seeing "American Gangster". it looks good and not your typical Ice Cube "im from the ghetto ill bus a cap in yo a$$" movie.

of course i have ALWAYS been a fan of Ridley Scotts work. Peace,TWS

[GeneChing]

Anyone who was in the martial arts business in 1984 remembers the incredible windfall for the entire industry. The martial arts economy made an amazing leap, one of the largest in American history. Karate Kid stands alone as the most significant crossover film for the martial arts. That horde of new students filled the McDojos and the genuine schools alike creating more income for school owners and that spread across the entire martial industry. Sure, a lot of them quit. A lot of them always quit. That's the nature of martial arts. It's hard. It's not for everyone. But some stayed, more than what would have if the Karate Kids didn't come. What's more, those that quit at least walked away knowing a little more about martial culture.

I'm with Doug. I hope this does get made. I don't expect a lot but if you're a fan of martial arts movies, you're used to being disappointed. I don't really care about Danielson and Miyagi. I want to know who will play Ali (http://www.radiofree.com/profiles/elisabeth_shue/es182654.jpg). ;)

[The Willow Sword]

i am reminded of a great quote froma movie called Jurassic park where Malcolm played by jeff goldblum says "you people were so preoccupied with whether or not you could clone dinosaurs you didnt stop to think if you SHOULD".

well i put the same quote with the obvious changes with respect to remaking certain films.

we have come quite a long way since the 80's and martial arts films and i think that we can ALL Safely say that the martial movies of the past and now do their job of creating the market for the different styles and Mc Kwoons and McDojos out there. why do we need any more movies like Karate Kid? Its nostalgia and i would be on board if it werent for the fact that i think this remake is going to be STUPID and nothing more than a rich actors attempt to do something with his quadrillions that he should be doing something more productive with, rather than RE-making a film that has long since gone into the nostalgia vault.

Here is the actors line up for Wil SMiths Version

Karate Kid: His son of course
Mr Miyagi: Morgan Freeman
Ali: Queen Lahtifah
cobra Kai instructor:snoop dog
cobra kai Bully: dave chappelle

Looks like a GREAT line up:rolleyes:

Peace,TWS

[mkriii]

I was thinking more along the lines of Grandmaster Sin The' as the Cobra Kai Instructor and for Daneiel-son they could have Gary Coleman play the part. For Mr. Miyagi they can get Morgan Freeman or if Red Foxx was alive then him.

[The Willow Sword]

actually it is Jackie CHAN who is rumoured to play Mr Miyagi. Maybe this remake will be uhhhh watchable?

Peace,TWS

[sanjuro_ronin]

the only thing I liked about the original series was Miyagi.
A moral, ethical, humble walking fighting machine !!

Dude, if that is not the prototype for a Sensei, nothing is !

[GeneChing]

It's fun to see the knee-jerk reactions to this project here. For all we know, the project could be totally re-imagined, sort of like City of Fire into Reservoir Dogs. That's unlikely, of course, but I wouldn't get all rabid in denying this before I knew a little more. Oh wait, I forgot. This is our forum. We rabidly deny everything before we know the facts here. ;)

[doug maverick]

How about the movie coming out about the black mafia gangsters. Who ever heard of such. There are black gangs but a black mafia, come on? Get Real. It's about the same thing. Their trying to re-do the Godfather. You can tell by the advertisements for that movie that thats what thier going for. Just ridiculous. Instead of putting a hit out on someone thier just going to cap em'......lol.

your a moron who really doesn't know alot about waht going on in the world today. first offf american gangster is not about a black mafia it is nothing like the godfather either(ho do i know this well i worked on the set) its a true story about a drug dealer named frank lucas. oh and the "Black mafia" or what FBI calls the black mafia is real and very hard to crack, the feds have been trying to do it since th 60's when it came into being. but the idea of a black mafia goes back to l capone but thats another story and this a thread abouta film that may not evn be. i remember when kill bill was first anounce everyone on this board was bad mouthing it and saying how horrible it was going to be then it came out and all of u were sucking tarrintino's ****. and so what if the film is staring a black kid, let it its just a movie. willow sword i see what you were saying and i'm with you on that, but think about it we would all like more ma films made but if there is no demand for them then hollywood is not gonna waste money on it so just be happy that a top earner like will smith once to attach his name to it weather he should direct or not is an entirely defferent story. all i'm saing this is not imdb this a M.A. media forum lets act like we have some sence and as for mr. racist up ther talking abouta nine year old kid being on crack. grow up man

[Jimbo]

doug:
Maybe I am out of touch...I actually pay as little attention to Hollywood anymore as I can. But a lot of the young people I see around are into that stuff, even lots of the boys. That, and the opposite spectrum, they are into watching/talking about, and a small few actually practicing, MMA, moreso than karate/kung fu.

Oh, yeah, before Kill Bill came out I was one of those who was looking forward to it. But I have to say I WAS really glad Tarantino did not play Pai Mei; that would have been stupid.

[Shaolinlueb]

whats funny is, will smith in wold wild west played a role originally played by a whiteman. no complaints there from anyone. if a white man played a role originally played by a black man, al sharpten would be all over it. nothing against you doug, you know i love tlaking and working with you, its just the other a-holes out there. and yes there are the a-hole white people too.

heck i am going to remake shaft and play shaft!

[Shaolinlueb]

your a moron who really doesn't know alot about waht going on in the world today. first offf american gangster is not about a black mafia it is nothing like the godfather either(ho do i know this well i worked on the set) its a true story about a drug dealer named frank lucas. oh and the "Black mafia" or what FBI calls the black mafia is real and very hard to crack, the feds have been trying to do it since th 60's when it came into being. but the idea of a black mafia goes back to l capone but thats another story and this a thread abouta film that may not evn be. i remember when kill bill was first anounce everyone on this board was bad mouthing it and saying how horrible it was going to be then it came out and all of u were sucking tarrintino's ****. and so what if the film is staring a black kid, let it its just a movie. willow sword i see what you were saying and i'm with you on that, but think about it we would all like more ma films made but if there is no demand for them then hollywood is not gonna waste money on it so just be happy that a top earner like will smith once to attach his name to it weather he should direct or not is an entirely defferent story. all i'm saing this is not imdb this a M.A. media forum lets act like we have some sence and as for mr. racist up ther talking abouta nine year old kid being on crack. grow up man

if you ask anyone who lived in new york around the time of the black mafia and the peurto rican are the ones that chased the italian mafia out of nyc. so that movie is quite true and believable. the italians went to vegas, now there are only remnents of italian mafia in nyc, but they are mostly in rhode island and parts of mass.

[doug maverick]

i'm gonna ke a film called last black man on earth starring tom hanks. honestly what does it matter if the original person who played the character was white. man i was n a play and i played a 18th centuy chinese general. its cinema race is alwayssubject to change. ti about othello a black man plyed by white actors in black face for years. only in america are peopl so hung up by race. can we please get over this **** already and move on.

[mkriii]

Jimbo.....not only would Al Sharpton be all over it if a white man played the part that was originally a black man's but so would the "great" Rev. Jesse Jackson.

[Shaolinlueb]

those 2 guys annoy me sometimes. but doug is right cinema race doesnt really matter.

[BoulderDawg]

i'm gonna ke a film called last black man on earth starring tom hanks.

Real original quote here. Someone should tell that to Paul Mooney. He might used it on a TV show.

[doug maverick]

yeh maybe i should te him that. like knw one has eer seen the dave chappelle showand know its from there. shut up. and stay on topic please and thank you

[Li Kao]

the real reason why Hollywood always has and always will pump out remakes as well as make sequels is simply: $$$ Think of all the big movies in the past decade and how many were part of a franchise/sequel? The Karate Kid is one of the movies that has always maintained a cult following, so I'm sure the financial backing is banking on making a decent profit, which it will most assuredly will. Is there anyone on this forum who can honestly say they wouldn't see it, even if it was just out of curiosity?

I don't care as much about who's directing or acting in this one as much as long as they preserve the message of the film. Though given the current state of martial arts in America, I'm suprised they haven't made "The UFC Kid" yet. :D

[Goldenmane]

Will Smith is directing the movie, but his son is not going to star in it. Considering his kid's nine years old, I'm surprised anyone thought that Jayden would be chosen to star, even if it is his dad directing.

Frankly, I hold to the view that The Karate Kid was responsible for a whole lot of troubles with popular perception of the martial arts, and would like to see it shot and buried in an unmarked grave at the crossroads on a moonless night. I blame Karate Kid for the proliferation of idiots who thought that training in the martial arts includes moralistic preachiness and the whole "we train to fight so we don't have to fight" mindset that has permeated the m.a. world and enabled the graowth of the slappy-happy-dance-tourney industry.

If it wasn't for Karate Kid, we wouldn't have had the Three Ninjas. The world would be much better for it, too.

But then, I'm funny like that.

[doug maverick]

actually smith is producing not directing and last i heard his son is still involved in the project.

[Goldenmane]

Producing, directing... yeah, I mixed that up. I really should know better.

There's no credibility about a nine-year-old kid playing the lead role, though. Still, there's no credibility to the story anyway, so I guess that doesn't really mean anything.

[doug maverick]

well its just will smith expressing his interest in it and smith has star power. he can get 150 million dollar films green lit.

[mkriii]

Goldenmane.......I understand what your saying about how the Karate Kid was responsible for the whole idea about martial arts teaching moral principles and learning m.a. so you don't have to fight but doesn't martial arts kind of teach that anyways? I mean the whole thing about bowing when entering the kwoon or dojo and the bowing to your sifu or sensei, isn't that showing moral principle? Isn't that a form of showing respect? Didn't the samarai warrior teach and believe in the whole honor and respect and fighting only when you had to thing? I believe this had something to do with the code of bushido didn't it? I'm not axactly sure of what this code says but from what I understand it has to do a little bit about these things you say m.a. aren't supposed to teach. I understand that m.a. are for combat but if your good in whatever m.a. it is you do, does that give you the right to be a bully or go around starting fights and being disrespectful? Just my take on the subject.

:)

[SPJ]

I like the first episode of karate kid.

It was perfect.

wax on and wax off.

an okinawan vet dealing with precocious impatient teens.

before anything else.

wax on and wax off, then wax on all the cars.

paint the wall

--

classics.

:)

[SPJ]

even with remake, some new twists or ideas have to be introduced.

not just changing persons playing characters.

--

:)

[BoulderDawg]

I say instead of a remake why not just bring back Ralph Macchio(I'm sure he would appreciate the work) as Daniel and have him mentor a young kid.

[SPJ]

just make it new one and call it karate bro.

here is a script just for the fun of it.

an african american solider landed in normady or somewhere in europe or north africa. fought ss panzer division or german afrika korp etc.

he got to know a japanese/okinawan solider. so they became the best pals after the war. they both went back to their communities. will smith learned karate from jackie chan.

will smith saw kids involved in drugs, gangs, guns or bullies in the school yard. he started a karate school to teach some ethics and helped the kids stay in school and do no drugs. and the community loved him.

karate brothers or kung fu brothers.

:D;)

[SPJ]

the idea is that if we could win a foreign war at the front

we could also win the drug war at home front or our hood.

takes courage, heart and the whole community.

ain't no drug in my hood.

left, left, left right left. wax on and wax off.

--

:D

[doug maverick]

stick to your day job:D

[SPJ]

will smith leading in remake movies.

I like the "wild wild west".

I hope that they would make a similar if not greater leap in the remake of karate kid.

:):cool:

[Jimbo]

How's about a movie version of The Partridge Family?:P

[doug maverick]

yeah i hope they don't do that but then again this is hollywood we're talking about

[Yao Sing]

Get Some (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1023111/) just finished up filming and is currently in post scheduled for a 4/08 release.

It's pretty much Karate Kid for the MMA crowd. Might just go straight to DVD but it could put a damper on the re-make.

[Goldenmane]

Goldenmane.......I understand what your saying about how the Karate Kid was responsible for the whole idea about martial arts teaching moral principles and learning m.a. so you don't have to fight but doesn't martial arts kind of teach that anyways? I mean the whole thing about bowing when entering the kwoon or dojo and the bowing to your sifu or sensei, isn't that showing moral principle? Isn't that a form of showing respect? Didn't the samarai warrior teach and believe in the whole honor and respect and fighting only when you had to thing? I believe this had something to do with the code of bushido didn't it? I'm not axactly sure of what this code says but from what I understand it has to do a little bit about these things you say m.a. aren't supposed to teach. I understand that m.a. are for combat but if your good in whatever m.a. it is you do, does that give you the right to be a bully or go around starting fights and being disrespectful? Just my take on the subject.

Showing respect to the guy who is training you in the arts of fighting isn't morality, and is in fact completely divorced from such. In theory at least, this is a guy who can kick your @rse nine ways from Sunday, and you want him to teach you... not showing him respect is pretty much just asking for the former and begging for him to withhold the latter.

And regards samurai... I'd be willing to bet that they fought whenever they were told to by the guys in charge, like any armed forces anywhere anytime.

My beef with The Karate Kid is that it provided an avenue for exactly this kind of misapprehension to become the mainstream view of the martial arts. Look at the schools that have the dojo kun- one of the most commonly misunderstood and misinterpreted pieces of text out there- on the walls... they go on about respect and not using what you know and all this other shallow, pseudo-morality, and in virtually every case you will be looking at a school that doesn't actually teach the students any valid fighting skills.

Another beef I have with TKK is that Daniel-san didn't actually have to put in any decent amount of practice to become the supposedly amazing fighting machine that defeats his opponent, or whatever... (yeah, it's not like a point-tourney means anything, but the flick didn't exactly make that clear), thus apparently lending credence to the idea that you don't actually have to train (hard, against opponents, for extended periods) to become an accomplished fighter. This has, in turn, led to such travesties as people thinking that taking a Tae Bo class will provide them with real skills in self defense. And other such nonsense.

In other words, TKK was largely responsible for the flowering of total @sshattery in the western world as regards the MAs.

You know, right up to when people discovered Hong Kong cinema.

[Sidi]

Now I know there is no God! Bad Idea folks. Next thing you know they'll want to remake Star Wars. Then again if George Lucas lives long enough, they probably will! Anything for another dollar, that's the capitalist way!

[GeneChing]

...very interested...


Stephen Chow to Direct Remake of 'The Karate Kid (http://www.asianpopcorn.com/default.asp?display=1283)

Hollywood star Will Smith met actor-filmmaker Stephen Chow Friday in Hong Kong, where he attended the Asian premiere of the sci-fi thriller "I am Legend," and invited him to produce, direct and star in the remake of the hit 1984 martial arts movie "The Karate Kid."

Reports say Smith selected Chow because he likes the innovative actions in Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle," as well as his latest film "CJ7," which Smith had seen a rough cut edition at Sony Pictures Classics.
Stephen Chow

Chow told the media, "I'm very fond of 'The Karate Kid' and would love to join in the remake project, no matter as a producer, director or actor. But it depends on my schedule. As you know, next year I will work on two movies, 'Dragon Ball' and 'Journey to the West.'"

Will Smith hopes to shoot the movie in China.

[GeneChing]

The next questions are who plays Miyagi and Ali?


Will's Kid To Be New Karate Kid (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/entertainment-catch-all/2007/12/13/will-s-kid-to-be-new-karate-kid-86908-20242620/)

Dec 13 2007 Beverley Lyons And Laura Sutherland

HOLLYWOOD superstar Will Smith has confirmed his son is set to be the new Karate Kid.

The actor said nine-year-old Jaden is lined up to be the martial arts prodigy in a remake of the cult 80s film. He told US TV show Extra: "I met with a few people in China. We're looking to shoot there."

[doug maverick]

well if he shoots in china it should be called kung fu kid.

[doug maverick]

i told you guys to just be patient on this film, that it'll turn out right. don;t know if chow will direct i mean his plate is pretty full. the journey to the west thing look good. and he just finished producing the movie version of jump and he has dragon ball now to produce. the guy is a machine. hollywoods been wanting to work with chow more then jackie so i know they are happy.

[unkokusai]

How about the movie coming out about the black mafia gangsters. Who ever heard of such. There are black gangs but a black mafia, come on? Get Real. It's about the same thing. Their trying to re-do the Godfather. You can tell by the advertisements for that movie that thats what thier going for. Just ridiculous. Instead of putting a hit out on someone thier just going to cap em'......lol.



Interesting to see that the evidence of your racist tendencies manifested so early on...

[冠木侍]

american idol and all that crap appeals to young girl but not to young boys my man, whats popular with young boys today is still martial arts all the popular japanese anime and even american anime have proved it, and if this movie gets made(which i kinda hope it does) there's gonna be another surge of kids running to take martial arts lessons. you sound out of touch man, is all the hollywood bullsh!t getting to you???;)

Generalizations abound...makes me wonder how they get so many votes on AI. The target demographic seems to be more than just young girls...(I know quite a few who aren't interested in such things).

Isn't the term "American Anime" an oxymoron? Certain terms should just not be lumped together....

I've got no problems with Will Smith or Jaden but this doesn't seem to be a good idea. I myself don't see a surge of new martial arts practicioners. He can make whatever movie he wants. But will it be accepted by all the self proclaimed movie critics? It will definitely have a different "attitude" than the original. Not only are you changing the actor but he is only nine. Someone at the high school age would be more appropriate, especially if they are going to have a girlfriend on set (to make things believable).

**He replaced a 'white guy' in I Am Legend novel but the movie still seemed to do well.**

**Elizabeth Shue, was so cute in her role. Probably going to get some attractive newcomer actress to fill the role of the gf....

[doug maverick]

well considering anime is a style of cartoon, if its drawn by americans it becomes american anime. lol, as for the film who knows we'll see

[冠木侍]

well considering anime is a style of cartoon, if its drawn by americans it becomes american anime.

Anime is actually a term used to describe animation from a certain place. You should probably already know this; obviously 'anime' is a french word that is used by Japanese to describe animation in general. When other people (non-Japanese) say anime, they usually are just talking about cartoons that were conceived of and/or created in Japan. IOW, their unique way of animation. When Japanese use their term, they mean it to encompass all animation styles.

A bunch of contempo cartoons exhibit the "style" of anime or try to emulate its uniqueness but that is all that they are, imitations of the original style.

Like i said, probably something you were already aware of but might have just forgot due to the frenzy of posting on topics that you feel passionate about.

Take care.

lol, as for the film who knows we'll see

Funny to hear that. There are those here who have already passed judgment on this movie...

..................

[GeneChing]

I couldn't resist posting this one. Ralph has been in the where-are-they-now file for some time...
The Karate Kid to star in Ugly Betty (http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/tv-news/274903/the-karate-kid-to-star-in-ugly-betty/1/)
Ralph Macchio to play city official in hit show
Wednesday, 24 September 2008

The Karate Kid is to make a comeback – in the new series of Ugly Betty.

Ralph Macchio, who has been out of the limelight since starring in the hit martial arts films, is lined up to do a guest appearance as city official Archie Rodriguez.

The actor won an army of fans playing Daniel LaRusso when the movie was released in 1984.

Ralph, 46, will be seen on screen in the US at the end of October.

[iron_silk]

I don't watch Ugly Betty...I tried but couldn't stand it...but good for Ralph on getting on a rather popular show.

No one who watched Karate Kid for good action (even as a kid I was making fun of the action) but I loved the actors, 80's music, and the story was done well enough.

I definitely identified as the outcast kid...the only thing I can't relate to is winning the tournament and getting the girl...I think I've said too much now.

[sanjuro_ronin]

46 years old?
****...I loved the Miyagi character other than that, not much was any good.
Sure the Sato one was a walking stereotype, Reese was hilarious and the Pony-Tail TKD guy in the 3rd was a walking cliche.
It was all good people !

[GeneChing]

He's probably still baby-faced tho.

Ugly Betty isn't nearly as good as Yo Soy Betty La Fea. Telenovelas are hot. Even with Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty can't match the original.

[doug maverick]

hey was on an ep of entourage. while he's not baby faced anymore he doesn't look a man who is four years away from being 50.

[GeneChing]

...but fresh.
Will Smith's son Jaden Smith to be new "Karate Kid" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2008/11/will-smiths-son.html)

Jadensmith Will Smith’s showbiz dynasty is taking over Hollywood.

Jaden Smith starred with his doting dad in “The Pursuit of Happyness” and he’s also in the new sci-fi remake of “The Day the Earth Stood Still.”

Now he’s putting on his brown belt for another remake. This time, it's an updated version of the 1984 film, "The Karate Kid."

And it turns out the role is tailor- made for him: He's already into martial arts!

Variety says the new KK will shoot in Beijing and other international cities.

But don’t worry.

The plot will probably still be "Only the 'Old One' could teach him the secrets of the masters." And "He taught him the secret to karate lies in the mind and heart. Not in the hands."

Thankfully.

It would be horrible if they tried a new plot.

Wonder who will play the late Pat Morita's mentor role? Any suggestions?

[peace&love]

What does everyone think about casting Gordon Liu as the new version of Miyagi?

[golgo]

I dont know about the new Karate Kid movie, but my personal childhood favorite is supposedly getting re-made: The Last Dragon. The only details I know is that Samuel L. Jackson is playing Sho'nuf and that Taimak will not be in the movie (neither will Vanity, I'm assuming).

[GeneChing]

I chased down the Variety article that was posted on Mon., Nov. 10, 2008, 9:00pm PT, which was spawned the Envelope blog above. The Variety is more informative.

Jaden Smith set for 'Karate Kid' redo (http://www.variety.com/VR1117995614.html?query=karate+kid)
Columbia taps Chris Murphy to write script
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Columbia Pictures is back in the dojo with a new version of the 1984 hit "The Karate Kid," which has been refashioned as a star vehicle for Jaden Smith.

The film will be produced by Jerry Weintraub (who launched the original franchise) and Overbrook Entertainment's James Lassiter, Will Smith and Ken Stovitz. Will Smith, who is the 10-year-old actor's father, co-starred alongside Jaden in his feature debut, "The Pursuit of Happyness," which Overbrook and Escape Artists produced for Columbia.

The script is being written by Chris Murphy, and the film will shoot next year in Beijing and other cities. While the new film will be set in that exotic locale, it will borrow elements of the original plot, wherein a bullied youth learns to stand up for himself with the help of an eccentric mentor.

China Film Group Corp. will co-produce in China.

The younger Smith, who next stars in "The Day the Earth Stood Still," is a martial arts practitioner.

Columbia presidents Doug Belgrad and Matt Tolmach said they had been trying to find a way to bring back the series, which began with three films that featured Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. A subsequent film launched the career of Hilary Swank.

[GeneChing]

Jackie sort of works for me for Miyagi, even though he's Chinese. If they plan on reworking it significantly, I could see it. But if they are relocating the story to China, shouldn't it be the Kung Fu Kid? :rolleyes:
Jackie Chan circles 'Karate Kid' remake (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i8bd9b0da7b2e5cc5f9d2fe9e5d4d7fbb)
Harald Zwart brought in to direct Columbia pic
By Steven Zeitchik and Borys Kit
Jan 13, 2009, 07:06 PM ET

Jackie Chan soon could be mentoring a karate kid.

The martial arts star is in negotiations to star in Columbia's remake of "The Karate Kid." He would take on the role of mentor Mr. Miyagi, made famous by Pat Morita in the original franchise.

The studio also has signed Harald Zwart to helm the picture, which possibly will begin shooting this year in Beijing.

Jaden Smith is set to star as the boy to be mentored by Chan's character. Like the original, which starred Morita and Ralph Macchio, the movie will examine the relationship between a martial arts expert and a boy who is picked on by bullies.

Will Smith, James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz's Overbrook Entertainment is producing along with the original film's producer Jerry Weintraub. The setting will be relocated from the U.S. to China. Chris Murphy has been attached to pen the screenplay.

The WMA-repped Chan, who next appears in Relativity's action-comedy "The Spy Next Door," has broad appeal overseas, which undoubtedly appealed to Columbia. His "Rush Hour" franchise has earned about $750 million worldwide.

The ICM-repped Zwart directed the tween hit "Agent Cody Banks" and Columbia's upcoming "The Pink Panther 2."

[enoajnin]

I heard that rumour about Jackie being Mr Miyagi and I thought how could it be the karate kid if Mr. Miyagi is from China. He probably wouldn't be named Miyagi, either. I'm sure the producers are saying just don't worry about it.

Some of our pundits on the radio didn't think Jackie would have the gravitas to play him, either. Maybe they need to see more JC movies. Or maybe they should reflect on the fact that Mr Miyagi started off as Arnold on Happy Days.

[ktkungfu]

I wish they would leave this movie alone. I Know the martial arts schools probabley need the boost in enrollments but they should think of another martial arts movie. If they do make it Jackie would be good Mr. Miyagi but the focus should be on kung fu.

[Shaolinlueb]

ralph machio was excellent in my cousin vinny. how could they forget those yuthe's.

[Zenshiite]

You know, I think of Ralph Macchio as Johnny from the Outsiders way more than I remember him for Daniel-san. I've seen The Outsiders more, and I like it better.

"Let's do it for Johnny!"

[GeneChing]

But a cute pic...
Hi-ya! Suri Cruise plays karate kid on a chilly New York day out with mother Katie Holmes (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1121685/Hi-ya-Suri-Cruise-plays-karate-kid-chilly-New-York-day-mother-Katie-Holmes.html)
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:08 PM on 19th January 2009

She may be only a few months away from her third birthday, but Suri Cruise is already proving quite the skilled youngster.

The toddler was spotted showing off her karate skills as she took a walk with her mum Katie Holmes on the streets of New York yesterday.

As the former Dawson's Creek actress kept a watchful eye on her daughter, the little girl stretched out her growing limbs as she performed a high karate kick on the streets of Manhattan's trendy East Village.

Karate kid: Suri Cruise does a karate kick as she walks with mother Katie Holmes down the streets of New York's East Village

Despite the chilly winter weather, which hovered around zero degrees yesterday, determined Suri looked happy without a coat as she larked around in her brown velvet dress and leggings.

The toddler was also wearing her trademark style staple - buckled ballet pumps.

As Suri practised her martial arts along the street, her 30-year-old mother had her hands full carrying her designer handbag, a Paddington Bear teddy and a £140 My Little Travelwrap cashmere blanket.

Under Mummy's watch: Katie looks in delight as her daughter keeps herself entertained

Even though Katie's Broadway run ended over a week ago, the actress is yet to move back to Beverly Hills, where she has a mansion with husband Tom Cruise.

She flew back to Los Angeles briefly a week ago to join her spouse at the Golden Globe after-parties, before returning to the Big Apple.

Suri has been living in New York City since September after temporarily relocating with her mother while Katie starred in the Broadway production of All My Sons.

The toddler's daily appearances on the streets of Manhattan made her a tabloid favourite and she was recently voted most influential celebrity offspring in a poll.

2009 is set to be a low-key year for Katie, who has no film roles lined up after her role in crime caper Mad Money last year.

No doubt, Katie will be planning a special celebration for Suri's third birthday on April 18 - which also marks the fourth anniversary of Katie and Tom's first date.

Meanwhile, husband Tom is set to start filming new comedy drama called Men in the next few months after he is finished promoting his latest release Valkyrie.

[GeneChing]

Macchio's comments won't trump Will Smith.
Macchio: 'Karate Kid' shouldn't be remade (http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a143981/macchio-karate-kid-shouldnt-be-remade.html)
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 06:48 EST
By Simon Reynolds, Entertainment Reporter

Karate Kid star Ralph Macchio has objected to the proposed remake of his '80s martial arts movie.

Speaking to MTV, Macchio confessed that he was happy to see the new version being met with a cool reception by fans of the original.

"It feels pretty good that some people are pretty angry that they're trying to remake The Karate Kid," he said. "It feels good that the public feels you don't touch certain things. Some times you go back to that, and probably shouldn't."

Macchio starred in 1984's The Karate Kid and two sequels before handing over the franchise's title role to Hilary Swank.

The 47-year-old claimed that replacing the late Pat Morita as karate mentor Mr Miyagi will be the biggest challenge the remake faces.

"From my personal view, the filling the void of what Mr. Miyagi was - and the magic of that character - is going to be the toughest task," he commented.

Jaden Smith will lead the cast of the new Karate Kid with Jackie Chan in the Miyagi role. The Pink Panther 2's Harald Zwart is directing, with Will Smith on board in a producer capacity.

[enoajnin]

At least Harold Zwart of Pink Panther 2 fame is directing. It must be quality. I know. I know. Judging before seeing is bad.

[Jimbo]

I agree that it should be changed to 'The Kung Fu Kid' if it's in China, and Jackie's character needs a different name, not 'Mr. Miyagi'. I mean, seriously. Unless they're going to make a set in China appear like Okinawa (I doubt it). The story will have to be changed so much due not only to it being in China, but Jaden Smith is way younger than the character Danny Laruso in the original (who was 16 or 17; I think Macchio was actually 22 - 23 years old at the time of filming). Needing to be changed so much, why even call it Karate Kid?! Also, others will disagree, but Jaden doesn't seem as likable onscreen either.

I agree with an earlier post that Gordon Liu would have been a good choice for a kung fu instructor. He's arguably a better actor than Jackie Chan, and would be good in a master role. If the martial art was kept Japanese, I would think Yasuaki Kurata would have fit the bill. He was suggested by someone on the KFC site, and IMO choosing him would have been a perfect choice (very good actor and karateman). I guess we'll have to wait and see how this works out to make a judgment on Jaden and Jackie, though.

[GeneChing]

Yoda to a young Skywalker indeed...
Will Smith Calls Original Karate Kid for Advice (http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b102798_will_smith_calls_original_karate_kid.html)
Wed., Mar. 4, 2009 7:05 PM PST by Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna

Will Smith gave Ralph Macchio quite the surprise recently, calling the Karate Kid star out of the blue to talk about his remake of the 1984 film. Smith's a producer on the updated kickfest, and his son Jaden is set to star.

"It was very cool," Macchio tells E! News. "He called and said, 'Would you mind getting on the phone with my son?' I felt like Yoda to young Skywalker."

The original Daniel-san, who currently has a guest spot on ABC's Ugly Betty, said Jaden was "adorable and completely respectful and excited. I just told him to have fun. That was my advice."

Macchio also says he might have talked a bit too "candidly" when he first spoke out about the remake in January...

At the time, Macchio said that he would not be involved with the remake and that he wasn't sure about the casting of Jackie Chan as Mr. Miyagi, originally played by the late Pat Morita.

But today Macchio told us, "I spoke too candidly about that at first. Look, I will look at anything that crosses the desk on it. But I really think for the sake of the connection to those films and certainly the original film, I think that they're going to want to create their own version of it that is its own thing."

He also said that a cameo doesn't interest him.

"If it was a character, a written role, I would not turn away looking at that," he told us. "I support them making their own hit franchise."

[Shaolinlueb]

god this movie sounds like complete garbage.

[GeneChing]

I guess Jackie heard me. :cool:
Jackie Chan looks to revamp his image with new film (http://www.3news.co.nz/Jackie-Chan-looks-to-revamp-his-image-with-new-film/tabid/817/articleID/97400/cat/84/Default.aspx)
Fri, 27 Mar 2009 8:03p.m.

Jackie Chan is 53 now, and despite breaking almost every bone in his body he is nowhere near retirement – but is considering a major image change.

Chan told Campbell Live and Film 3's Kate Rodger he wants to be taken more seriously, and be China's very own Robert de Niro.

"I don't want to be an action star my whole life," says Chan. "I want to be an actor. I want to be an actor who can fight, not a fighter who can act."

It is hardly surprising Chan is keen to slow down. He has starred in almost 50 films - doing all his own stunts. He is an uninsurable walking miracle.

In one of Chan's more death-defying stunts, where he jumped several stories inside a mall down a lighting pole, got straight up and finished the scene. He was electrocuted, seriously hurt his back and dislocated his pelvis.

"I remember when I met Stephen Spielberg, and I say, 'How you make the dinosaur movie, getting them jumping around, it's amazing!' 'Easy,' he said, 'I just push the button, button, button - Jackie, how you jump from the building?' I say, 'Easy - rolling camera, jump, cut, hospital. That's how we make action movie.'"

Rolling camera, jump, cut, hospital - the Jackie Chan mantra.

Chan started out in Hong Kong at 14 as a stunt man - no protection, no insurance, and no job if you get injured.

"When you get hurt, you fired, even when you're hurt you tell the director, 'I am fine.'"

Chan certainly was fine, learning the hard way courtesy of Bruce Lee, and would not be despatched so easily every again.

After Lee's untimely demise, Chan pioneered his own brand of action, delivered with slapstick humour and with the trademark Jackie Chan grin.

"No violence, no sex, always happy-go-lucky," he says. "Whenever you're punched you get up, nobody die in my movie, no bruise," he laughs. "Everybody survives."

After dozens of Chinese films, Hollywood came calling. The Rush Hour franchise may have lost him a few of his hardcore fans, but they were box office winners, and he is pretty open about his reasons for embracing the mainstream.

"Honestly, when I make some Hollywood film, only for the money. Honestly."

Now Chan is ready for the next chapter in his career, a move he hopes his audience is ready for too.

"Action star - the life is very short," he says. "For the last 10 years I change my character. Very difficult for the audience to accept me. Without action, without stunt, without jumping off the bridge, diving from the building..."

This is Chan's latest film, Shinjuku Incident, which opens here next week. It is not the Jackie Chan we know - here is a far darker more serious man, barely cracking a smile, and he is not necessarily the good guy.

His character 'Steelhead' leaves his home in China for Tokyo, searching for his hometown sweetheart. He finds her now married to the Japanese mob, and ends up in a brutal fight for his life, and those of everyone he loves.

"When you have nothing, the bad guy will use you to do bad things," says Chan. "But what can you do, you have to survive. Otherwise you just die on the street."

The role was a conscious decision to change his own image.

"If I continue to make these films, Rush Hour 1, 2, 3... I am tired. Every day doing the same thing. I want to change. I look at Robert de Niro and Dustin Hoffman, wow, you can do bad guy, good guy, he can play god, comedy, cartoon – there's so many things. I want to be a real actor."

Chan's not ready to turn his back on Hollywood entirely. He has just shot The Spy Next Door, and confirmed he has signed up to "wax on wax off" as Mr Miyagi in the The Karate Kid remake.

"They don't want to call it Karate Kid anymore," he says. "They want to call it Kung Fu Kid."

He is also looking to head to New Zealand next year to shoot part of his new film in Rotorua.

"New Zealand - beautiful place, all green... keep it that way!" he says. "So beautiful!"

[GeneChing]

This just crossed my desk:
Looking for:
Boy,
1. 11-13 yrs old
2. Light skin African American
3. 4'7" 60lbs
4. slim build and knows Wu Shu.
5. Must look like Jaden Smith (Will Smith's son)
6.Two months in China shooting

Let me know if you know someone that fits this bill. I have the contacts.
;)

[GeneChing]

I should see Pursuit of Happyness. Maybe it'll make this remake make more sense...
Karate Kid reboot comes together (http://movieblaze.wordpress.com/2009/06/16/karate-kid-reboot-comes-together/)
Posted by movieblaze under Blazin' News

It looks like Will Smith is assembling a very serious team for his family reboot 80s classic The Karate Kid. Not only has he drafted screenwriter Steve Conrad who penned tear-jerker The Pursuit Of Happyness for himself and his son, but he has also signed Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson to play Jaden’s single mother.

Conrad, who wrote The Weather Man for Nicolas Cage, replaces newcomer Chris Murphy who was original hired to form the script. The established writer currently has two other irons in the script-writing fire with both familial drama Aloft and Brad Pitt look-alikey comedy Chad Schmidt in pre-production.

Production on The Karate Kid/ Kung Fu Kid or whatever they are calling it now, kicks off next month with Agent Cody Banks director Harald Zwart overseeing the proceedings. Jackie Chan – who will assume the Mr Miyagi mentor mantle, now called Mr Han – must be practising his “wax on, wax off” technique as we speak.

Jaden plays Dre, a young boy who moves to California with his single mum and looks to a local martial arts teacher to coach him through being tough times in his new home by using moves like the Crane Kick to whoop some bully ass.

The film is due for release in July 2010.

[Jimbo]

Man, I really hope they don't have Jackie spewing fortune cookie proverbs.

[GeneChing]

I'm still wondering who will play Ali Mills...
Will Smith : Will Smith and family to shoot Karate Kid remake in China (http://www.newspostonline.com/entertainment/will-smith-will-smith-and-family-to-shoot-karate-kid-remake-in-china-2009061859585)

Actor Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith are planning to got to China this summer for the filming of Karate Kid remake.

The couple will be producing the film, which will feature their son Jaden and martial arts king Jackie Chan.

“Will and I are producing our son’s movie, Kung Fu Kid, and we’ll be in Beijing for two-and-a-half months.

We’re really excited about that. The Smith clan will be in China this summer,” Contactmusic quoted Pinkett Smith, as telling U.S. news show Extra. (ANI)

[Shaolinlueb]

This just crossed my desk:


Let me know if you know someone that fits this bill. I have the contacts.
;)

funny, I fit all those.

[doug maverick]

This just crossed my desk:


Let me know if you know someone that fits this bill. I have the contacts.
;)

my little nephew would be perfect for this. if he was serious about his ma practice. but he's still probably better then most.

[Tensei85]

Sounds interesting,

Kung Fu Kid I hope it doesn't turn out to be generic. Maybe its a long shot...

[Tensei85]

But then again given its a rip off of Karate Kid, I suppose overly generic is in the lineup.

[doug maverick]

But then again given its a rip off of Karate Kid, I suppose overly generic is in the lineup.

actually if you would have read the many other post you would have known its not a ripoff but an official remake.it was changed to the kung fu kid, after many chinese elements such as jackie chan and the local "china" was added to the story.

[Tensei85]

actually if you would have read the many other post you would have known its not a ripoff but an official remake.it was changed to the kung fu kid, after many chinese elements such as jackie chan and the local "china" was added to the story.

That really doesn't make a difference...

The idea is the same, with additions to the story via characters, locations, etc.. really doesn't change the concept.

btw, I read all posts up to now...

Either way it will be interesting.

[GeneChing]

Still want to know who will be Ali....
'Boston Legal' Actress Taraji P. Henson to Star in 'Karate Kid' Remake (http://www.buddytv.com/articles/boston-legal/boston-legal-actress-taraji-p-29653.aspx)
Sunday, June 28, 2009

Taraji P. Henson, who played Whitney Rome on Boston Legal and most recently as Brad Pitt's mother in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, will soon take on yet another motherly role. This time, the BET Best Actress winner will be playing the mother of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's son Jaden in the remake of The Karate Kid.

"I'm off to Beijing [soon] to work on a film," actress Taraji P. Henson revealed to MTV News. "They're remaking The Karate Kid."

The original Karate Kid is a 1984 film starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elisabeth Shue. Upon its first theatrical release, it became a commercial success and has retained its popular following, spawning a short-lived animated series spin-off and three movie sequels.

The remake of the '80s classic is reportedly called Kung Fu Kid, though Henson referred to the film by its original title. Will Smith, who serves as producer to the project, has cast his real life son and Pursuit of Happyness co-star in the role originally played by Macchio, as well as action star Jackie Chan.

"Jaden Smith -- Will and Jada's son -- is playing the karate kid. I'm playing his mom," Taraji P. Henson explained. "And Jackie Chan is playing Mr. Miyagi."

According to reports, Henson's character is a single mother named Sherry who is forced to move with her son to China in order to keep her job.

Aside from Boston Legal, Taraji P. Henson has appeared on various TV series, including Eli Stone, CSI, The Division and Smart Guy. In the silver screen, she is also credited for her roles in The Family that Preys, Not Easily Broken, and Hustle & Flow. At present, she's working on the comedy Date Night starring 30 Rock star Tina Fey and The Office actor Steve Carell.

Some new writing chops for Karate Kid reboot (http://www.riskybusinessblog.com/2009/06/karate-kid-writer-steven-conrad.html)
By Steven Zeitchik

Kar It looks like the Karate Kid will get a dose of Happyness.

Columbia has brought on Steven Conrad, who penned 2006’s “The Pursuit of Happyness,” to work on the studio’s reboot of the 1980s film.

The studio has also signed Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson to play the mother in the pic. Henson said on the red carpet at the recent MTV Movie Awards that she was soon off to work on the film, but this marks the first time the studio has confirmed the news.

Relative newcomer Chris Murphy was originally hired to write the script of the reboot. Conrad has a relationship with two of “Karate’s” producers, James Lassiter and Will Smith, via “Happyness,” which the pair’s Overbrook Entertainment produced and in which Smith starred.

The CAA-repped screenwriter also penned the Nicolas Cage family tale “The Weather Man” and is attached to write the Scott Rudin-produced drama “Aloft” and the celebrity look-alike dramedy “Chad Schmidt,” the latter also with Sony.

Production will begin next month on the new “Karate,” which Harald Zwart is directing. Jaden Smith occupies the role played by Ralph Macchio in the 1984 film, while Jackie Chan takes on the Pat Morita part.

The pic moves from Japanese themes and a California setting to Beijing where, according to reports, Smith’s character has just moved with his single mother and finds himself the target of bullies before turning to Chan’s character as a mentor.

[GeneChing]

Or does Will Smith look a little like Samuel L. Jackson in the 1st pic?
Will Smith brings Kung Fu kid to Beijing (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/showbiz/2009-07/09/content_8402930.htm)
(CRI)Updated: 2009-07-09 15:12

Oscar-nominated American actor Will Smith was spotted in Beijing on Wednesday with his wife and children. But this time, he was not the biggest star.

Smith was escorting Jaden, his 11-year-old son, to meet the crew of the upcoming Sino-American film "Kung Fu Kid", which will feature the award-winning child actor, Sohu.com reported.

The Smiths also met with Jackie Chan, who will play Jaden's mentor. Will Smith will play the antagonist and is also one of the film's producers.

"Kung Fu Kid", a remake of the 1984 American blockbuster "The Karate Kid", will be filmed in Beijing and is expected to be released in June 2010.

Will Smith was nominated for Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the 2006 family drama "The Pursuit of Happyness", in which he worked with his son. The film also won the younger Smith a Breakthrough Performance honor at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Will Smith and Family: Chillin’ in China (http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/will-smith-and-family-chillin-in-china-215425/)

They’re no strangers to massive media attention, and as they made their way through the streets of Beijing, China, Will Smith and his family attracted plenty of paparazzi.

The “I am Legend” stud was joined by his wife Jada Pinkett Smith and son Jaden as he made his way to Beijing Film Studio.

And this time, it’s Jaden who’s the star - he’ll be filming a new martial arts movie called “Kung Fu Kid” along with living legend Jackie Chan.

In the film (due out June 11th 2010) Jaden plays a boy whose mother moves to China for work. Over time he develops a love for martial arts and is taught by a Karate master (Chan).Karate master :rolleyes:

[Shaolinlueb]

its called kung fu kid, be he is going to be taught by a karate master. god people are idiots.

to me calling kung fu karate is like calling a muslim a jew.

[GeneChing]

Anyone else see Pink Panther 2 (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53061)? There was a nunchuk (http://www.martialartsmart.net/Nunchakus.html) scene... :rolleyes:
Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith start 'Karate Kid' remake (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j32HkP17UYiJWHh1mfJ2Dk2-7I8gD99DIL8O0)
By MIN LEE – 3 hours ago

BEIJING (AP) — Jackie Chan will play the wise kung-fu master in a Hollywood-Chinese remake of the 1984 hit "The Karate Kid" that kicked off filming in the Chinese capital at the weekend, a movie company publicist said Monday.

Chan's young disciple in "Kung Fu Kid" will be played by Jaden Smith, the son of Hollywood superstars Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, China Film Group spokesman Weng Li told The Associated Press in a phone interview.

In "The Karate Kid," Pat Morita plays the iconic building handyman Mr. Miyagi who trains one of his young tenants, portrayed by Ralph Macchio, into an accomplished fighter.

The co-production between the state-run China Film Group and Columbia Pictures started shooting Saturday in Beijing, Weng said.

"Kung Fu Kid" is being directed by Harald Zwart, who also directed "One Night at McCool's" and "The Pink Panther 2," Solon So, the chief executive of Chan's company, JC Group, told the AP.

Chan and Smith, along with Smith's parents and sister Willow, attended a traditional Chinese ceremony to mark the start of the shoot Saturday. Photos on China Film Group's movie news Web site show the Smith family and Chan holding incense sticks.

Will Smith — one of the film's producers — Chan, Zwart and others symbolically removed a piece of red cloth covering a movie camera, after which Smith gave Chan a hug, according to video posted on Chinese news Web site Sina.com. His hair done in a huge Afro and wearing a bright red track jacket and blue pants, Jaden Smith stood and waved when he was introduced. His father ruffled his hair when he sat down.

Chan said on his Web site he also attended the younger Smith's 11th birthday party last Wednesday, where he and Will Smith posed for pictures with young performers wearing red and yellow costumes with dragon patterns.

Ken Stovitz, one of Will Smith's partners in the production company Overbrook Entertainment, said at the ceremony Saturday that "Kung Fu Kid" will be set in modern-day Beijing. China Film Group chairman Han Sanping said shooting will last three months.

Chan juggles careers in Hollywood and Chinese-language film. The veteran 55-year-old Hong Kong action star will be seen in the upcoming the Hollywood action comedy "The Spy Next Door," about an undercover Chinese spy whose cover is blown, and the Chinese production, "Big Soldier," about the friendship between two soldiers set in China's ancient Qin dynasty.

Jaden Smith costarred with his father in the 2006 movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" and appeared in the 2008 Keanu Reeves sci-fi movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

[GeneChing]

I re-hyperlinked this article directly to the sina.com vid of the red cloth removal ceremony.
Shooting Begins On Officially Retitled ‘Kung Fu Kid’ (http://screenrant.com/shooting-begins-officially-retitled-kung-fu-kid-ross-17060/)

A remake of the classic ’80s movie, The Karate Kid, is something that, when announced, was met with the same groans and “Please no!” responses (from most folks out there) similar to about every other dreaded remake. The fact that they reportedly changed the name to Kung Fu Kid, as well as the storyline that was reported being a bit on the cheesy side, didn’t exactly help matters.

Today we get the news that the title of this remake has officially been changed to Kung Fu Kid.

Admittedly it makes sense since it’s Kung Fu our lead learns and not Karate as in the original. Playing the lead is Will Smith’s son, Jayden, as a kid (would you have guessed it?) who moves to China with his mum, gets bullied at school, and eventually ends up learning Kung Fu from Mr. Han (Jackie Chan, playing the remake’s equivalent of Mr. Miyagi). I’ve said it before - it’s not the absolute worst idea in the world, but couldn’t they have conjured something a bit better?

The Harald Zwart (Pink Panther 2) directed martial arts remake actually started filming this weekend in Beijing (heck, at least they’re shooting the camera’s in the right location…), where the story it will take place in modern day. The shooting schedule of the film is set to last for three months, and to celebrate the start of production, a traditional Chinese ceremony was held on Saturday.

Jayden Smith was there at the ceremony with his father, Will, mother, Jada Pinkett, and sister, Willow. In a video shot of the ceremony put online at Sina.com, Will Smith, Chan, and Zwart, “symbolically removed a piece of red cloth covering a movie camera, after which Smith gave Chan a hug.” If you want to take a look at the ten-minute video of the ceremony, you can head here.
Kung Fu Kid ceremony

'Kung Fu Kid' Beijing ceremony (http://video.sina.com.cn/ent/m/f/2009-07-11/135546896.shtml)

Even if the title change from The Karate Kid to Kung Fu Kid does distance the remake to the ’80s original, I still fear it will soil the reputation of it. I fully realize that if the remake sucks, we’ve still got the original, but as I have said on a number of occasions, today’s audiences might automatically think of this remake whenever “The Karate Kid” gets mentioned. It’s happened numerous times with all the remakes of classic horror movies (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, House of Wax, The Amityville Horror, on and on...), where most likely today’s (young) audiences will not even be aware there was one before these relentless 21st century rehashes.

I suppose that’s what the title change is for, but will the same happen with Kung Fu Kid? I believe it just might…

What do you think of this remake now officially being retitled Kung Fu Kid? Do you think there’s a chance it may turn out to be any good?

As stated, Kung Fu Kid started production last weekend in Beijing, but it doesn’t have a release date set as of yet. The film is directed by Harald Zwart, and written by Steven Conrad (The Pursuit of Happyness).

[GeneChing]

I've been thinking...if this film is one tenth as successful as Karate Kid was back in the day, it's going to be great for kung fu schools nationwide, a real boon for our industry. I'm crossing my fingers for that.

Jackie Chan praises kung fu of Will Smith's son (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gv6vArHdsb65kFMX1hAeC25Uum1QD99GK8E00)
By MIN LEE (AP) – 2 days ago

HONG KONG — Jackie Chan says "Kung Fu Kid" co-star Jaden Smith's dedication to martial arts puts his own son to shame.

The 11-year-old son of Hollywood stars Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith has been training under Chan's stunt co-ordinator for his role in the China Film Group-Columbia Pictures remake of the 1984 hit "The Karate Kid," which kicked off filming in Beijing on July 11.

In a diary entry on his official Web site, Chan said he was deeply impressed by the younger Smith's progress when he visited Los Angeles last month.

The veteran Hong Kong action star said Jaden Smith learned the Chinese phrases for different kung fu moves, responded to orders in Mandarin, and treated his teacher, Wu Gang, according to traditional Chinese custom.

"When he was thirsty, he gave the traditional hand gesture, putting one fist into the palm of the other, bowed and asked permission to drink some water," Chan said.

Chan said Smith even learned the drunken fighter routine he made famous in his 1978 film "Drunken Master."

"He put my son to shame! I provided my son with the best martial artists in the world, and he could not be persuaded to try it. In just two months, Jaden had learned so much. He is truly a talented boy," he said, adding he felt Smith was ready to perform his own stunts in "Kung Fu Kid."

Chan's son, Jaycee, is a singer and actor but has not followed in his father's footsteps as an action star.

Chan posted several photos with the diary entry showing him with Jaden Smith and his father.

He said he was skeptical at first of Jaden Smith's work ethic because he was born into a privileged family.

"Training in martial arts is hard work. It takes years to perfect even one punch or kick. Jaden's father is a famous celebrity, and Jaden probably knows he could get away without having to work very hard. If I couldn't get my own son to train in martial arts, how could anybody else succeed?" Chan said.

Chan said he suggested to Will Smith that he send his son to China for a few years of kung fu training, predicting "when he returns, his martial arts will be truly incredible."

Jaden Smith costarred with his father in the 2006 movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" and appeared in the 2008 Keanu Reeves sci-fi movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

[Lucas]

part of me wonders how much of this project involved 'dad i really want to meet jackie chan and learn some kungfu stuff from him.'

;)

[taai gihk yahn]

from the blog:

"What also impressed me about Jaden is that he comes from an affluent and famous family, and you would never guess that when you interact with him. I went to Will and shook his hands, telling him how proud I was that he had raised such a good boy. I know that Jaden is going to be a big movie star some day. He has all the qualities to become successful in whatever he does in the future. I wish I had a son like this. "

that is just so wrong...

[Lucas]

ouch........

[GeneChing]

Click for pics.
Wed, 16 September 2009 at 11:27 am
Jaden Smith is the Kung Fu Kid (http://justjaredjr.buzznet.com/2009/09/16/jaden-smith-is-the-kung-fu-kid/)

Jaden Smith learns some kung fu fighting moves from master Jackie Chan as they continue to film scenes for their upcoming movie, Kung Fu Kid.

The 11-year-old son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith has been training a long time for this role. According to Jackie Chan, via his official website, he shared that Jaden is a master. “He put my son to shame! I provided my son with the best martial artists in the world, and he could not be persuaded to try it. In just two months, Jaden had learned so much. He is truly a talented boy,” he wrote.

Kung Fu Kid, being filmed in Beijing, China and Wudangshan in central China’s Hubei province, is set to hit theaters Summer 2010.

10+ pics inside of Kung Fu Kid Jaden Smith…

If this film does one tenth of what the original did for the martial arts industry, it'll be a welcome (and much needed) boon to our economy. I've got my fingers crossed.

[yutyeesam]

My prediction is that this movie will be mediocre at best. It's most probably going to suck, unfortunately.

But, the release of the movie will be what school owners can take advantage of.

What would really help our industry is another Kung-Fu Panda type thing happening.

[doug maverick]

i think this film is going to be a smash hit...wheather its good or not doesnt matter. this is gonna be a critic proof film. and probably a tent pole movie.

[Jimbo]

IMO it'll probably be a big hit. It seems like anything that Will Smith is involved in (even if he's not actually appearing in the movie itself) is usually gold.

Whether or not it'll be a shot in the arm for KF schools, I don't know if MA movies have the same effect on bringing people into schools like they did back in the '70s and '80s.

[GeneChing]

There's really been three major film bumps for the martial arts industry: Enter the Dragon, Karate Kid and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. However, most of the schools in our area reported modest increases after both Forbidden Kingdom and Kung Fu Panda. Every little bit helps, especially these days.

Everybody was kungfu fighting (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/metro/2009-09/16/content_8696702.htm)
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-16 09:07

Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan (left) demonstrates his skills to 11-year-old Jaden Smith Tuesday on Wudangshan Mountain, Hubei province. [China Daily]

The Metro team has been keeping a close eye on Hollywood superstar Will Smith and his son Jaden after they were recently spotted wandering the hutongs of Beijing.

And as this new picture reveals, the mega-famous family has moved to Wudangshan Mountain in Hubei province to get lessons from a kungfu master.

Here we can see martial arts superstar Jackie Chan teaching Jaden in this first photo from upcoming film Kung Fu Kid.

Yesterday, Chan and young Smith spent hours shooting fight scenes for the film, which is a remake of the 1984 American teen blockbuster The Karate Kid that starred Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elizabeth Shue.

Before shooting began, the 55 year-old Hong Kong action star demonstrated his skills to Jaden and gave the 11 year-old tips on improving his technique.

The pair then armed themselves with bamboo sticks, positioned themselves on a wooden bridge and began to fight, Sina.com reported.

Chan received several blows on the chest and back.

Kung Fu Kid, a co-production between the State-run China Film Group and Columbia Pictures, began shooting last month in Beijing.

The Smith family were first spotted arriving for a meeting with Chan and the film crew at Beijing Film Studio on July 8, but have since kept a low profile.

According to reports, Kung Fu Kid is set in modern day China, and borrows elements from the original plot, wherein a bullied youth learns to stand up for himself with the help of an eccentric mentor.