Discuss: Who Could Play Mr. Miyagi in 'Karate Kid' Remake?
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Look, the original Karate Kid is one of those films that stays close to my heart at all times, and I totally see how you all would feel disgruntled after hearing the news that Jaden Smith (aka Will Smith's kid) will be starring in a remake. Good news is they're changing it up and setting the flick abroad, however the central concept (of a bullied boy who learns life lessons from an eccentric karate mentor) will remain the same. If Smith's kid has half the charm and charisma of his pop in a leading performance, this could turn out to be a reasonably successful re-launching for the younger tweens.
Right now, we're not sure whether they'll be using the name Mr. Miyagi (as played by Pat Morita in the original Karate Kid franchise) for this new film. Assuming they are, though, who do you think should play him? Defamer threw up a pretty funny list of suggestions today that includes Nicolas Cage, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson ("I want this motherf**king wax ON and OFF my motherf**king CAR"). Of course, most will also throw Jackie Chan's name in, though Miyagi was always a great character because he looked so unassuming and weak. Chan could play eccentric, but would he look the part?
I'm completely up in the air on this one. What do you think: Who could play Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid remake?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-11-2008 @ 4:22PM
Mike said...
Billy Blanks
Ernie Reyes
Richard Simmons (Karate Kickin' to the Oldies)
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11-11-2008 @ 4:31PM
Matt said...
jeremy piven - because no one would see that coming.
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11-11-2008 @ 10:03PM
Daniel said...
I second that. Ari Gold can play anyone he wants.
11-11-2008 @ 4:36PM
Joshua said...
dustin hoffman, but instread of having him be japaneese have him be some sort of squirl and instead of ralph macchio have daniels part be played by a CG panda named Po and ..... oh wait they did that already.... Weird... remake something else like cassablanca or gone with the wind or citizen cain.
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11-14-2008 @ 12:42PM
kevin said...
I don't often do this but...
TO JOSHUA !!! ?
You say "remake something else like cassablanca or gone with the wind or citizen cain."
Are you kidding me? Although they are classic great movies and have never been attempted to be re-made (and there is a reason for that) do you really want to see a cheap rip off of Casablanca, or some new and up coming replacing Clark Gable and heaven forbit someone try to take on the awe inspiring - ground breaking - most influencial movie of all time CITIZEN CANE ????
I'd rather them remake a campy 80's film. And if they did remake any one of those films once you'd gone out to see it in the end you'd agree with me.
Remake Karate Kid - who cares anyway.
11-14-2008 @ 1:31PM
Joshua said...
Kevin,
Well I do apologize that my sarcasm went completely over your head... OBVIOUSLY I don't want them to remake any of the classic influential films that I named off. But karate kid is a classic in its own right and embeded in the pop culture of today, and also should not be remade.
I would really like to see Hollywood make new movies and not make old movies that really have no need or demand to be remade. (I.e. Footloose)
11-11-2008 @ 4:41PM
MCW said...
If you wanted to stay similar... this guy: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2052953088/nm0393222
He's primarily been in a lot of comedies, and he's always funny. I'd like to see him in a remake.
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11-11-2008 @ 4:46PM
SOS said...
Lucy Liu?
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11-11-2008 @ 10:30PM
Rick said...
Gedde Watanabe?
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11-11-2008 @ 4:48PM
JimeneX said...
An older Daniel-sam? How's Ralph Maccio these days?
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11-11-2008 @ 4:51PM
ajprice said...
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm817011456/nm0001494
11-11-2008 @ 4:49PM
paul said...
You have to figure Will Smith is thinking about playing this role himself.
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11-11-2008 @ 4:52PM
Bryan said...
Here's a thought, leave such a classic alone and go defame something else. How would a kid that young even work?
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11-11-2008 @ 4:54PM
Batzarro said...
Ken Watanabe for star power or Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa for Oldness.
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11-11-2008 @ 5:02PM
Dirk said...
No contest. Make it Mrs Miyagi and cast Michelle Yeoh.
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11-11-2008 @ 5:11PM
Dave said...
Rob Schneider.
Done. I'm going home.
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11-11-2008 @ 5:39PM
Rich said...
Joel Grey
He's done before, he can do it again...
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11-11-2008 @ 5:58PM
mister rockatansky said...
Stephen Chow (although he might be busy with Green Hornet) or Anthony Wong.
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11-11-2008 @ 6:13PM
tecee said...
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0477297/
Burt Kwouk (Cato from Pink Panther movies). Plays an excellent eccentric.
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11-11-2008 @ 6:27PM
cough said...
Shia LaBeouf.
Or, or, or you could make him a CG, like Yoda?
...I don't have much to bring to this topic. I will say that Stephen Chow is a good choice, only if he directs this trainwreck. I mean, my god, karate kid? That's so '80.
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