Just Call Jackie Chan "Mr. Miyagi"
Filed under: Action, Sports, Casting, Deals, Remakes and Sequels
We wondered who could possibly fill Mr. Miyagi's shoes in the new Karate Kid remake, and now the news is officially here. The Hollywood Reporter posts that Jackie Chan is in negotiations to take the part. So, barring failed talks, we'll soon see Chan waxing on and waxing off. Can't say it's much of a surprise. Chan is old enough to look like he's been around the block, and he definitely has the chops to kick some Karate Kid ass into shape. Whether he can look unassuming and weak, as Erik pointed out, remains to be seen.In less thrilling news, a director has finally been picked -- Harald Zwart. While he's far from a Hollywood abomination, his resume doesn't inspire much confidence: One Night at McCool's, Agent Cody Banks, and The Pink Panther 2. So I'm betting we'll get one of those fluffy family features that does alright at the box office, but doesn't inspire much critical love or lasting fandom. I mean, the last one had the guy behind Rocky. (Okay, okay, John Avildsen was also the guy behind A Night in Heaven, but it was the '80s. I'll give the dude some benefit of the doubt since he went on to helm Lean on Me and The Power of One.)
So, does Chan fit in the Miyagi mould, or are you officially steering clear of this remake?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-14-2009 @ 10:29AM
BondsBabe said...
That picture of Jackie you're using, with this post, sums up my reaction to this news! :P
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1-14-2009 @ 10:52AM
Christopher Campbell said...
I don't think he's right for the part. Jackie Chan is known for his skills in kung fu, not karate. Wouldn't a Japanese actor be more appropriate?
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1-14-2009 @ 2:11PM
Monika said...
You know the drill -- race means nothing on the big screen... Mighty Heart, Geisha, Star Trek..
Gah.
1-14-2009 @ 11:03AM
Matthew said...
Sweep for the leg!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFlQNtL8F9s
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1-14-2009 @ 11:37AM
Paul Nicholson said...
I think he'd be good, but a Japanese actor would be more appropriate if it is really going to be the "Karate" kid, not the "Kung Fu" Kid.
A buddy of mine just pointed out a perfect casting though: Gary Busey as the Kobrai Kai instructor.
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1-14-2009 @ 11:45AM
Paul Nicholson said...
They are also suggesting Justin Timberlake as the 'bad' kid. And i would love to see him get kicked in the face, i'm not so sure on that one.
1-14-2009 @ 1:46PM
ICON! said...
While the director and the casting choices may not be seen as an abomination, the whole idea of this remake IS!
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1-14-2009 @ 4:50PM
Gary said...
Is America not ready for a black Mr Miyagi yet?
Why does he have to be Asian? Is this racism?
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1-14-2009 @ 7:32PM
Bryan said...
Has Jackie Chan EVER struck you as the teaching type? As a mentor, a role model? Do you really see an unassuming Jackie Chan staring down people with those intense eyes, the entire audience knowing he could decimate them in the blink of an eye with the characters on screen having no clue whatsoever? What universe are these people from!
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1-14-2009 @ 10:47PM
paul said...
Like a glove.
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1-15-2009 @ 10:51AM
Mike said...
Wow. What imagination these filmmakers have.
The only interest I'd have in seeing any of this would be if Chan kicked the crap out of the little Smith at some point.
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1-15-2009 @ 2:31PM
pAT said...
Jackie Chan died shortly after the release of the first Rush Hour.
He did too you boys!
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