Meet Ben Wang: The New Karate Kid You Won’t Believe You’ve Seen Before!

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The timeless Karate Kid series makes its comeback with a new take in the film titled Karate Kid: Legends, debuting today, May 30, 2025. After much anticipation, this new chapter presents viewers with our main character Li Fong, played by up-and-coming actor Ben Wang. The story unfolds in the bustling cityscape of New York City, where Li, a martial artist from Beijing, grapples with personal grief, cultural shifts, and the trials of his new surroundings. Under the tutelage of mentors and franchise veterans, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li embarks on a journey of self-exploration and determination.

Ben Wang’s casting marks an important advancement since he takes on the lead role in the “Karate Kid” series, making history as the first Asian American to do so. Wang’s portrayal of Li Fong offers a rich and genuine representation, mirroring the changing face of representation within Hollywood. Wang’s acting skills convey the struggles of a young man dealing with sorrow and identity, connecting with both long-term fans and new viewers. With such weight on his shoulders as the star, let’s delve into who Ben Wang is and where audiences might recognize him from.

Who Is the New Karate Kid, Ben Wang?

Born on January 1, 2000, in Shanghai, China, but raised in Northfield, Minnesota, Ben Wang has swiftly ascended the ladder of up-and-coming Hollywood stars. His childhood enthusiasm for acting led him to participate in community plays, which helped refine his skills and foster a love for narrative expression. Later, he pursued a degree in musical theater at New York University.

In 2023, Wang achieved his first big success in the entertainment world by playing Jin Wang in the Disney+ series ‘American Born Chinese.’ This role saw him depicting a teenager grappling with cultural identity and growing up. His acting skills were highly praised for their depth and authenticity as they skillfully expressed intricate feelings.

Where Have Audiences Seen Ben Wang Before?

As a film enthusiast, I’ve always been proud of my journey in the acting world, but before stepping into the shoes of the Karate Kid, I had already carved out an impressive career. In 2021, I made my small screen debut with a guest role on MacGyver as Eli Brown, a memorable character that marked one of my initial TV appearances. This was swiftly followed by my role in the 2022 comedy Sex Appeal, where I played Franklin. However, it was my portrayal of Bo in Disney+’s Chang Can Dunk (2023) that truly put me on the map. As a high school student striving to defy expectations and make my basketball dreams come true, I believe this role showcased both my versatility and depth as an actor.

2023 marks the biggest project yet for Wang, as he takes center stage in “American Born Chinese.” Sharing the screen with acclaimed actors like Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, Wang has cemented his position as an up-and-coming talent. The series, adapted from Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel, explores profound themes such as identity, belonging, and cultural roots. Critics have lauded Wang’s performance for its distinctive quality and emotional depth.

Besides these roles, Wang contributed his voice to an episode of “Bob’s Burgers” in 2024 and played Jacob Zheng in the reboot of “Mean Girls” (2024). His wide range of roles showcases a dedication to characters that defy stereotypes and provide substantial representation. In the future, Wang will appear as Hank Olson in “The Long Walk” (2025) and as Wyatt Callow in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” (2026), broadening his involvement in prominent movie series.

How Did Ben Wang Become the New Karate Kid?

Securing the part of Li Fong in the movie “Karate Kid: Legends” was the outcome of Ben Wang’s persistent dedication, inherent talent, and strong bond with the series’ historical significance. It appears that Wang’s audition left a lasting impression due to his profound grasp of the character and his skill in portraying Li’s emotional progress truthfully. The casting team was reportedly captivated by his martial arts expertise and unwavering commitment to the role, factors which ultimately led to him being chosen as the fresh face representing the franchise.

Wang has enthusiastically shared his anticipation for being part of the Karate Kid universe, acknowledging Ralph Macchio for granting the creative liberty that enabled Wang to infuse Li Fong’s character with his own unique touches. Expressing how this role represents a long-held dream for him, Wang mentioned:

*Wang has joyfully disclosed his eagerness to join the Karate Kid universe, giving due credit to Ralph Macchio for offering the creative space that allowed Wang to incorporate personal aspects into the character of Li Fong, thereby enabling him to bring a unique flavor to the role. Speaking about how this role is the fulfillment of a long-cherished aspiration for him, Wang stated:*

Even now, it continues to astound me that I’m part of such a renowned film series. I wasn’t around when the original trilogy starring Ralph as the Karate Kid first came out, but I was in high school when they remade it with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan in theaters. Back then, I would marvel at the thought of someday being a part of this movie, and more than a decade later, here I am.

Ben Wang’s casting in the Karate Kid series not only provides a fresh viewpoint but also signifies a significant move towards more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood. Through his portrayal of Li Fong, he offers a detailed examination of identity, resilience, and cultural roots, which harmonizes with the franchise’s longstanding themes while expanding the narrative with new layers.

Karate Kid: Legends is now in theaters.

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2025-05-31 02:02