Hong Kong action hero Jackie Chan is set to star in the remake of the 1980s cult classic, The Karate Kid.
Chan will portray a martial arts teacher, similar to the role made famous by Pat Morita.
The film will also star Jaden Smith, the son of Hollywood couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. The young actor, who appeared with his father in Pursuit of Happyness, will play the character of Dre in the new film titled Kung Fu Kid.
The remake, which began filming in Beijing over the weekend, will be produced by Will Smith and James Lassiter.
Set in modern-day Beijing, Kung Fu Kid will focus on the character of Dre as he struggles to adjust to his new life in China. Dre soon crosses paths with Mr. Han, who teaches him the art of kung fu.
The remake is based on the 1984 original in which teenager Daniel Larusso moves to California from New Jersey with his mother.
Also cast is Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson as Smith’s mother.
The original Karate Kid was a hit that led to an Academy Award nomination for Pat Morita, as well as three sequels.
On Saturday, Jackie Chan and the Smith family celebrated the start of the film with a traditional Chinese ceremony.
Kung Fu Kid is slated to be released sometime next year.
Jackie Chan set to star in Karate Kid remake
Cyndi Wang
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