.(L to R) T. Mollner, Tut Nyuot, Roy Lee, David Jonsson, Mark Hamill and Garrett Wareing attend “The Long Walk” panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
Preview:
Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk arrived at Comic-Con.
Mark Hamill and Garrett Wareing were among those on the panel.
The movie will be released in September.
‘The Long Walk’, just the latest adaptation of prolific author Stephen King’s work –– in this case, a dystopian tale of an annual event that ends with the death of everyone competing save the winner.
(L to R) Cooper Hoffman as Garraty and David Jonsson as McVries in ‘The Long Walk’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Every year, fifty teenage boys meet for an event known throughout the country as “The Long Walk.”
Among this year’s chosen crop is sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty (Hoffman). He knows the rules: that warnings are issued if you fall under speed, stumble, sit down. That after three warnings… you get your ticket.
And what happens then serves as a chilling reminder that there can be only one winner in the Walk. The one that survives.
What happened at ‘The Long Walk’s panel?
Mark Hamill speaks during ‘The Long Walk’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
The movie’s panel opened with the latest trailer and then a soldier taking the stage with a loud hailer to explain the premise of the walk to the audience.
Producer Roy Lee and writer JT Mollner were first up on the panel, with Lee praising Mollner’s script for getting the movie made after years in development.
For his part, Mollner recounted underlining dialogue from the book he wanted to use –– suffice to say, he underlined a lot!
Joining them on stage were the likes of Hamill, Wareing, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot and other cast. The early banter between the young actors in particular was mostly enthusiastic descriptions of their characters’ arcs and praise for their co-stars’ skills.
(L to R) Anthony Breznican, Eric Vespe, Mark Hamill, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Garrett Wareing, Roy Lee and J.T. Mollner speak during ‘The Long Walk’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
Hamill revealed that Stephen King had casting approval –– and specifically wanted him to play the character of the Mayor, who oversees the Walk. For his part, Hamill wanted to dehumanize the character as much as possible.
Lawrence and Ben Wang weren’t present at the panel –– they’re both at work on ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ –– but they sent a video praising their colleagues and hyping ‘The Long Walk’.
The panel wrapped up with a screening of the first 22 minutes of the movie. Tense stuff!
When will ‘The Long Walk’ be in theaters?
The new Stephen King adaptation marches into theaters on September 12th.
‘The Long Walk’ opens in theaters on September 12th.
Glenn Close and Billy Porter are the latest addition to the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
Jhaleil Swaby is also aboard, playing the character of Panache.
Francis Lawrence is again directing the movie.
While the cameras are now rolling on the new ‘Hunger Games’ franchise entry, prequel offering ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, you might think that the stream of casting would dry up. You’d be mistaken!
Here’s ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ producer Nina Jacobson on Close’s casting:
“Glenn Close is a dream Drusilla. She brings so much of her intellect and imagination to each role, creating characters who are unforgettable and iconic. I think Glenn and Francis will have a ball bringing Drusilla from the page to the screen.”
And regarding Porter:
“Billy is one of those rare performers who can dazzle and devastate in equal measure on stage and screen. He made an indelible impression on me when we worked together on Pose, both as an actor and a human being. Casting this show has felt like winning the lottery every time one of our idols said yes to us.”
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.
Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.
The cast also includes Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.
Finally, recent Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin is to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci).
As for the new additions?
Close’s Sickle is the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, while Porter’s Stift is her estranged husband and the Tributes’ uninspired designer.
Swaby’s Panache, meanwhile is a crude and aggressive career tribute from District 1, known for his arrogance and ruthlessness.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk
Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:
“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”
And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate will have the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
(L to R) Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
‘The Karate Kid‘ franchise is over 40 years old and is just as popular today as it was when it first began!
Starting with 1984’s ‘The Karate Kid’, which starred Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio, the series has spawned three sequels, a remake, an animated series, and the Netflix series ‘Cobra Kai‘, which has breathed fresh life into the IP.
The franchise is now returning to the big screen once again with ‘Karate Kid: Legends‘, which opens in theaters on May 30th and stars Ben Wang. The new movie will also feature legendary actor Jackie Chan reprising his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 remake, alongside Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso from the original film.
In honor of the release of ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, Moviefone is counting down every ‘Karate Kid’ movie and TV show ever made, from forgettable to legendary.
Mr. Miyagi in the 1989 ‘The Karate Kid’ cartoon. Photo: DIC Enterprises/Saban Entertainment.
Daniel and his mentor Mr. Miyagi travel the world with their Okinawan friend Taki Tamurai in search of an ancient Japanese talisman stolen from an old fishing village.
Hilary Swank in ‘The Next Karate Kid’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) decides to take Julie (Hilary Swank), a troubled teenager, under his wing after he learns that she blames herself for her parents’ demise and struggles to adjust with her grandmother and fellow pupils.
In ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, after a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. Li struggles to let go of his past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates, and although he doesn’t want to fight, trouble seems to find him everywhere. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren’t enough. Li’s kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists original ‘Karate Kid’ Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
(L to R) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi in ‘The Karate Kid Part III.’ Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Despondent over the closing of his karate school, Cobra Kai teacher John Kreese (Martin Kove) joins a ruthless businessman and martial artist (Thomas Ian Griffith) to get revenge on Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita).
(L to R) Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Jaden Smith as Dre Parker in 2010’s ‘The Karate Kid.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.
Twelve-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could have been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother’s (Taraji P. Henson) latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying (Wenwen Han) but the cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre’s feelings make him an enemy of the class bully, Cheng (Wang ZhenWei). With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is a kung fu master. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.
(L to R) Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in ‘The Karate Kid Part II.’ Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Summoned by his dying father, Miyagi (Pat Morita) returns to his homeland of Okinawa, with Daniel (Ralph Macchio), after a 40-year exile. There he must confront Yukie (Nobu McCarthy), the love of his youth, and Sato (Danny Kamekona), his former best friend turned vengeful rival. Sato is bent on a fight to the death, even if it means the destruction of their village. Daniel finds his own love in Yukia’s niece, Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita), and his own enemy in Sato’s nephew, the vicious Chozen (Yuji Okumoto). Now, far away from the tournaments, cheering crowds and safety of home, Daniel will face his greatest challenge ever when the cost of honor is life itself.
This ‘Karate Kid’ sequel series picks up 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament and finds Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) on the hunt for redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. This reignites his old rivalry with the successful Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who has been working to maintain the balance in his life without mentor Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita).
Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in ‘The Karate Kid.’ Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves to Los Angeles with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali (Elisabeth Shue). He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of high school students, led by Ali’s ex-boyfriend Johnny (Willian Zabka), who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei, John Kreese (Martin Kove). Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
Ben Wang in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
Coming off the heels of the extremely popular Netflix series ‘Cobra Kai’, the prospect of a new ‘Karate Kid’ movie was quite welcomed. Especially when news came that the film would feature Ralph Macchio reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso from the original series and Jackie Chan returning as Mr. Han from the 2010 remake, which is now cannon to the entire franchise. However, the result is a misguided and painfully familiar story that does very little to continue the legacy of the franchise.
The bright spots in an otherwise forgettable film are Ben Wang and Sadie Stanley’s performances as Li Fong and Mia Lipani, respectively. The two young actors lead the film quite well and have a strong chemistry together. But the movie suffers from a lack of any strong antagonists, and a bizarre subplot involving Li teaching Mia’s father (Joshua Jackson) Kung Fu for a boxing match (what?), so he can pay back a loan shark who also happens to be the Sensei of Li’s rival.
The movie tries too hard to retcon Mr. Han into the original franchise, going as far as to use a scene from ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ to explain that Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) and Mr. Han were always offscreen friends. Chan doesn’t even appear in the film as much as advertised, and Macchio’s role is nothing more than a glorified cameo, leading the movie to feel more like a standalone sequel to the remake, rather than a celebration of the entire franchise.
Story and Direction
(L to R) Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
As previously mentioned, the film begins with a flashback to ‘The Karate Kid Part II’, where Mr. Miyagi (the late Morita) explains the history of Miyagi Karate to Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) and how it eventually made its way to China and was integrated with Kung Fu. The story then moves to present day China, where Li Fong (Wang) is studying at Mr. Han’s (Chan) Kung Fu academy and is hiding from his mother (Ming-Na Wen). Li recently lost his older brother due to fighting, and therefore his mother wants him to stop training, especially after she gives him the news that they are moving to New York City.
Once in New York, Li gives up Kung Fu, but quickly finds himself at odds with a local fighter named Connor Day (Aramis Knight), after he befriends his ex-girlfriend Mia (Stanley). Mia’s father (Jackson), who owns a local pizza shop and is a former boxer, owes money to Connor’s Sensei, and asks Li to train him in Kung Fu so he can compete in a boxing match and win the money he needs. But when his opponent cheats, Mia’s father is sent to the hospital and Li decides to enter the Five Boroughs Tournament, against his mother’s wishes, so he can win the money they need and have his revenge against Connor.
Mr. Han travels to New York and meets with Li’s mother to convince her to let Li compete in the contest. Once she agrees, Han visits Daniel LaRusso at Mr. Miyagi’s house in California to ask him to help train Li. It is revealed that Miyagi and Han were friends, and Miyagi had told Han about Daniel and their life changing friendship. Daniel reluctantly agrees and begins teaching Li karate, while Han teaches him Kung Fu. But now, Li must come to terms with his brother’s death and use the knowledge Han and LaRusso have taught him so he can overcome his fears and win the tournament.
Fans of ‘Cobra Kai’ hoping for a big screen version of the popular TV series will be very disappointed by ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. In fact, the film is more like a sequel to 2010’s ‘The Karate Kid’ with a storyline that is basically the same as the original movie. The film also tries to flip the script in the second act, having Li train Mia’s father, which goes nowhere and just confuses the main plot. The relationship between Li and Mia is solid, and so is the “fish out of water” aspect of Li’s character, but the movie never really capitalizes on either, changing the focus to Han and LaRusso in the third act.
On paper, the idea of making the 2010 remake cannon and combining the Han and LaRusso characters into one movie seems promising, but in practice it falls short. The film tries too hard to retcon Han into the original franchise, and his sudden history with Mr. Miyagi seems forced. Jackie Chan is good in the role, but I wish more time was spent focusing on his relationship to Li, rather than reintroducing Daniel and exploring their shared history with Miyagi. In fact, Ralph Macchio is not in much of the movie at all, basically relegated to a glorified cameo, and the character deserves better.
Jonathan Entwistle’s direction is average, and with amazing settings like New York City and Beijing, he does nothing to make those locations look like anything more than stock footage. In fact, there are several times when it becomes glaringly clear that they are shooting on a soundstage and not NYC. And for a movie in the ‘Karate Kid’ franchise, I was shocked by how boring and uninspiring the martial arts sequences were. Entwistle does nothing to elevate those scenes or bring style to the fight sequences.
Finally, several subplots were completely unneeded, such as training Mia’s father for a boxing match, Li’s turmoil over the loss of his brother, Mr. Han’s connection to Mr. Miyagi, and his recruitment of Daniel. Not to mention a disappointing cameo by William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence, which is played for laughs and not enough to win over ‘Cobra Kai’ fans.
‘American Born Chinese’ star Ben Wang makes the most of his big screen lead debut and carries the film very well. As Li, he brings confidence and charm to the role and works well off Chan, Macchio, and the rest of the cast. He is also the best thing about the otherwise poorly directed martial arts sequences and is quite believable and likable in the role.
Besides Wang, actress Sadie Stanley, last seen in the Ray Romano directed film ‘Somewhere in Queens’, is the best thing in ‘Legends’. She also brings a charming confidence to her role as Mia and has great chemistry with Wang. While at times the screenplay does the actress no favors, she finds a way to elevate the material and you completely believe that Li would put so much on the line to help her.
Jackie Chan is a living legend and its always great seeing him on screen. He brings warmth and gravitas to the role, but the script doesn’t spend enough time exploring his relationship with Li, instead trying too hard to retcon him into the larger franchise. Chan is also not given a chance to show off his own martial arts skills in the movie, which seems like a real missed opportunity. It would have been nice to have a scene where he protects Li from the bullies, the way Miyagi protected Daniel in the first film.
While he has limited screen time, Ralph Macchio does have some strong scenes with Chan, but they feel more like fan-service than rooted in Li’s story. With Miyagi actor Pat Morita passing away in 2005, pairing Macchio with Chan was a way to recapture some of the magic of the first movie, but it falls short of expectations. One could also criticize Macchio’s believability as a karate master, but since that is baked into the overall ‘Karate Kid’ franchise, I digress.
Ming-Na Wen does her best as Li’s mom but is not given any room to really explore the character and never rises above the disapproving mother role. Actor Joshua Jackson seems to be in a completely different movie and his performance is distracting. Finally, ‘Ms. Marvel’ actor Aramis Knight is unable to uplift his role and portray Connor Day as anything more than a generic bully.
In the end, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ works too hard to combine the movie franchise’s two main characters, overlooking the themes of friendship and mutual respect between teacher and student that resonated so much throughout the first film. Despite Ben Wang and Sadie Stanley’s strong performances, the movie ultimately gets its legs swept out from under it.
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What is the plot of ‘Karate Kid: Legacy’?
In Karate Kid: Legends, after a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. Li struggles to let go of his past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates, and although he doesn’t want to fight, trouble seems to find him everywhere. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren’t enough. Li’s kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
(L to R) Ben Wang, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio star in ‘Karate Kid: Legends’.
Moviefone recently had the honor of speaking with Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang about their work on ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Chan discussed his love for the first movie and combining the remake with the original franchise, while Macchio talked about reprising his role on the big screen opposite Jackie Chan, and Wang spoke about joining the franchise and what he learned from working with the two legendary ‘Karate Kid’ actors.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Chan, Macchio and Wang, as well as Sadie Stanley.
Moviefone: To begin with, Jackie, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and the idea of bringing Mr. Han and Daniel together in the same film?
Jackie Chan: Believe it or not, I have a long story to tell you. When I was a stunt guy, I was in a martial arts movie that was not popular anymore. Then I was disappointed, nobody hired me. Then what should we do? Even the people around me, all the martial artists, the stunt guys, we were just very depressed, and wanted to give up. No training anymore, just fooling around. Then suddenly ‘Karate Kid’ comes out. We buy the ticket, we go in, and we watch. More we watch all my friends go, “Yes. Wow. Wow.” You know, that brings you up. Then I talk to myself, “Why are you training so many years? One small thing knocks you down, you just give up. No, we should get back up. Do it again.” We will go to training, training, training. Yeah. Till suddenly another movie, ‘Rocky’, comes out. It brings me up again. The two movies bring me back to training with all my friends. Then some friends become action directors. Then some become stunt coordinators. I become an actor. I become a Jackie Chan. So, I really thank you, ‘Rocky’, and Ralph. Then many years later, Will Smith call me, “Jackie, I want you to make ‘The Karate Kid.” I said, “Me? I’m not a kid anymore.” Then he said, “Not you. You are Miyagi.” Because when I watched the movie for the first time, I already was thinking, “Oh, why him? Why not me? I want to be a Karate Kid.” But now I become a Miyagi. 40 years later, the movie is a success, and when I see Ralph, I just don’t believe it. “Wow. That’s Daniel.” We work together. Now we are becoming a Miyagi and Daniel. For me it’s just amazing.
(L to R) Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
MF: Ralph, what was it like to reprise your iconic character on the big screen and share scenes with the legendary Jackie Chan?
Ralph Macchio: I mean, that was super special. Jackie’s legendary in his career, his stunt work as an actor, and his personality in the industry is so well respected. So that was just like anytime you can work with an element of greatness, I’ll take it. I want to learn. Every experience I want to learn and gain from. The character of Daniel Russo is near and dear to the world. He has become a piece of pop culture. The original films, very few have that kind of staying power. Then through the ‘Cobra Kai’ series and how that exploded, and we got to explore different sides of all those characters and in a whole new generation of karate kids in that show then leads us to, “Okay, how do we connect these worlds?” Using that footage from ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ where we learn and are reminded that Shimpo Sensei fell asleep off the coast of China and brings back the secret to Miyagi karate to Okinawa. Now we connect the worlds. For me, it was just about how to be honest, truthful, and genuine to LaRusso. We find him in a place that he’s in this grounded element of wisdom at this point of his life, and how he can spread a piece of the legacy of Miyagi forward and help a kid in need. Then connecting the Kung Fu and the karate. It was like, okay, there’s a lot of boxes to check, but there’s organic stories to tell for a fresh new generation and in a different style. Then you add Ben to this, because my question was, “Who’s the kid?” If you don’t have a kid and you’re not leaning in and rooting for this kid in this movie, then you could come up with all the Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio you want but we need to love this kid. You need to get on his shoulders like you did with LaRusso and the other characters. Then Ben has delivered in a way that’s so cinematic and so much fun. Yet the through line of the same human themes that made ‘The Karate Kid’ what it is today are there and hopefully for a whole new generation.
Ben Wang in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
MF: Finally, Ben, what was it like for you to join this franchise and what did you learn from working with Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio?
Ben Wang: I was a huge fan ever since I was a kid. I saw Jackie’s ‘Karate Kid’ film when I was in elementary school in a theater with my mom. Shortly thereafter I started doing after-school martial arts. So, it’s the start of what got me here in the first place. Ralph’s films were passed down to me by my aunt because they were her favorite films. So, I have known these films for as long as I remember watching movies. I am a fan, so I understand why there’s so much goodwill and so much love for this whole franchise. It was exciting for me to get to be the center of this next part and to bring the two film universes together. It’s also really terrifying because as a fan, if it wasn’t me, I’d be like, “Who’s this kid? Can he do it?” So, I knew I had a lot of work cut out for me.
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What is the plot of ‘Karate Kid: Legacy’?
In Karate Kid: Legends, after a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. Li struggles to let go of his past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates, and although he doesn’t want to fight, trouble seems to find him everywhere. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren’t enough. Li’s kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
(Left) Ralph Fiennes. Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images. (Center) Maya Hawke. Photo: Trevor Tweeten. (Right) Lili Taylor. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for The National Audubon Society.
Preview:
Ralph Fiennes will be President Snow in the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Kelvin Harrison Jr. are also joining the cast.
The movie is set 24 years before the main movies.
Though we’ve been seeing a drip feed casting process for the new prequel to ‘The Hunger Games’ –– that would be ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ in case it had somehow slipped your mind –– that turned into something of a torrent this week with a slew of new announcements.
This is what producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force had to say about the new casting:
“We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in ‘Schindler’s List.’ It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”
Ben Wang in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
And that’s not all! Maya Hawke, most recently seen in ‘Maestro’ and ‘The Kill Room’ and who provided the voice of Anxiety in ‘Inside Out 2,’ will be Wiress, former Hunger Games champion–turned–District 12 mentor.
Last, and by no means least among the newcomers (in franchise terms) is Kelvin Harrison, Jr., last seen in ‘O’Dessa,’ who Jeff Sneider reports will be Beetee Latier, champion of the 34th Hunger Games and father of Ampert Latier, who is a Tribute in the new movie. Fun fact: Jeffrey Wright played Beetee in three of the original movies.
Franchise veteran Francis Lawrence is directing once again from a script by Billy Ray, and the cameras are now rolling.
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.
Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.
These new arrivals bolster a cast that already included Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.
Fiennes’ casting resolves one rumor –– there has still been chatter about recent Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin mulling an offer to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.) Nothing official has been announced about that yet, so we can only assume a deal is still being worked on if at all.
Elle Fanning has also been linked with the role of a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies. But that has yet to be confirmed.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk
Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:
“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”
And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate wants the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
Opening in theaters on May 24th is the new medical drama ‘Sight’, which is based on the true story of Dr. Ming Wang, a Chinese immigrant to the United States who became a renowned eye surgeon.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Greg Kinnear about his work on ‘Sight’, his first reaction to the screenplay and the true story it is based on, his approach to his character, Misha and Ming’s friendship, working with Terry Chen, collaborating on set with director Andrew Hyatt, the message of the movie, and being the real Dr. Wang’s favorite actor.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.
Greg Kinnear talks ‘Sight’.
Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and learning about Dr. Ming Wang and his incredible story?
Greg Kinnear: Well, timing is a funny thing, and I was in the middle of COVID, as many of us were, and I got sent this script by a producer that I had worked with before. He was like, “Now listen, I’m sending this to you, but I have to tell you if you want to do it, we’re shooting it up in Canada and you have to go live in a house that you can’t leave for two weeks.” So, it took me a while to pick this up off the coffee table. But I did, and I, of course, was obviously quite taken with the story and I think it put things in perspective very quickly of my woe-is-me moment. So, a little quarantine and then straight to work on this film that I thought was quite powerful. Certainly Dr. Wang’s story is incredible in the sense of true adversity. I don’t think a lot of people can imagine the kind of poverty and difficulty that he sustained. The Cultural Revolution, which I knew nothing about, in China is quite amazing. Plenty of books to read about that too, but it’s told nicely in Andrew’s movie in a way that I don’t know how they did it. Everybody you see in this movie had a mask on prior to shooting any scene that was shot, and it’s quite amazing to me. I was taken with it and just thought, “Wow, this is a hell of an immigrant story,” and there’s not a lot of Asian American stories told cinematically, so I was happy to join.
MF: Can you talk about your approach to playing Dr. Misha Bartnovsky and your research into the medical work that he and Dr. Wang are doing?
GK: Well, that’s all fake. I’m an actor and I know nothing. Fortunately, Ming was on set periodically, and what a great, incredible, invaluable resource he was. This is a relatively small movie, and to try to sell a lot of the sense that these guys are really doing the work that he was doing, there’s a kind of a trick to that. More than anything, I think it’s just making it feel true and accurate, and he was a great resource just in terms of, both for Terry, who plays him, and myself, of kind of giving us a sense of not only the technical side of what they do and what they’re doing, the science of that, but also of their relationship. Listen, in a romantic comedy, I’m the goofy friend who’s just off on the side. It really is a through line of Ming’s story, and Terry does a great job of it. But I mean, it starts from childhood. It takes you through China and the Cultural Revolution before coming to the United States. He faced all sorts of adversity, financial difficulty, racism and a lot of stuff that is chronicled in this movie. But in the part that I’m in, he’s struggling with this surgery, that he is kind of being haunted by his past to perform. I mean, Misha Bartonovsky, his friend, is basically a springboard and maybe a silent guide and a mirror for him to work off, but it’s really his story.
(L to R) Terry Chen and Greg Kinnear in ‘Sight’. Photo: Angel Studios.
MF: Can you talk about Misha and Ming’s friendship and the way your character really supports and encourages him?
GK: I think you’re right. That is basically what the through line is, and I feel like when you’re facing a friend whose kind of crippled with doubt, it’s cheerleading and its confidence building. I’m playing Tony Robbins. He’s basically trying to invigorate his own confidence and his own belief in himself. So strangely, it’s a friendship, maybe a father-ship traditionally as well in a way, but he’s a difficult subject because, at least in the story we’re telling, he doesn’t give himself a lot of breaks, and so that was the challenge of it.
What was it like working with actor Terry Chen?
GK: Well, as I said, we were kind of locked up for a couple of weeks before we ever met, and so this was the first thing I had done. This was early on, when doing a movie was kind of impossible. I mean, to be fair, I would’ve loved seeing any human being at that point, but it was particularly nice to meet Terry who has just a lovely disposition and really cared about the story. When your character’s based upon a relationship, obviously, and you don’t know who that person is, you never know what you’re going to get, but it was quite easy working with him. He was wonderful, and I hope he feels the same way.
(L to R) Mia SwamiNathan, Fionnula Flanagan and Terry Chen in ‘Sight’. Photo: Angel Studios.
MF: You’ve worked with some legendary filmmakers throughout your career, what was your experience like collaborating with director Andrew Hyatt on this film?
GK: Andrew was great. I started talking to him about it. I mean, I think the thing we probably worked on a little bit was just adding some levity to their relationship, and at the same time zeroing in on what sort of guideposts there were in terms of the story, in terms of how Misha is affecting Terry on any of the journey. I hadn’t worked with him before. I had worked with one of the producers before. I mean, I guess part of the job is you hope to get there and feel like whatever the set is or whatever the situation is that you’re working in, that it feels real, and it feels truthful. I mean, this movie spans his time in China, his time through MIT, and most of what I’m doing with him is in this laboratory. There’s a little bit of expanse outside of that, but it’s a small portion of the story. But you want it to feel real and you want it to be set up with other actors and sets and environment that feels real. In a world where every scene you see in the movie, people were wearing masks right up to the point they said, “Action.” I thought he did a really nice job.
MF: Is it nice being a part of a project that also has an important message at its core?
GK: I think it is. I try not to pick movies for message, but I do think that the underlying idea of this was certainly inspiring to me when I read it as a guy who was moaning and bitching about COVID. Suddenly you read what this guy went through and the story that he went through, and I thought, “Wow, that’s a story worth telling.”
Ben Wang as Young Ming in ‘Sight’. Photo: Angel Studios.
MF: Finally, is true that you are the real Dr. Wang’s favorite actor? Is that how you got cast in this movie?
GK: I don’t know if that’s true or not. I think one of the producers told me that. I’m elated to hear that. I don’t know what it was. I’m not sure what movie, but for whatever reason, yes, I guess he liked me being in the movie. So, he didn’t reject me when my headshot flew across his desk, I guess.
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What is the plot of ‘Sight’?
‘Sight’, follows the inspiring true story of Ming Wang (Terry Chen and Ben Wang), an impoverished Chinese prodigy who flees Communist China to become a pioneering eye surgeon in America. When tasked with restoring the sight of an orphan (Mia SwamiNathan) who was blinded by her stepmother, he must confront the trauma of living through the violent uprising in his youth, the Cultural Revolution.
Yet the studio’s latest idea is even more unexpected: it is crossing the streams. No, a ‘Karate Kid’/’Ghostbusters’ mash-up is not incoming (though we’d watch that). Instead, Ralph Macchio of the original three films and Jackie Chan from the reboot are teaming up, with ‘American Born Chinese’ lead Ben Wang as the young man who needs some help.
Added to the list? Joshua Jackson, most recently seen on small screens instead of big in the likes of ‘The Affair’ and ‘Fatal Attraction’.
(L to R) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi in 1984’s ‘The Karate Kid.’
The movie, which has yet to announce a formal title (besides being a fresh take on the ‘Karate Kid’ film concept), is largely keeping its plot under wraps, but the latest iteration will reportedly bring the story to the East Coast and focus on a teen from China who finds strength and direction via martial arts and a tough but wise mentor.
Macchio’s involvement in the franchise of course stretches back to the 1984 original, where he played scrappy hero Daniel LaRusso, who was trained to fight back (with honor!) against bullies by the late Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi. More recently, he’s been seen trying to keep the Miyagi training spirit alive via his own students in ‘Cobra Kai’.
(L to R) Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Jaden Smith as Dre Parker in 2010’s ‘The Karate Kid.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.
Chan was Mr. Han, a handyman and master of kung-fu who trains young Dre (Jaden Smith) after he and his mother move to China in the 2010 movie.
How the two characters will end up sharing the screen remains to be seen, but it certainly sounds like they’ll be joining forces to help Wang’s character.
Ben Wang stars in ‘American Born Chinese.’ Photo: Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja.
Preview:
Ben Wang has landed the main role in the new ‘Karate Kid’ movie.
Franchise veterans Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio will star.
The movie is scheduled to be released in December.
Back in November, we learned that Sony was looking to revisit its popular ‘Karate Kid’ franchise with a new idea –– combining the leads from both iterations, the 1980s-set original movies and the 2010 re-imagining.
Ralph Macchio, who played freshly-transplanted Brooklyn teen Daniel LaRusso, who struggles to fit in in his new California home and who is trained by wise, quirky Karate sensei Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) will be back from the ‘80s movies.
And Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han, a master of kung-fu (quite while it’s still called ‘The Karate Kid’ is a mystery to us) who trains young Dre (Jaden Smith) to fight back against bullies after he and his mother move to China, is returning from the 2010 outing.
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The storylines would seem to exist in entirely different cinematic universes, but if comic book movies have taught us anything these days, it’s that universes can crash into each other all the time.
Back then, a key element still missing was the actual “Kid” of the title, but despite Chan and Macchio helping to launch a global casting search that saw 10,000 entries in the first 24 hours, The Hollywood Reporter brings bad news for the unknowns who were hoping to launch a career: Ben Wang has landed the role.
What’s the story of the new ‘Karate Kid’ movie?
Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in 1984’s ‘The Karate Kid.’ Photo: Columbia Pictures.
The movie, which has yet to announce a formal title (besides being a ‘Karate Kid’ film), is largely keeping its plot under wraps, but the latest iteration will reportedly bring the story to the East Coast and focus on a teen from China who finds strength and direction via martial arts and a tough but wise mentor.
He apparently delivered an excellent audition and brings several advantages to the role, including fluency in Mandarin and skill in a variety of martial arts.
Who is making the new ‘Karate Kid’ movie?
(L to R) Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Jaden Smith as Dre Parker in 2010’s ‘The Karate Kid.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.
Jonathan Entwistle, known for his and award-winning teen television dramas ‘I’m Not Okay with This’ and ‘The End of the F***ing World’, is directing the movie from a script by Rob Lieber, whose past credits include Sony’s ‘Peter Rabbit’ and Disney’s ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day’.
When will the new ‘Karate Kid’ movie be in theaters?
With a “kid” now in place, Sony can be more confident in getting this one moving, having already planted a flag in a December 13th, release date, with a shoot penciled in for this coming spring.
(L to R) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi in 1984’s ‘The Karate Kid.’
Premiering on Disney+ beginning May 24th is the new series ‘American Born Chinese,’ which was created by writer and actor Kelvin Yu (‘Wonder Woman 1984’) from the graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang.
What is the plot of ‘American Born Chinese’?
‘American Born Chinese’ tells the story of teenager Jin Wang (Ben Wang), a son of Chinese immigrants, who for the most part is a typical high school kid. He collects manga, tries to join the soccer team, and is on a journey dealing with his own identity as he tries to figure out who he is. One day, Wei-Chen (Jimmy Liu), an exchange student, arrives at Jin’s school. Unlike Jin, Wei-Chen didn’t grow up in America, is loud and open by nature, and doesn’t inhabit Jin’s self-doubt and insecurities. At times, this causes Jin to feel embarrassed being associated with Wei-Chen who’s very different.
Wei-Chen is revealed to be the son of Sun Wukong (Daniel Wu), commonly known as the Monkey King, a legendary figure in Chinese literature. Wei-Chen had a dream that the mythical Fourth Scroll can stop an uprising against Heaven. The dream also told him that an ordinary teenager is destined to aid him in his search. So Wei-Chen stole his father’s magical staff and is now, disguised as a high-schooler, searching for the scroll in earthly California, convinced that Jin is the ordinary teenager from his prophetic dream.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting with Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang to talk about their work on ‘American Born Chinese,’ what the series means to Wang, how he’s similar to his character, Jin and Amelia’s relationship, her home life, and Jin’s friendship with Wei-Chen.
(L to R) Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang star in Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese.’
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Taylor and Wang, Daniel Wu, Jimmy Liu, Yeo Yann Yann, Chin Han, and executive producers Gene Luen Yang and Melvin Mar.
Moviefone: To begin with, Ben, what is it like for you to be on a series like this that features real representation?
Ben Wang: I don’t know if I have the right words to describe how I feel. It is a bit overwhelming, but also this show, we’ve been sitting on it for a year. I’ve been pumped for everybody to see it. For like a year now, I’ve known how great it is and so I’m just really excited for everybody else to find out too. I’d never had a show like this when I was growing up and I know that it would’ve been really helpful for me to have a show like this. I’m really glad and grateful that I get to be a part of this project.
MF: Ben, what are some of the things that you can relate to personally between your character and your real life?
BW: All of the things, every single one of the things. When I read the script, when I read the graphic novel, it was like (Graphic novel author) Gene (Luen Yang) had spied on me while I was growing up and just drew frames from my exact life. Everything down to Jin’s aesthetic, his shirt and his terrible haircut is everything I had. I would walk on set and they’d be like, “Is that your costume or is that what you came here today in?” I’d have to tell them every time. So it was kind of incredible to see that degree of specific representation. It caught me off guard and then it made me really emotional because I had never seen that before.
(L to R) Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang star in Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese.’ Photo: Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja.
MF: Sydney, how would you describe Amelia and Jin’s relationship?
Sydney Taylor: I think Amelia and Jin’s relationship, it’s very different from beginning to end. Because the story is told through Jin’s eyes, I think in the beginning it sort of starts like Amelia is this perfect being that has all of the things he wants. She’s this all-American girl, is popular and pretty, and this and that, and everyone likes her and all of these things. Then he sort of idolizes her to a certain extent at the start. So, then, as the story continues, we get to see that relationship sort of change and that he sees her as more of a person than this unattainable thing on a pedestal. She gets to be an actual person to him. So then as that changes, we get to see their relationship form a better connection with each other. They end with this really wonderful relationship, and friendship, and closeness.
MF: Sydney, can you also talk about Amelia’s less than perfect home life?
ST: Yes, that was largely accredited to the writers. It was written in such a good way because it’s told through his eyes, so we see her as very almost one-dimensional. It’s a really great reveal that she largely represents the universal experience of not feeling understood, not feeling like you get along with people, having issues with your parents, and having issues with yourself. I think she serves as a really good universal being.
(L to R) Ben Wang and Jimmy Liu star in Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese.’ Photo: Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja.
MF: Finally, Ben, can you talk about Jin’s friendship with Wei-Chen?
BW: It’s a complicated friendship. It’s a complicated friendship for many reasons. Wei-Chen is a monkey God and Jin is an awkward little boy from Earth. But more importantly, it’s complicated because they’re so different as people. Wei-Chen is this sort of hyper-confident kid who goes into any situation, guns blazing without a single shred of doubt in himself. Jin is like 99% doubt. So they have a lot to teach each other about. The progression of their twin arcs throughout the series is they sort of meet in the middle, right? Wei-Chen teaches Jin how to be more confident. What is a healthy amount of confidence? I almost want to say what is a healthy amount of pride to take in yourself, a healthy amount to believe in yourself? Jin teaches Wei-Chen that sometimes you have to slow down, sometimes you have to think, sometimes you have to work things through, and sometimes you have to think about other people, not just the thing you want. So for the two of them, it’s a story about their friendship and it’s a story about the two of them teaching each other how to be better people, and growing up together.
‘American Born Chinese’ premieres on Disney+ beginning May 24th.
