Karate Kid Legends X Review: ‘Pretty Good’ Or ‘Mediocre’? Viewers Divided Over Ben Wang, Jackie Chan And Ralph Macchio Starrer

Karate Kid Legends has finally landed in theatres, and the reactions are all over the place. While some fans are loving the fresh energy, others are calling it a letdown. The new film brings back the legacy of the iconic martial arts saga but with a Gen-Z twist.

Ben Wang plays Li Fong, a young kung fu prodigy who moves to New York City and begins his journey under the guidance of two martial arts legends, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. The film tries to merge Chan’s kung fu legacy with Macchio’s classic karate style to appeal to fans across generations.

The story explores culture clash, mentorship, and personal growth. But even with that nostalgicc ombo, audiences seem torn.

Viewers Divided Over Ben Wang, Jackie Chan And Ralph Macchio Starrer

Fans who caught early screenings had plenty to say online. Some loved Ben Wang’s performance and wished the film focused more on him. One user wrote, “#KarateKidLegends is at its best focusing on Ben Wang. Some of the fights are pretty good too. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio don’t get much. They either needed bigger roles or none at all.”

#KarateKid Legends is at its best focusing on Ben Wang. Some of the fights are pretty good too. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio don’t get much. They either needed bigger roles or none at all

Really, they should’ve leaned more into Cobra Kai somehow pic.twitter.com/79yfuaXLJl

— Cooper Hood (@MovieCooper) May 29, 2025

Another fan said, “As a big fan of this franchise, I really enjoyed #KarateKidLegends even with its flaws. Ben Wang is going to be a HUGE star in the next 5 years as he is fantastic and has so much charisma!”

As a big fan of this franchise, I really enjoyed #KarateKidLegends even with it's flaws. Ben Wang is going to be a HUGE star in the next 5 years as he is fantastic and has so much charisma! This needed to be 120 minutes instead of 90 as it moves way to fast. Still had fun though! pic.twitter.com/zadr68C3if

— Josh Titan (@joshbecker659) May 28, 2025

But several others weren’t thrilled. One post read, “#KarateKidLegends is a brutal disappointment. It’s the definition of a studio/marketing team lying to its audience. Jackie Chan is in this for like 15 minutes at most. Ralph Macchio is in it for like 5.”

#KarateKidLegends is a brutal disappointment. It’s the definition of a studio/marketing team lying to its audience. Jackie Chan is in this for like 15 minutes at most. Ralph Macchio is in it for like 5. Joshua Jackson plays a major role and it’s ridiculous. Horribly edited. pic.twitter.com/exs0hs2hx8

— Kyle Arking 🟧 (he/him) (@ArkingKyle) May 29, 2025

Another fan called it “a mediocre retread of tired franchise tropes with force-fed fan service.” Many felt the film didn’t do justice to the legacy of Chan and Macchio and moved too fast to let the characters breathe.

What a mediocre retread of tired franchise tropes with force fed fan service. Being someone who was there from the beginning, this is unfortunately not worth the time and one of the worse entries in the series. Totally unnecessary to say the least. #KarateKidLegends pic.twitter.com/TcQet6oniK

— ACTION-FLIX.COM (@JMJActionFlix) May 29, 2025

Check out the reactions below!

Yes it's incredibly formulaic & yes we really didn't need a whole storyline about Joshua Jackson boxing. But I'll admit I genuinely enjoyed #KarateKidLegends. I'm a big fan of Ben Wang & his effortlessly meek charm. Mix in some believable action & we got some solid wholesome fun. pic.twitter.com/uRbLlkMAFd

— Year In Cinema (@yearincinema) May 30, 2025

I honestly didn’t have the highest of hopes going into #KarateKidLegends but this movie was actually pretty good. 

Ben Wang as the new karate kid feels right.

The visuals and cinematography for this movie were also spectacular. 

Overall a solid 8.5/10. pic.twitter.com/2YelykrE2C

— Rin Tune (@mx_rin_) May 30, 2025

#KarateKidLegends is by far at its best when the karate is at the forefront of the film, but most of the fights are montages that just leave you wanting more. I liked Ben Wang, who plays Li, but he just feels grossly overshadowed by the legacy characters. The writing just didn’t… pic.twitter.com/Bpm07GRaZk

— Ryan Helton (@Ryan_Helton44) May 30, 2025

A big positive I can give #KarateKidLegends is that Ben Wang feels like a true successor to Jackie Chan. It’s actually impressive how much his stunt action is reminiscent to a young Jackie Chan pic.twitter.com/sWNDxGWIg8

— BrainrotCore (@Tired_Artist04) May 30, 2025

Karate Kid: Legends is easily the blandest, dullest, least compelling film that I've seen in 2025. LaRusso felt shoehorned in and Mr. Han only slightly less so. Neither really do that much to lift this hastily recycled, cliche-riddled, hastily written mess.

Playd out like a… pic.twitter.com/wUvED0CBYm

— MovieManKev ❤📽🍿 (@MovieManKev) May 29, 2025

Ben Wang Steals The Spotlight In Karate Kid Legends

Despite the criticism, everyone agrees that Ben Wang has serious star power. Ralph Macchio praised the actor and said, “His work ethic, his preparedness, his not taking anything for granted; he will be this generation’s Karate Kid.”

Ben Wang also shared what the role means to him. He said, “The 2010 reboot was the first Karate Kid I saw. It was set in Beijing. I had just moved back from there. The idea of starting over and finding mentors resonates deeply with me.”

For Indian audiences, the film brings an exciting twist. The Hindi-dubbed version features Yug Devgan, son of Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, as the voice of Li Fong. This marks Yug’s debut as a voice actor.

So, is Karate Kid Legends a refreshing comeback or just more franchise fatigue? That depends on what you’re looking for.