With the upcoming release of "Karate Kid: Legends" on May 30, 2025, Ben Wang steps into a significant role, becoming the first Asian American to lead a "Karate Kid" film. This marks a turning point for the franchise, addressing past criticisms regarding the lack of Asian American representation.

Wang, born on January 1, 2000, in Shanghai, China, immigrated to the United States at the age of six. He is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese and is skilled in various martial arts, including karate, kenpo, kung fu (particularly wing chun), kumdo, and taekwondo. His diverse background and martial arts proficiency make him well-suited for the role of Li Fong in "Karate Kid: Legends".

"Karate Kid: Legends" brings together Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, uniting characters from the original "Karate Kid" trilogy and the 2010 remake. The film follows Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who moves from Beijing to New York City after a family tragedy. In New York, he enters a karate competition with the help of Daniel and Mr. Han. The movie is directed by Jonathan Entwistle. Besides Wang, Macchio and Chan, the movie stars Sadie Stanley, Joshua Jackson and Ming-Na Wen.

Wang's casting has been met with optimism, with many viewing it as a step towards greater inclusivity in the franchise. He acknowledged the significance of his role, recognizing that he is in a "privileged position" to represent the Asian American community. While the original "Karate Kid" featured Pat Morita, the new movie marks the first time an Asian American actor will be the lead character.

The lack of Asian American representation in the "Karate Kid" franchise has been a point of contention for some. While the films have been entertaining, the absence of young Asian American main characters has been a "loose, nagging tooth." In past movies, Asians were often relegated to sidekicks or villains. By casting Wang in the lead role, "Karate Kid: Legends" aims to address these concerns and provide a more authentic representation of the Asian American experience.

"Karate Kid: Legends" not only unites different generations of "Karate Kid" characters but also bridges cultures. As Wang himself stated, the franchise has "always shown so much respect for Asian martial arts" and serves as a "wonderful bridge of understanding between cultures." The film's themes of self-esteem, discipline, and respect are universal, resonating with audiences of all backgrounds.

With "Karate Kid: Legends," Ben Wang is not only stepping into the spotlight as the newest "Kid" but also paving the way for greater Asian American representation in Hollywood. His role signifies a shift towards more inclusive storytelling and offers a new perspective on the beloved "Karate Kid" franchise.