Jackie Chan plans to whip that lazy Jaden Smith into shape.
Variety reports that Jackie Chan is in final talks to join the cast of the “Karate Kid” remake. Chan will play the Mr. Miyagi role. Jaden Smith will play the titular kid who gets instruction from the Chan character (I don’t know if they’re keeping original names).
The simple little story of a bullied kid who learns to fight for himself has been, uh, expanded. Variety says the script has been revised by Chris Murphy and now is “Set in an exotic Asian locale.” Well, of course, bigger is always so much better.
Every time a story about this remake comes out, I express my dismay. As for the casting of Chan, I don’t have anything against him personally and think he can be a lot of fun onscreen. But he tends to be really big and over the top, and I don’t think that’s a great choice for this character. But it’s not like my opinion matters. Unfortunately.
This unwanted remake will be directed by Harald Zwart.
