What is Karate Kid: Legends about?

The upcoming American martial arts drama film Karate Kid: Legends is the sixth part of the Karate Kid franchise. The film is directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber. The film is set post the events of the television series Cobra Kai (2018–2025). It will be released theatrically in the United States and Canada on May 30, 2025. The film had its premiere in Mexico City on May 8, 2025.

The film majorly revolves around Kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) who is forced to leave his home in Beijing and relocate to New York City with his mother, following a family tragedy. As he attempts to blend in with his new peers, Li finds it difficult to let go of his past. Despite his desire to avoid conflict, trouble always seems to find him.

Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead.

What is the plot of Karate Kid: Legends?

Set several years after the events in Beijing, the film is about Li Fong, a Kung Fu prodigy who leaves Beijing and relocates to New York City with his mother after a family tragedy.

Mr. Han is now the highly regarded master of a large Kung Fu academy, several years after the events in Beijing. Li Fong, a shy teenager who lives at the academy and hides from his mother, is one of his many disciples. Before they leave China, she demands that Li give up violence and martial arts after accepting a job offer in New York.

Unable to make friends at school and having trouble adjusting to New York, Li meets Mia, the daughter of Victor, a former boxer who now owns a traditional Italian pizza shop. Li and a local shopkeeper agree to exchange lessons when Li uses Mandarin to help Mia get a discount. She will show him around the city while he teaches her Chinese. They run across Connor Day, Mia's violent ex-boyfriend and champion fighter at a nearby dojo that hosts underground-style karate tournaments, during one of their trips. After Li gets a black eye in a fight, his mother appoints Alan as his tutor.

After a while, Li and Connor quarrel again outside the school. Connor is revealed to be an extraordinary fighter. He counters Li's attempt to use a flying kick he previously learnt from his older brother, taking advantage of Li's weakness midair. Flashbacks reveal that Li's brother was killed by an ambush in an alley by his defeated opponent following a victory in a Chinese tournament.

Li sees Victor being attacked one night by thugs sent by his creditor, who also owns Connor's dojo. Having to step in, Li uses his Kung Fu skills to defeat the attackers. Victor, feeling thankful, tells Li that he used to box professionally and is preparing to make a comeback to pay off his debt and keep the pizzeria open. He requests that Li train him. At first reluctant, Li agrees because he thinks he won't be battling himself.

Following the Karate dojo master's instructions, the opponent uses illegal hits to knock Victor out during his return fight. Mia feels disappointed when Li does nothing because he is immobilised by the memory of his brother's death. When Han reaches New York, Li eventually reconnects after avoiding Mr. Han's calls.

After learning the truth, Han urges Li to compete in the Five Boroughs Tournament to support his friends and face his past. Han, who had stayed at Mr. Miyagi's house and was moved by the tales of Daniel's trip, travels to Los Angeles to seek Daniel LaRusso's assistance. Daniel reluctantly goes to New York with them.

Li establishes a close relationship with his tutor Alan while learning from both masters, Daniel's Karate Defence and Han's Kung Fu. The two sensei work together to create a new version of Li's brother's flying kick, which is a feint that draws Connor to counterattack, which Li may then reverse by dodging. Li finally gets the move down after numerous failed attempts, including some amusing ones in the NYC subway turnstiles.

Li and Connor compete in a fierce eight-point game in the competition finals, which are played on a rooftop. Li overcomes his nervousness and wins the fight after tying the score at seven and landing the final blow with the modified flying kick. Later, Mr. Han goes back to China, and Victor and Mia start a second pizzeria. When a pizza delivery arrives in Los Angeles, Daniel and Johnny Lawrence split a slice. Johnny makes fun of the idea of bringing New York pizza to Los Angeles, saying that West Coast pizza is superior, and he offers a new business proposal: Miyagi-Dough, a pizzeria with a dojo theme.