The Karate Kid legacy continues in Karate Kid: Legends, introducing a fresh pair of teenage rivals who embody the classic underdog-versus-bully dynamic. Just like the original 1984 film with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka or the 1994 reboot with Hilary Swank, this new installment keeps the spirit alive.
Ben Wang stars as Li Fong, a kung fu-trained newcomer to New York, while Aramis Knight plays Conor Day, a local karate champ whose jealousy is sparked when Li befriends his ex-girlfriend. As tensions rise, the inevitable showdown takes place at a local karate tournament, continuing the franchise’s tradition of climactic martial arts faceoffs.
Ben Wang’s Journey Mirrors Li Fong’s With Martial Arts Roots and Acting Dreams
Ben Wang finds uncanny parallels between his real life and his character in Legends. Much like Li Fong, Wang moved to a new country with his mother—relocating from Shanghai to a small town in Minnesota. His early exposure to martial arts like taekwondo and Wing Chun helped him prepare physically, though he admits the toughest part of filming was enduring the squats.
Wang has steadily built a career in film and television, appearing in American Born Chinese, Mean Girls, and Chang Can Dunk. His upcoming projects include the Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk and a major role in the Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping.
Karate Kid: Legends Revives Rivalry Spirit With New Teen Fighters and Fresh Franchise EnergyWang’s foray into acting came more from a desire for connection than ambition. Initially struggling with sports and searching for friendships, he discovered acting through a school play version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Though it wasn’t Shakespeare’s original, the experience left a strong impression on him. Acting soon became his passion, despite having no early plans to pursue it professionally. That turning point eventually led him to drama school in New York and, ultimately, to landing the lead in Karate Kid: Legends.
Aramis Knight Embraces Villainy with Martial Arts Chops and Hollywood Veteran Experience
Although only 25, Aramis Knight already has two decades of experience in Hollywood. His resume includes roles in Lost, Dexter, The Dark Knight Rises, and Ender’s Game, but his breakout came with the action-heavy TV series Into the Badlands. That show served as his martial arts boot camp, mentored by co-star Daniel Wu.
Though he lacked flexibility at first, Knight committed to rigorous training over three seasons, reshaping himself into a convincing on-screen fighter. His martial arts skills were further honed in Marvel’s Ms. Marvel, adding to his credibility as a physical actor.
For Knight, playing Conor Day isn’t just about being the bad guy—it’s about embracing a larger-than-life persona. He likens it to stepping into a traditional “Karate Kid” antagonist’s shoes, a role that allows him to stretch his range and explore more theatrical character work.
Knight relishes the opportunity to play someone so different from his real self, even if it means being a bit of a jerk on screen. As he puts it, Conor’s downfall is essential to Li Fong’s heroism, making the villain just as important to the story’s emotional payoff.