News

Jackie Chan to Wax On and Off

Martial arts star Jackie Chan is in negotiations to star in a remake of The Karate Kid. Jaden Smith has already been confirmed to play the title role. Chan would play his zen-like mentor, the role originated by the late Pat Morita.

Harald Zwart, who directed the forthcoming The Pink Panther 2, will lens the redo, which is scheduled to begin shooting in Beijing sometime this year.

The new film will retain the original's signature theme about a wise martial arts expert and a youngster who is preyed upon by local bullies. The setting has been changed from Japan to China, however. Jaden's dad, Will Smith, will produce the film.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
01.19.09