The Hong Kong action film star of Kung Fu is in negotiations to star in Columbia's remake of The Karate Kid.
Jackie Chan is about to take on the role of mentor Mr. Miyagi, made famous by Pat Morita in the original film.
Jaden Smith, son of actor Will Smith, would play Miyagi's young protege, a role originally played by Ralph Macchio. The studio also has signed Harald Zwart to direct the picture, which possibly will begin shooting early this summer in Beijing.
Like the original, the remake will follow the same storyline, a relationship between a martial arts master and a boy who's bullied by his peers.
Jackie Chan, who next appears in the action-comedy The Spy Next Door, has massive appeal overseas, which undoubtedly appealed to Columbia. His Rush Hour films with Chris Tucker have earned about $750 million worldwide.
Go get 'em Jackie - wax on, wax off!
Source: Reuters
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