Warning: This article contains spoilers for Karate Kid: Legends.
The Karate Kid franchise is back with a fresh twist. Karate Kid: Legends introduces new faces while paying tribute to its roots. Some of these characters are more than new—they’re modern stand-ins for beloved roles from the original film. Let’s explore six characters in Karate Kid: Legends who step into the shoes of old favorites.
1. Li Fong Is the New Daniel LaRusso
Played by: Ben Wang
Li Fong is the heart of Karate Kid: Legends, just like Daniel LaRusso was in the 1984 classic. Li starts his journey in China, training under Mr. Han. Then life shifts—he moves to New York with his mom. There, he struggles to fit in, deals with bullies, and slowly finds purpose in martial arts.
His story mirrors Daniel’s in many ways. Daniel moved from New Jersey to California, faced bullies, and found strength through karate with Mr. Miyagi’s help. Now, Daniel returns in Legends—this time as a mentor to Li Fong, passing on Miyagi’s teachings.
2. Mr. Han Replaces Mr. Miyagi
Played by: Jackie Chan
Mr. Han is no stranger to fans of The Karate Kid (he starred in the 2010 reboot). In Legends, he takes on the role once filled by Mr. Miyagi. He trains Li Fong in China and later joins him in New York, guiding him both in karate and life.
Like Miyagi, Mr. Han is more than a teacher—he’s a spiritual guide. He teaches balance, peace, and discipline. The film even honors Miyagi’s legacy, showing how Mr. Han carries that same torch for the next generation.
3. Mia Is the Modern Ali Mills
Played by: Sadie Stanley
Mia works at a pizza shop in New York, where she meets Li Fong. The two become close, and Mia turns into both a friend and a love interest. But there’s a catch—her ex-boyfriend is a skilled martial artist and Li’s future opponent.
This setup is very familiar. In the original, Daniel fell for Ali Mills, whose ex was Johnny Lawrence—the Cobra Kai bad boy. One difference? Mia’s life is tougher. She and her dad run a struggling business, unlike the wealthy Ali from the 1980s.
4. Conor Replaces Johnny Lawrence
Played by: Aramis Knight
Conor is Karate Kid: Legends’ main rival. He’s Mia’s ex and a fighter from a brutal dojo. Throughout the film, he taunts and challenges Li Fong. Their feud ends in an intense final match where Conor fights dirty—but Li comes out on top with a risky, well-timed move.
This rivalry reflects the original clash between Daniel and Johnny. Both villains are cocky, skilled, and tied to the hero’s romantic interest. While Johnny became more complex in Cobra Kai, Conor has limited screen time. Still, the echo of the classic rivalry is clear.
5. Dr. Fong Replaces Lucille LaRusso
Played by: Ming-Na Wen
Dr. Fong is Li’s mom. She moves to New York for her job, pushing the story into motion. Her character closely matches Lucille LaRusso, Daniel’s mom in the original, who also relocates for work. Both mothers fade into the background as the story progresses but serve as the emotional reason behind their sons’ new lives.
6. O’Shea Is the New John Kreese
Played by: Tim Rozon
Every Karate Kid story needs a tough, intimidating villain. In Legends, that’s O’Shea—the ruthless sensei of Conor’s dojo. He encourages cheap shots and cruelty, just like John Kreese did with Cobra Kai.
But O’Shea is more than just a coach. He’s also a loan shark, adding extra menace to his character. He represents toxic teaching and dangerous discipline, filling the same role Kreese once held in the original film.
Final Thoughts
Karate Kid: Legends isn’t just another sequel—it’s a smart reboot that bridges generations. It brings back familiar faces while creating new ones. By reimagining old characters with fresh depth and diversity, the film honors the legacy of The Karate Kid while forging a bold path forward.
