Karate Kid fans can’t believe Ralph Macchio’s ‘real age’ as he makes shock return to iconic movie franchise
KARATE Kid fans can’t believe Ralph Macchio’s ‘real age’ as he returns to the big screen in an iconic movie franchise.
The legendary actor is set to to make his epic comeback to a famous film series – and fans are in shock.
The first Karate Kid movie came out in 1984 and starred Ralph as teen Daniel LaRusso.
He was mentored by Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, and tormented by William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence.
The iconic movie spawned three sequels throughout the ‘80s and 90’s – two of which continued to star Ralph and one of which featured Hilary Swank.
The film franchise returned in 2010 with a remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.
Sony has now revealed that another exciting Karate Kid movie is on the horizon.
What makes it even more special is that it will bring together the stars from both the original Karate Kid and its remake.
Jackie Chan and Ralph will reprise their roles together for the new film.
But fans cannot believe, Ralph is actually 61 years old.
Many were left in disbelief at Ralphs “real age” and shared their reactions on X/Twitter.
One wrote: “Someone explain how on earth is Ralph Macchio 61 years old. This man has never in his life looked like his age. The term “Ageing like Fine Wine” doesn’t even do justice here.”
A second added: “Ralph Macchio at Cobra kai (61 years) Pat Morita Karate kid 1 (51 years) what ??? Eternal youth.”
A third penned: “Ralph Macchiò didn’t age at 23 he looked 14, at 30 he looked 18 and today at 61 he looks like he is in his 30’s. Great genes :).”
A fourth wrote: “Pat Morita died 18 years ago. If he were alive today, he would be 90. I can’t believe that Ralph Macchio is 61. I will always think of him as that young kid.”
A fifth added: “Can’t believe Ralph Macchio is actually 61, wow.”
Over the past 37 years many fans have pointed out how young he STILL looks.
The next installment is set to be directed by Jonathan Entwistle, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Specific movie details are still under wraps, and casting for the new Karate Kid is underway.
But it’s known the film is to be set on the East Coast and focus on a teen from China who learns martial arts from a wise mentor.
The release date for the new Karate Kid movie is set for December 13, 2024.
Details about how this new movie will tie into Netflix’s Karate Kid series, Cobra Kai, which also stars Ralph, have not yet been revealed.
The streaming service renewed the show for a sixth and final season in January.
A release date for Season 6 of Cobra Kai has not yet been announced, though star Xolo Maridueña revealed in a recent interview with Collider that filming is set to begin shortly.
Almost a decade later, Karate Kid came back in the form of a TV show, Cobra Kai, starring the original franchise stars.