Karate Kid: Legends Director Reveals if Jaden Smith’s Dre Is Canon

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Jonathan Entwistle, the director of “Karate Kid: Legends,” has clearly stated that the character Dre Parker, played by Jaden Smith, does not belong to the universe of the 2025 film. Although Dre appeared in the 2010 movie “The Karate Kid,” he is not a part of the storyline in the upcoming feature.

Jonathan Entwistle says Jaden Smith’s Dre still exists in Karate Kid: Legends’ universe

In a recent conversation with Inverse, Entwistle affirmed that the character Dre Parker is part of the Karate Kid universe. He explained, “Dre indeed exists and continues to do so within the canon. However, it’s important to note that he has no direct connection to Li Fong or this specific storyline. Yet, he undeniably plays a role in Mr. Han’s tale, which is certain.

Significantly, Smith’s character, Dre, played the main role in the 2010 film “The Karate Kid”. In this movie, Dre is a 12-year-old boy who, along with his mother, relocates to Beijing, China, seeking fresh opportunities. However, he encounters severe bullying. One fateful day, Jackie Chan’s character, Mr. Han, intervenes and rescues Dre from his tormentors. Later, Mr. Han transforms Dre’s life by teaching him kung fu.

Despite Dre not making an appearance in Karate Kid: Legends, as Entwistle mentioned, Mr. Han is a pivotal figure in the film. At the start of the movie, he operates a renowned kung fu school in Beijing. Later on, he tracks down Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio, who was the central character in the initial three Karate Kid films and one of the principal characters of Cobra Kai.

Following the release of the film in 2010, discussions about a follow-up began. But by 2014, fresh writing talents were brought on board. Unfortunately, the idea for a sequel never moved forward and was eventually abandoned.

Regarding a potential sequel to The Karate Kid: Legends, focusing on Ben Wang’s character Li Fong, Entwistle expressed uncertainty, stating, “I guess we’ll have to wait and find out.” If the Karate Kid series continues, there’s a possibility that Smith could return in future installments and possibly collaborate with Li.

Originally reported by Tamal Kundu on SuperHeroHype.

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2025-05-30 09:40