Karate Kid: Legendsis full of blatant references to all kinds of characters from throughout the history ofThe Karate Kid, and while it may seem like Jaden Smith’s character was left out of this celebration, the film does have one major reference to him. Jaden Smith’s Dre Parker was the protagonist of 2010’sThe Karate Kidremake, with him filling the role ofRalph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso from the originalThe Karate Kid. Although Dre doesn’t return inKarate Kid: Legends, his legacy lives on, with Mr. Han subtly giving his former student a nod.
Karate Kid: Legendsattempts to unite the three branchesofThe Karate Kidfranchise, bringing together characters from the original series, the 2010 remake, andCobra Kai. The cast ofKarate Kid: Legendsfeatures an original character in the form of Li Fong, as well as the return of Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han. While it is exciting to see these characters finally come together on the big screen, some fans of 2010’sThe Karate Kidwere a bit disappointed, asJaden Smith’s Dre Parker wasn’t even mentioned in the film. However, his impact on the franchise was recognized.
Karate Kid: Legends Reuses The Jacket Training Move From 2010’s The Karate Kid
Mr. Han Teaches It To All Of His Students
As it turns out, Dre Parker was referenced inKarate Kid: Legendsthrough the return of one training move from the remake. In the originalThe Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi teaches Daniel LaRusso karate through a variety of everyday movements, with the most famous of these being “wax on, wax off.“2010’sThe Karate Kiddoes something similar, with Mr. Han teaching Jaden Smith through another famous move: “Jacket on, jacket off.” This move became important as Dre mastered his martial art, but Dre wasn’t the only one to utilize it.
Karate Kid: Legendsopens with Li Fong still in China, with him training for kung fu at a dojo. Interestingly, this dojo is run by Mr. Han, the handyman who trained Dre Parker in 2010’sThe Karate Kid. In the 15 years that have passed, Mr. Han has become a successful kung fu teacher. While his demeanor has changed a lot, his teaching methods haven’t. While the film shows off the school,several of Mr. Han’s students can be seen doing the “jacket on, jacket off” move, proving that Han still finds it useful after first teaching it to Dre Parker.
The Jacket Training Sequence Subtly References Mr. Han’s History With Dre Parker
It Shows Dre’s Impact On Mr. Han
Although it is subtle, subtlety was the best approach to referencing Jaden Smith’s character.It would have felt unnatural for Mr. Han to actually say Dre’s name, as he is just one of many students that Han has taught throughout the years. Showing that Mr. Han is continuing to utilize the methods that he used to teach Dre not only references the character but also acts as a clever way of fleshing out the world. If he had said Dre’s name, it would have been a clear moment ofKarate Kid: Legendswinking at the camera.
Karate Kid: Legends' Reference To Jaden Smith Is Better Than A Cameo
A Cameo Would Have Been Too Confusing
While some fans may have wanted to see Jaden Smith’s character, this approach was much better than a cameo.ThroughoutCobra Kai, viewers have seen that Daniel LaRussohas continued to practice karate, so much so that he has become a teacher. This puts him and Mr. Han on the same level, meaning that Li Fong can be the main student inKarate Kid: Legends.
If Dre returned,Karate Kid: Legendswould have either had to have a lot of explanation discussing how Dre became a teacher, or have Dre be someone who just practiced kung fu for a little bit. IfKarate Kid: Legendschose the latter, it would have taken away from Li’s journey, with him having to share the spotlight with Jaden Smith. Plus, 2010’sThe Karate Kidwasn’t received very well, meaning that it was a wise decision forKarate Kid: Legendsto only bring back Mr. Han from the remake.
