Legends Runtime Sets All-Time Franchise Record In A Shocking Way

The runtime of Karate Kid: Legends will set a franchise record in a shocking way. The upcoming film premieres on May 30 and continues the beloved series as the first movie in the franchise since the 2010 release of The Karate Kid. It follows a kung fu prodigy in New York City who trains for a major karate competition under Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso (portrayed by Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, respectively). Along with Chan and Macchio, the cast of Karate Kid: Legends includes Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Ming-Na Wen, Aramis Knight, and Shaunette Renée Wilson.

According to AMC Theatres, the runtime for Karate Kid: Legends is 94 minutes, making it the shortest movie in The Karate Kid franchise. No prior entry has run shorter than 107 minutes, which is the length of The Next Karate Kid, starring Noriyuki “Pat” Morita and Hilary Swank.

What This Means For Karate Kid: Legends

Runtime Should Not Discourage Audiences

The 94-minute runtime for Karate Kid: Legends, as provided by AMC, counters the 118 minutes displayed on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as some other movie/television websites. The duration may vary, but a prominent theater brand, where tickets will eventually go on sale, is likely accurate for film information. This means that Karate Kid: Legends will officially supplant The Next Karate Kid as the shortest installment to date. In contrast, the Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan-starring The Karate Kid is the longest franchise entry at 140 minutes.

Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, and Ralph Macchio adn Daniel LaRusso

Karate Kid: Legends Is Brilliantly Honoring A Mr. Miyagi Quote With Its Daniel-Han Team Up

Karate Kid: Legends’ trailer establishes that it subtly honors one of Mr. Miyagi’s most profound quotes with its Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han team-up.

The original The Karate Kid runs for 126 minutes, while The Karate Kid Part II and Part III are 113 and 112 minutes, respectively. However, a shorter runtime should not deter audiences from seeing Karate Kid: Legends, nor should it serve as an indicator of quality. The ongoing franchise remains celebrated by fans, and in popular culture, and the commercial success of the 2010 installment, along with Cobra Kai, suggests that viewers are still eager for Karate Kid content, possibly making the upcoming movie more of a draw.

Our Take On The Reported Karate Kid: Legends Runtime

It Should Make The Most Of 94 Minutes

Actors Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso in Karate Kid: Legends.

Because Karate Kid: Legends has such a brief runtime, it will need to make the most of its 94 minutes, but that is not impossible. Ahead of its premiere, it will be interesting to see how critical reactions pan out, and if that potentially becomes a block or source of encouragement for audiences. If the film delivers on action and a compelling story that utilizes Mr. Han and Daniel, all while successfully introducing a new character in Li Fong, it could be another huge hit for the franchise.

Source: AMC Theatres