Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are starring in a new ‘The Karate Kid’ movie

Thirty-nine years later, “The Karate Kid” fever lives on.

Ralph Macchio, who played the first Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso in 1984, has joined forces with Jackie Chan, who portrayed trainer Mr. Han in the 2010 remake for an upcoming film.

“Hi everyone, we’ve got big news,” Jackie said in a video announcement.

“We’re starring in a new ‘Karate Kid’ movie together,” Ralph added.

But the bigger news: The production is looking for the next Karate Kid and is holding global auditions.

“The global search for the star of our new film starts right now. So let’s wax on, wax off, everybody,” Ralph said, citing Mr. Miyagi’s iconic line from the 1984 movie.

Jackie chimed in with the 2010 version’s line. “You mean, jacket on, jacket off, hang it up?”

Ralph said, “Maybe the new Karate Kid will have to do it all.”

According to the casting guidelines on KarateKidCasting.com, the production is looking for an actor to portray Chinese or mixed-race Chinese between 15 to 17 years old. They must speak fluent English, with conversational Mandarin as a plus. Additionally, skills in martial arts, movement, gymnastics, and dance are a strong plus. Filming happens from March to June 2024.

“The Karate Kid,” both the original and the remake, follows main characters Daniel and Dre. They are both outcasts who learn martial arts from unlikely mentors to defend themselves from bullies. The films’ climax feature them battling the bullies in an intense tournament.

“The Karate Kid,” also has a sequel series “Cobra Kai,” which follows Daniel and his bully Johnny (William Zabka) decades after the first film.

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News