Entertainment Movies Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan to Reprise Roles for New Karate Kid Movie in 2024: 'Big News!' "The global search for the star of our new film starts right now," Ralph Macchio said in an announcement video alongside Jackie Chan By Jen Juneau Jen Juneau Jen Juneau is a News and Movies Staff Writer at PEOPLE. She started at the brand in 2016 and has more than 15 years' professional writing experience. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 21, 2023 01:31PM EST Close The search for the next Karate Kid is underway! On Tuesday, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan announced they'll be starring together in an upcoming Karate Kid movie and are currently looking for a new teen protagonist — played by Macchio, now 62, in the original 1984 film and Jaden Smith in the 2010 reboot that co-starred Chan, 69. "Hi everyone! We've got big news," Chan began in their video, before Macchio jumped in with, "We're starring in a new Karate Kid movie together." "That's big news, but we even have bigger news," Chan continued. "We're looking for the next Karate Kid." "That's right — the global search for the star of our new film starts right now. So let's wax on, wax off, everybody," Macchio said near the end of the clip, quoting Mr. Miyagi's (played by the late Pat Morita) famous line in the original movie. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. Ralph Macchio in 'The Karate Kid' (1984); Jackie Chan in 'The Karate Kid' (2010). Alamy; Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock William Zabka Says Working with Ralph Macchio on Cobra Kai After The Karate Kid Is 'An Honor' The video then directed hopeful stars to KarateKidCasting.com to get more information about the search and how to submit for consideration. While plot details are being kept under wraps for now, the film will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle from a screenplay by Rob Lieber, and will be produced by Karen Rosenfelt, according to a press release. It is scheduled to hit theaters Dec. 13, 2024. In the original Karate Kid films, Macchio's character Daniel LaRusso is a bullied high-school student whose life changes when he's taught self-defense skills and valuable life lessons by wise karate sensei Mr. Miyagi. He applies what he learns to protect himself and beat opponents who challenge him in competition. Macchio returned as Daniel in the TV series Cobra Kai, where his rivalry with longtime opponent Johnny Lawrence is reignited 35 years later. In 2021, Macchio earned an Emmy nomination for outstanding comedy series as one of the show's executive producers. Meanwhile, Chan starred opposite Smith in 2010's The Karate Kid, where he played Mr. Han, a kung fu master and mentor to Smith's character, Dre Parker. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita in 'The Karate Kid III' (1989). Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 'Cobra Kai' Set for Final Season as Creators Tease More 'Karate Kid' Coming: 'Miyagiverse Has Never Been Stronger' Back in January 2021, Macchio told PEOPLE about how different generations of fans have reacted to the Karate Kid universe through Cobra Kai. "Kids see the show and then tell their parents, 'Hey, you should check this out. It's really cool,' " he said at the time. "To go through the ebbs and flows of popularity for 36-plus years and now be in a place where parents, kids and even grandparents are sharing the same excitement is really special."