Jaden Smith to star in 'Karate Kid' remake

November 12, 2008 11:31:28 AM

• A⁺ 
• A^-
• |
• 
• |
• 
• |
• 

The actor son of Hollywood icon Will Smith is to star in a remake of the hit 1984 film "The Karate Kid," entertainment industry press reported Tuesday.

Jaden Smith, 10, will play the lead role in the new film, which will contain elements of the original movie's plot but is to be set in Beijing and other cities, Daily Variety reported.

Jaden Smith made his feature film debut alongside his more famous father in the successful 2006 hit "The Pursuit of Happyness."

The original "Karate Kid" starred Ralph Macchio as a youngster who learns to defend himself from bullies by learning martial arts from an eccentric mentor, played by the late Pat Morita, who earned a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for the role.

The film spawned two sequels starring Macchio and Morita, as well as a third instalment in 1994 "The Next Karate Kid," starring future best actress-Oscar winner Hilary Swank.