Will Smith Seeks Ralph Macchio's Advice for Karate Kid Reboot
Ralph Macchio
Now that Will Smith is remaking The Karate Kid, he's seeking out the advice of Mr. Wax On himself, Ralph Macchio.
"I was somewhat expecting a call based on the fact that he's one of the biggest stars on the planet, but one the nicest guys at that power level you'll ever meet," Macchio told TVGuide.com about the phone call he received from Smith a couple weeks back. "We spoke about a bunch of stuff, mainly how he came from the perspective of respect and admiration for the original film, and how he wants to find his own angle in."
But this wasn't the first time the actors' paths had crossed. "It was funny because I remember Will auditioned for My Cousin Vinny with me where I was reading with him to play the role of the neurotic friend. So when he called, I said, 'The last time we saw each other was when we auditioned for My Cousin Vinny, which was the probably the first and last time I got the part and you didn't,'" laughed Macchio. "He just cracked up."
Macchio also spoke to Smith's "adorable" 11-year-old son, Jaden, who has been cast as the lead in the remake.
Earlier this year, there was an outcry in the blogosphere that Macchio had slammed the idea of a remake, but the actor emphasizes that he was simply saying that a remake will not be easy to pull off.
"The original Karate Kid is pretty present on cable, so I think the new generation knows it well, whereas many remakes haven't been seen by the current generation, like Ocean's 11," said Macchio. "I feel the void to fill of what Mr. Miyagi was — that kind of magical, soulful character — is going to be the tallest order."
The film, which will shoot in Beijing, China, recently added Jackie Chan in the Miyagi-type mentor role.
But will Daniel-San make a cameo?
"I have no interest of doing a cameo, but I told Will if he has an idea and wants to talk about something, let's discuss it because it's you and the credibility," said Macchio. "On the other hand, I think it will serve this version to have its own identity. If they attempt to copy-cat all the way with the wax-on, wax-off stuff and the catching the flies with chopsticks, it's going to be much tougher. But we shall see."
Do you think Smith should make his own version or stay true to the original?
