Even though it’s been more than 14 years since Jaden Smith appeared in The Karate Kid franchise, he still seems to be the most popular among fans due to his absence from the series’ upcoming trailer, which sparked discussion on social media. like.
The first trailer for the upcoming film The Karate Kid: Legend starring Jackie Chan and original trilogy star Ralph Macchio was released on Tuesday (December 17). However, Smith did not reprise his role, and instead newcomer Ben Wang was revealed as the new protégé that Chen and Macchio would be training.
The first trailer for The Karate Kid: Legend has been released.
Releases May 30.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 17, 2024
Some users reacted to the trailer in additional replies, writing comments like “Where is my black Jaden Smith?” Another user added, “If Jaden Smith wasn’t here I would be p#####.”
Other users speculated that Smith’s absence had to do with the actual universe of The Karate Kid, and that the 2010 version of the series in which he starred was within that framework.
“I love that they just said ‘F###, Jaden Smith’s movie is a classic’ because it’s the only one that wasn’t touched by Cobra Kai lol,” the user suggested.
Some netizens also speculated that Smith’s appearance may have been reserved for a stunning grand entrance to enhance the excitement and nostalgia elements of the movie.
“Imagine if Jaden Smith showed up in the third act to reunite with Jackie Chan, s### would be the Avengers for Karate Kid fans lol,” the user added.
But, for the most part, users simply viewed the film’s trailer rather than Smith’s apparent snub.
“Jaden Smith found out he’s not in the Karate Kid movie,” one user wrote in response, referencing Isaiah Thomas’ infamous appearance in Michael Jordan’s “The Last Dance” series.
Jaden Smith sees he’s not in the Karate Kid movie https://t.co/u6h4HuJ3du pic.twitter.com/D3CIIlGMNR
— khumaan (@mr_nimbuss) December 17, 2024
Another user added: “No Jaden Smith? Who do I start my hate train for? Sony or Jaden because y’all get excited.
In response to the above rebuttal, another user wrote: “The fact that Jaden Smith is not in this movie is anti-black!!!”
One user suggested that the “ICON” rapper’s recent lifestyle choices may have been the reason why he didn’t get a role in the movie.
“Jaden Smith should still be filming these movies,” the user wrote before concluding, “but his idea is to pretend to be gay with Tyler the Creator.”
Check out the full trailer for the film in the post above.
