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When thinking of Jackie Chan in a movie, epic fight scenes are usually expected. But in the 2010 filmThe Karate Kid, that wasn’t really the case. His character was mainly the protagonist’s trainer and mentor, so people didn’t get to see him in classic fighting form. It was a bit of a letdown for fans hoping for those signature moves.
But it looks like that’s not how it was supposed to be. Chan actually filmed a fight scene that was over three minutes long, but it ended up getting cut from the movie. Why? It’s not really clear. Still, for a lot of people, it seems pretty obvious why it happened, especially given all the moral lessons the story aims to deliver.
What Exactly Is The Deleted Scene From 2010’sThe Karate Kid?
The Karate Kidis a classic in the film industry, dating back to the ’80s. However, for newer generations, it was reintroduced through the 2010 film of the same name, featuringJaden Smithin the lead role.Jackie Chanalso starred in the movie, bringing his unique flair to help tell this iconic story.
Some people say the movie didn’t quite hit the mark for them, and the 66% score onRotten Tomatoesbacks that up. However, the plot was still satisfying for the new audience, who were introduced to this universe.
The one issue that seemed to be agreed upon was regarding Chan. By that time, he was already a martial arts superstar in films, and audiences of all ages were eager to see him in action. To everyone’s disappointment, that just didn’t happen.
It’s been over a decade since the film came out, but adeleted scenewent viral a few years ago, giving everyone exactly what they had been hoping for: Chan in a fight. His character, Mr. Han, would have fought Master Li, the trainer of Dre’s opponent — played by Smith — and the main villain of the story.
Jaden Smith’s Film Career Took a Depressing Turn Since Jackie Chan’s ‘The Karate Kid’, But It Was Not All Bad News
Because of this, fans started to wonder why the scene was cut. While there was no official explanation, some had their own theories. In the scene, Mr. Han would confront his rival at the end of the film, realizing that Master Li was about to punish his student for losing to Dre.
The main goal was to pay tribute to Chinese culture and Kung Fu itself. The plot clearly emphasizes the protagonist’s journey and achievements, which should be the primary focus to keep the story’s purpose intact. However, Chan’s fight, no matter how short, could have easily become the most memorable moment of all — and that wasn’t the intention.
A showdown between the masters would likely overshadow Dre’s moment, which symbolizes his growth and resilience.
Jackie Chan’s Influence And Chinese Government Participation In The Filming Of 2010’sThe Karate Kid
The remake ofThe Karate Kidis still remembered by many today, but almost no one knows that the film was able to shoot in key locations in China largely thanks to Chan. He played a significant role in ensuring that the script didn’t undergo any major changes, helping to maintain the integrity of the story. (viaScreen Rant)
According toWill Smith, one of the producers, knowing that Chan would be involved made the Chinese government permit filming at the Great Wall of China and the Wudang Mountains — locations that were strictly off-limits for productions. The movie also became the only one to be filmed in the sacred Forbidden City in over 20 years.
Karate Kid: Jackie Chan is a Student of Mr. Miyagi and 1 Scene from Jaden Smith Starrer Proves That
However, despite all this,The Karate Kidhad to have some scenes edited for its release in China due to censorship. Apparently, there were additional kissing scenes between the protagonist and his love interest, as well as more intense bullying scenes. As a result, these changes gave the story a completely different tone.
Demands were made for Chinese characters not to be portrayed in a negative light, and as a result, the version of the movie shown in the country implied that Dre was the instigator of the fights.
Although the original intention was to focus on themes of overcoming challenges, the plot shifted to depict the protagonist’s journey as one of seeking redemption — essentially the opposite of what audiences in the rest of the world experienced.
The Karate Kid(2010) is available for streaming on Netflix.
Catherine Delgado
Articles Published :141
A geek enthusiast of fantasy and sci-fi, Catherine is also a screenwriter, completely obsessed with pop culture. Graduated in Audiovisual Production, she creates characters and writes about fictional universes when not writing articles, binge-watching shows, or reading sagas.
