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LOS ANGELES: Jaden Smith, who stole the limelight in his debut in the successful 2006 hit "The Pursuit of Happyness" is set to take the lead in a totally different role.
The 10-year-old actor, son of Hollywood icon Will Smith is to star in a remake of the hit 1984 film "The Karate Kid", say entertainment industry press reports.
Some say the movie is even being written just for the real life Karate student and will be produced by daddy Will Smith who last worked with his son acting alongside each other in "The Pursuit of Happyness".
The original "Karate Kid" starred "Ugly Betty" star Ralph Macchio who was then a teen and cast as new kid on the block, Daniel LaRusso, who has to learn to defend himself from martial arts-trained bullies at his new school.
Despite his unusual martial arts training, the 'Karate Kid' overcomes the odds in the movie which carried the message that there is more to Karate or martial arts than just fighting.
This was especially so with the memorable "wax on, wax off" sequence and other odd training methods instilled by "Mr Miyagi" the karate-trained handyman and coach played by the late Pat Morita.
The role of eccentric mentor which Morita continued to play for sequels of the "Karate Kid", earned him a best supporting actor Oscar nomination.
There were two sequels of the "Karate Kid" with the third instalment of the film appearing in 1994 under the title "The Next Karate Kid" with Hilary Swank in the lead.
Swank went on to trade her karate moves for boxing gloves in "Million Dollar Baby" and best actress Oscar.
Whether there will be any Oscars for the re-make isn't certain but one thing is for sure, fans of the movie will appreciate the fact that the new Karate Kid, will contain elements of the original movie's plot.
Insiders say this includes the storyline of a kid who receives help from an off-beat coach to stand up against bullies.
The twist, aside from Afro-American tot in the lead, is the setting which will include Beijing and other cities.
Filming is said to be set for next year.
-CNA/sf
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