Karate Kid: Legends Box Office Projections: Will It Crane-Kick to New Heights?

The much-anticipated Karate Kid: Legends has hit theaters, reuniting martial arts icons Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio to guide a new generation in this legacy sequel.

With early box office figures rolling in from Box Office Mojo, the film has already grossed $35,305,990 domestically and $38,600,000 internationally, totaling $73,905,990 worldwide.

But what do these numbers mean for the film's ultimate theatrical run? In this breakdown and analysis, we dive into the Karate Kid: Legends box office projections, exploring trends, competition, and historical franchise performance to predict its final tally.

What Are the Current Box Office Figures for Karate Kid: Legends?

As of the latest reports from Box Office Mojo, Karate Kid: Legends has earned $35,305,990 in the domestic market, accounting for 47.8% of its total gross. Internationally, it has pulled in $38,600,000, making up 52.2% of the worldwide haul, which stands at $73,905,990.

These numbers reflect a solid start, especially considering the film’s reported $45 million production budget, a relatively modest figure for a summer blockbuster.

The movie has already surpassed this budget, a promising sign, but the road to profitability typically requires a film to earn 2.5 times its budget to cover marketing and distribution costs—roughly $112.5 million for Legends.

The film opened to $21 million domestically, falling short of Sony’s initial $25 million to $30 million projections, and faced stiff competition from holdovers like Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Despite this, positive audience reception, evidenced by an A- CinemaScore and a 90% Rotten Tomatoes audience score, suggests word-of-mouth could drive further ticket sales.

How Does Karate Kid: Legends Compare to Past Franchise Entries?

To gauge Karate Kid: Legends’ potential, let’s look at the franchise’s historical performance. The 2010 reboot, starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, opened to $55.7 million domestically and grossed $176.6 million in North America, with a worldwide total of $359.1 million—unadjusted for inflation—against a $40 million budget.

The original 1984 The Karate Kid earned $90 million worldwide, while The Karate Kid Part II (1986) brought in over $110 million globally. The franchise’s low point, 1994’s The Next Karate Kid, managed just $15 million worldwide.

Legends has already outpaced The Next Karate Kid and is closing in on The Karate Kid Part III’s $38.95 million domestic total.

However, its $21 million opening lags behind the 2010 film’s debut, suggesting it may struggle to match the reboot’s global success. The popularity of Netflix’s Cobra Kai series, which concluded earlier in 2025, has kept the franchise alive, but some speculate fans may be accustomed to streaming this saga rather than flocking to theaters.

What Factors Will Influence Karate Kid: Legends’ Box Office Run?

Several elements will shape Karate Kid: Legends’ final box office collection. First, competition remains fierce, with Lilo & Stitch dominating at $63 million in its second weekend and a global total of $610 million, alongside Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning adding $27.3 million in its sophomore frame. These blockbusters could limit Legends’ screen count and audience share.

On the positive side, the film’s modest $45 million budget lowers the bar for profitability. Strong audience approval, with a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and 4.5 stars on PostTrak (5 from kids), could fuel steady legs, especially among nostalgic fans and families.

International markets, contributing 52.2% of the current gross, are also key, though the film has only rolled out in 40% of overseas territories, per early reports. Expansion into additional markets like China, where the 2010 film thrived, could boost numbers.

Seasonal trends matter too. Post-Memorial Day releases often see mixed results, but family-friendly, nostalgia-driven films can sustain momentum through summer if word-of-mouth holds.

What Are the Karate Kid: Legends Box Office Projections for Its Full Run?

Predicting the final tally involves blending current data, historical trends, and market dynamics. As of June 10, 2025, Karate Kid: Legends has grossed $73,905,990 worldwide.

Domestic performance, at $35,305,990, shows a 57% drop in its second weekend, projecting $8.7 million, a typical decline for action films.

If it follows a standard multiplier of 2.5 to 3 times its opening weekend ($21 million), domestic earnings could land between $52.5 million and $63 million.

Internationally, the $38,600,000 gross is promising, especially with more markets to open.

The 2010 film earned 51% of its total from overseas, and if Legends mirrors this, with a potential 2.5x multiplier from its current international take, it could add $58 million to $77 million.

Combining these, a conservative estimate places the worldwide total between $110 million and $140 million.

A best-case scenario, driven by strong word-of-mouth and international expansion, could push it toward $150 million, though topping the 2010 film’s $359.1 million seems unlikely given the softer start and crowded market.

Can Karate Kid: Legends Achieve Profitability and Franchise Success?

Karate Kid: Legends is off to a decent start, with $73,905,990 worldwide and counting, per Box Office Mojo. While it’s unlikely to dethrone the 2010 reboot’s massive haul, our Karate Kid: Legends box office projections suggest a final range of $110 million to $140 million globally, with a ceiling near $150 million if momentum builds.

Hitting the $112.5 million break-even mark appears achievable, making this a likely win for Sony, even if it doesn’t crane-kick to record-breaking heights.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The film’s success could pave the way for more, especially with a cameo-laden ending hinting at future stories. Will Li Fong, Daniel LaRusso, and Mr. Han return to train the next generation?

Only time—and ticket sales—will tell. Stay tuned for updates as Karate Kid: Legends fights for its place in franchise history!