JACKIE CHAN - JACKIE CHAN LINED UP FOR KARATE KID REMAKE

JACKIE CHAN LINED UP FOR KARATE KID REMAKE

Martial arts star Jackie Chan is reportedly in talks to star in a new version of The Karate Kid.

The Rush Hour actor is in discussions to reprise the role of mentor Mr Miyagi, taken by Pat Morita in the 1984 original, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Jaden Smith, the ten-year-old son of Will Smith, is already attached to play the troubled youngster aided by the ageing karate expert.

The 80s original starred Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, a high school student who learns to defend himself in the face of bullying after taking karate classes from eccentric mentor Mr Miyagi.

Industry newspaper Variety last year reported the new version would "borrow" elements of the original plot and is likely to begin shooting in Beijing later this year.

Harold Zwart, director of One Night at McCools, Agent Cody Banks and the upcoming The Pink Panther 2, has been signed by Columbia Pictures to helm the Karate Kid remake, with Will Smith producing alongside James Lassiter, Ken Stovitz and Jerry Weintraub, the team behind the original Karate Kid franchise.