Article by: Rumer Certeza
Photo: Fame Pictures

Ralph Macchio had a blast as the original 'Karate Kid' of the 80's. Now, more than two decades later, Jaden Smith and company is faced with the burdensome task.

The critically acclaimed teen flick of the mid 80's which starred baby faced Macchio, was a huge inspiration to a a multitude of kids and avoid being bullied. The film then gave birth to three more sequels, also garnering co-star Pat Morita an Academy Award nomination. It was also a big break for newcomer Hilary Swank.

In the remake, Will Smith's youngest son Jaden, will step into Macchio's shoes and Jackie Chan will assume the kid's mentor.

According to director Harold Zwart, the new film is more like a homage to the original blockbuster. New kid gets bullied, new kid comes back to beat crap out of bully. This theme will be maintained although, having a slight twist.

In the story, Jaden Smith flies to China from his hometown in Detroit, where his mother (as portrayed by Taraji P. Henson) finds work after losing her job.

Dre Parker, Jaden's character, then falls for schoolmate Mei Ying, which eventually gets on the bad side of class bully and kung fu disciple Lui Wei Cheng.  So armed with a little know-how of karate and absolutely squat about kung fu, he finds the answers he needs from the school handyman, Mr. Han, (played by Chan) to teach him the martial art.

So with the revamp on location and swapping kung fu for karate, what does Ralph Macchio have to say about the new version?

"I was happy to hear their goal wasn't to do a copycat version, but the movie still airs all the time," the 48-year-old former teen heartthrob told the New York Post last year. "The reason Ocean 11 worked was because no one had seen the original in 30 years. 'Karate Kid' was on ABC Family last week."

In this sense, one of the producers, Will Smith along with wife Jada Pinkett Smith rang up Macchio, requesting for backup.

Says the former karate kid, "Will called me up and he's such a cool guy. He was like, 'I know I'm messing with your baby but I want you to be happy, so we'll do anything you want."

And this surely doesn't involve a cameo, as the star says will only ruin the legacy seeing his character Daniel as a grown man.

The movie will make its global debut in theaters on June 11.

Personally, I think this remake will do well at the box office with a fresh concept.