THE KARATE KID Is Getting a Broadway Musical and the Film's Original Screenwriter Is on Board

The classic 1984 film The Karate Kid is heading to Broadway in a musical adaptation for the stage. The original film’s screenwriter, Robert Mark Kamen, is writing the story, with Drew Gasparini writing music and lyrics. Amon Miyamoto will direct the musical, and Keone and Mari Madrid will choreograph.

Deadline reports the following statement from Kamen about the project:

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this little movie would reach across generations the way it has. And beyond my wildest dreams did I think what started out as a love letter to my devotion to Okinawan Karate and the man who taught me would become a full-blown Broadway musical. But here it is. Here I am. And here is hoping that what comes to the stage brings the same joy and relevance The Karate Kid has brought to countless kids and their parents for the past 35 years.”

I think this sounds like it will be a really fun show! Who doesn’t love the story and heart of The Karate Kid? All I know is they better include the song “You’re the Best” by Joe Esposito, and an original song possibly called, “Sweep the Leg.”

Casting and dates are still being decided, and we will let you know when they are firmed up. Are you a fan of the Karate Kid world, including the films and subsequent TV series? Would you be interested in seeing the story as a Broadway musical?