The Northfield-raised actor stars in “Karate Kid: Legends,” inheriting the titular role once held by Ralph Macchio, Hilary Swank and Jaden Smith.
But Wang, who will only say he’s in his 20s, is still new enough to the business to be dazzled by early success.
But my first “Karate Kid” movie was the 2010 one with Jackie Chan.
A: The only way to watch movies was to rent them at Mr. Movies.
The second you meet Jackie, you realize there’s nothing he loves more than making movies.
In “Karate Kid: Legends,” the actor from Northfield plays the title role that was previously occupied by Ralph Macchio, Hilary Swank, and Jaden Smith. Had Wang not previously starred with Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan in the Disney+ series “American Born Chinese,” the presence of co-star Jackie Chan in the movie, which opens in theaters on Friday, might have been more frightening. Additionally, he recently got a juicy part in the upcoming “Hunger Games” film.
Wang, however, is still relatively new to the industry and is awed by early success. He will only claim to be in his 20s. Wang, wearing a denim jacket, discussed how he fell in love with show business while growing up in Minnesota during a Zoom interview earlier this month from his Brooklyn home.
A: Of course they were. Since my aunt loves these early films, I watched them. Her passion is Ralph Macchio. The 2010 Jackie Chan film, however, was my first “Karate Kid” film. I saw it in Lakeville since the Northfield theater was closed. Culver’s had been made out of it. In Northfield, there’s a great movie theater now. Technically speaking, Dundas. I always go there when I’m back.
A: Renting movies from Mr. Movies was the only way to view them. Although I strongly support going to the theater, I also feel sorry for children who live far away and must rely on home media to experience that culture.
A: To gain influence on the playground, I needed to learn about American pop culture because I left China when I was six years old. The “Star Wars” saga was available on DVD at Mr. Movies for five for five. In a single weekend, I went through them all. “Shawshank Redemption” rules, someone at school would say. Alright, I’ll have to rent that. It all came down to blending in.
A Stephen Chow film called “Shaolin Soccer.”. I adore him as a director. In the United States, he is not very well-known, but in the other half of the world, every child is familiar with that film.
We’ve previously discussed how you were surrounded by very few Asian Americans as a child. Did you know anyone you could discuss such movies with?
A: No. I made an effort. I would tell the kids, “You must watch Shaolin Soccer,” and they would respond, “What?” Things have changed significantly since then. The Target in Northfield sells manga, which I find absurd. To read it in those days, you had to purchase it on eBay and then hide in the bleachers. The times are changing, and so are my interests.
A: In my mind, they were fantastical creatures. However, after you meet these people, you learn something about humanity. Above all, they are professionals and decent people, which is why they have attained their position. You quickly discover that Jackie’s passion is filmmaking. The intimidation stops when you acknowledge that your objectives are the same.
To be honest, I listen to everything. Once more, assimilation is the key. I once acquired this book. Hold on. He briefly leaves the camera and then reappears holding a copy of Bob Stanley’s “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! The Story of Pop Music.”. I received this as a teenager. It includes everything from rap to 1950s skiffle. It was a great reference book when I was younger, but now it’s more of a memento.
A: “MythBusters.”. In my memory, one of the few instances of Asian American representation is the late, great Grant Imahara. I grew up watching the Disney Channel. One summer, I watched Cartoon Network for ten hours every day in order to learn English. I do not have a strong Minnesota accent because of this. Voice actors from California taught me English.
A: I like to take walks in the woods where my grandmother lives. Skeet shooting is something I just started. There are locations nearby for that. One of my favorite Indian restaurants is Desi Diner in Northfield. I do mean it. Additionally, you must hit Taco Bell.
A: They aren’t the same. A 3 a. A. Simply put, runs in Northfield hit differently. I also need to visit that Culver’s. Simply put, the burgers are too delicious.
