Why Joshua Jackson Chose to Star in the New 'Karate Kid' Movie for His Daughter

GettyImages-2152988135-Joshua Jackson at 2024 Disney Upfront

Joshua Jackson Gotham/FilmMagic

Joshua Jackson, who is 45 years old, will be starring in the upcoming Karate Kid sequel on the big screen. He recently shared that his daughter played a key role in his decision to accept this role, which marks his return to feature films after almost a decade.

"I wanted to make this movie because it's something I can finally watch with my daughter," shared the Dawson's Creek star during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Disney Upfront red carpet on Tuesday, May 15.

In the upcoming 2025 film, Jackson will be appearing alongside Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Aramis Knight, and Wyatt Oleff, as well as the franchise's familiar faces Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Jackson, who has a 4-year-old daughter with ex-wife Jodie Turner-Smith, is excited to share this experience with her.

The actor ended his nearly four-year marriage with Turner-Smith in October 2023.

Although he doesn't talk about his daughter often, he did mention his growth as a father and briefly mentioned her personality in 2022.

Being a parent is a constant journey of self-discovery, according to Jackson. He believes that it's important to always be open to rediscovering your child as they grow and change. Right now, he is enjoying his daughter's hyper-verbal and opinionated nature, cherishing the conversations they have together.

Currently, Jackson is in a relationship with actress Lupita Nyong'o and recently celebrated her 41st birthday in Mexico, spoiling her with love and affection.

Lupita is having a great birthday with Joshua, who is making her feel like a princess. He planned a spa day and romantic dinners to show her how special she is.

It was confirmed in December 2023 that Lupita and Joshua are in a relationship.

Jackson and Turner-Smith decided to end their relationship due to "irreconcilable differences." Both parties agreed to share joint legal and physical custody of their daughter.

Editor's P/S:

Joshua Jackson's decision to star in the upcoming Karate Kid sequel, driven by his desire to share the experience with his young daughter, is a heartwarming testament to the enduring power of family. It underscores the profound influence children can have on their parents' choices, shaping their priorities and aspirations. Jackson's openness about his journey as a father, embracing the challenges and joys of raising a curious and opinionated child, provides a relatable and inspiring perspective for other parents.

Jackson's return to feature films after a decade-long hiatus also marks a significant moment in his career. The upcoming film promises to bring together both established stars and rising talents, creating a captivating cinematic experience for audiences of all ages. It will be intriguing to witness Jackson's portrayal of a character in the beloved Karate Kid franchise, adding another memorable role to his already impressive body of work.