Jackie Chan is in final negotiations to join the Columbia Pictures remake of “The Karate Kid.” He would play the role of mentor Mr. Miyagi, made famous by Pat Morita in the original franchise.

Jaden Smith, son of actor Will Smith, will play Miyagi’s young protege, a role originally played by Ralph Macchio. The remake will examine the relationship between a martial arts expert and a boy who is picked on by bullies. The setting will be relocated from the United States to China. The film will shoot early this summer in Beijing.

Do we really need another remake? Let alone a Karate Kid remake. Also hopefully Jackie Chan will not get typecast into the “old kung fu master” role in Hollywood. Action comedy is Jackie Chan’s forte such as his “Rush Hour” franchise. His next upcoming film is “The Spy Next Door” another action comedy. Stick with action comedy Jackie.

Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid