‘Karate Kid Legends’ Features Star Raised In This Minnesota Town

If you grew up loving The Karate Kid movies, this news might just give you chills, because the brand-new movie, 'Karate Kid: Legends', is being led by someone who grew up right here in Minnesota.

His name is Ben Wang, and until recently, I had no idea this rising star once called Northfield home. But now that I know, It makes me want to cheer him on, and watch him in everything he is in!

HOW DID BEN END UP IN MINNESOTA?

Ben’s story is the kind that sticks with you. He immigrated to the United States from China at age six, and when he first arrived, he didn’t speak a word of English. His grandparents raised him while his mom returned to school in China. When she came back to the U.S., she worked two jobs to support Ben and always encouraged Ben’s interest in theater. He says she was his role model, and he credits great teachers and supportive adults for believing in him when things weren’t always easy.

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GROWING UP WASN'T ALWAYS 'MINNESOTA NICE'

Growing up in Minnesota, Ben said he was the only Asian student in his class until middle school. That kind of isolation is something many of us might not think about, but for Ben, it helped shape who he became, and specifically, the role he played in the Karate Kid movie was almost like it was written about his life.

He taught himself English by watching infomercials—yes! He would sit in front of the TV for hours, listening to the same phrases over and over until they clicked. I laughed when I read that, because who would’ve guessed those infomercials could be so educational? It worked for Ben!

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IRONICALLY, SPORTS WEREN'T HIS THING IN SCHOOL

And like a lot of Minnesota kids, when sports weren’t his thing, he turned to something else: community theater. From those small-town stages, he found his place and eventually made it to college in New York to study acting. Now, he’s starring in the Karate Kid franchise alongside legends like Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Can you imagine getting to work with Jackie Chan????? How incredible!

Ben says the Karate Kid script struck a personal chord with him as it reflected his struggles in high school, which made the role even more powerful for him to take on.

REMEMBER THE NAME - BEN WANG

So if the name Ben Wang doesn’t ring a bell yet, just give it time. You may have already seen him in 'Mean Girls' (2024), 'American Born Chinese' (2023), and you’ll see him again soon in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping', coming next year.