Jackie Chan would play Mr Miyagi in the film

Jackie Chan is in negotiations to star in the remake of 1984 hit movie The Karate Kid, according to reports.

The martial arts star would take on the role of mentor Mr Miyagi, industry newspaper Hollywood Reporter says.

The character was made famous by Pat Morita in the original film franchise and earned him an Oscar nomination.

Jaden Smith, the son of Hollywood actor Will Smith, has already been cast as the boy to be mentored by the martial arts expert.

Like the original film, the movie will tell the story of a boy who is picked on by bullies who learns to stand up for himself with the help of Mr Miyagi.

Ralph Macchio starred in three Karate Kid films, while Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank took over the main role in The Next Karate Kid in 1994.

Filming for the new movie will begin next year in Beijing.



