The Next Karate Kid

The Next Karate Kid
Theatrical release poster
Directed byChristopher Cain
Written byMark Lee
Based onThe Karate Kid
by Robert Mark Kamen
Produced byJerry Weintraub
StarringNoriyuki "Pat" Morita
Hilary Swank
Michael Ironside
CinematographyLászló Kovács
Edited byRonald Roose
Music byBill Conti
Distributed byColumbia Pictures
Release date
  • August 12, 1994 (1994-08-12)
Running time
107 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$12 million
Box office$15.8 million

The Next Karate Kid is a 1994 American martial arts drama film directed by Christopher Cain, produced by Jerry Weintraub, and written by Mark Lee. It serves as the fourth installment in the Karate Kid franchise, following The Karate Kid Part III (1989). It stars Hilary Swank (in her first theatrical appearance in a starring role) as Julie Pierce, and Pat Morita reprising his role as Mr. Miyagi from the first three films, with Constance Towers, Chris Conrad, Michael Cavalieri, Walton Goggins, and Michael Ironside in supporting roles. Bill Conti, the composer of the previous films, returned to score the fourth. It is the first film in the series not to feature Ralph Macchio in the lead role as Daniel LaRusso.

Produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures, The Next Karate Kid was released on August 12, 1994, to generally unfavorable reviews from critics.