Karate and funny man Jackie Chan has taken the cudgels and signed on for the role of Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid remake which will star Jaden Smith (yes, that’s the son of Will Smith who was also Keanu Reeve’s pal in The Day The Earth Stood Still). The Karate Kid is a good break for Smith who may have been chosen because of his Karate background. While Chan’s karate skills are in no doubt in tune, there are however doubts if he can fill in the shoes of Pat Morita who played Mr. Miyagi’s role to a T.

While it has the same title, this is however not just a remake of Karate Kid because they will definitely change the story line to adjust to the new actors who will play the old characters. Take the case of Jaden who at 10 years old is way younger than Ralph Macchio when he played the part. However, the plot will still be similar to the earlier movie which features a bullied youth who finds an eccentric karate master. The remake will be directed by Harald Zwart of Agent Cody Banks and will be filmed in Beijing.

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens is eyeing the role of werewolf Leah Clearwater in the Twilight sequel “New Moon” and has in fact already auditioned for the role. The original cast of the movie particularly Ashley Greene is excited about the possibility of working with Hudgens if ever she gets the role. Most of the original cast of Twilight will appear in the sequel, which is expected to be released on November 20, including Robert Pattinson as vampire Edward Cullen, Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan and Taylor Lautner.

Hudgens became popular and a millionaire when she essayed the role of Gabriella opposite Zac Efron’s “Troy Bolton” in the High School Musical movie series. She became infamous when indiscreet photos of her in compromising poses were posted in the Internet creating a panic among Disney people. Hudgens may not be getting a lead role in “New Moon” but just being part of the movie which is expected to follow its predecessor’s success is already enough to boost her career after HSM.