Taraji P. Henson, who played Whitney Rome on Boston Legal and most recently as Brad Pitt’s mother in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, will soon take on yet another motherly role. This time, the BET Best Actress winner will be playing the mother of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s son Jaden in the remake of The Karate Kid.
“I’m off to Beijing [soon] to work on a film,” actress Taraji P. Henson revealed to MTV News. “They’re remaking The Karate Kid.”
The original Karate Kid is a 1984 film starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elisabeth Shue. Upon its first theatrical release, it became a commercial success and has retained its popular following, spawning a short-lived animated series spin-off and three movie sequels.
The remake of the ’80s classic is reportedly called Kung Fu Kid, though Henson referred to the film by its original title. Will Smith, who serves as producer to the project, has cast his real life son and Pursuit of Happyness co-star in the role originally played by Macchio, as well as action star Jackie Chan.
“Jaden Smith — Will and Jada’s son — is playing the karate kid. I’m playing his mom,” Taraji P. Henson explained. “And Jackie Chan is playing Mr. Miyagi.”
According to reports, Henson’s character is a single mother named Sherry who is forced to move with her son to China in order to keep her job.
Aside from Boston Legal, Taraji P. Henson has appeared on various TV series, including Eli Stone, CSI, The Division and Smart Guy. In the silver screen, she is also credited for her roles in The Family that Preys, Not Easily Broken, and Hustle & Flow. At present, she’s working on the comedy Date Night starring 30 Rock star Tina Fey and The Office actor Steve Carell.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: MTV News
(Image courtesy of ABC)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
