But Smith, who teams with his son Jaden in this summer's sci-fi epic "After Earth, " tells EW that he turned down the part because his character would've been second fiddle to the bounty hunter (played by Christoph Waltz) who teaches Django his trade.

CNN: Why Will Smith turned down 'Django'

This time around it stars Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, actor Will Smith's son.

FORBES: The Rag Trade

It's no coincidence the 2010 "Karate Kid" remake, with Mr. Chan and Jaden Smith, replaces the Japanese karate of the original with Chinese kung fu (Mr. Chan's "Rush Hour 3" had been banned in China, presumably for depicting a Chinese crime family).

WSJ: Hollywood's New Kick: Why Everybody Is Kung Fu Fighting