A Reel Kicker

Sony Pictures is making plans to retool its remake of the 1984 classic The Karate Kid as a star vehicle for Jaden Smith--son of Hollywood power couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith says Variety.

The new film, borrows elements of the original's plot in which a bullied teen learns to stand up for himself with the help of an eccentric mentor.

The young Smith, a martial arts expert in his own right, can be seen in "The Pursuit of Happyness" alongside his father, who will co-produce the update. Jayden is on a roll with remakes appearing in next month's"Day the Earth Stood Still".

Anyone who's seen Happyness knows that Jayden can act rings around most folks in the biz--and the fact he knows Karate is just a bonus.

TKK will kick off in Beijing , China and other cities next year.