The new sony taps Penn to rewrite 'Karate Kid' follow up

PennColumbia Pictures has drawn on "The Incredible Hulk" scribe Zak Penn to rewrite its untitled follow up to 2010's surprise hit "The Karate Kid."Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris were hired to create a follow up just days after director Harald Zwart's "Karate Kid" reboot required in $55.six million locally over its opening weekend. China-set pic continued to gross $359 million worldwide.While plot particulars remain under systems, original stars Jaden Cruz and Jackie Chan are required to reprise their roles, though no deals are presently in position.Overbrook Entertainment principals Will Cruz, James Lassiter, Ken Stovitz and Jada Pinkett Cruz will produce with Jerry Weintraub, while The new sony professional DeVon Franklin will oversee the task for the studio.Penn knows his way around fight moments, getting written the super hero photos "Elektra," "X-Males: The Final Stand" and "The Incredible Hulk." Younger crowd co-produced the Syfy series "Alphas" and authored, directed and created the improvisational poker comedy "The Grand." Scribe most lately done a "Dirty Dozen" remake, plus an original undertake the classic "Argonauts" tale for twentieth century Fox.Penn is repped by CAA. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com