Only a day after Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio announced the open casting call for Sony Pictures’ latest installation of the Karate Kid franchise, the studio has–according to The Hollywood Reporter–received an overwhelming 10,000 submissions from all around the world. The film is set to be directed by Jonathan Entwistle, written with a script by Rob Lieber, and produced by Karen Rosenfelt.

In a video released Tuesday, Chan and Macchio announced the international search for an actor to portray the seminal role of Li Fong. The movie is expected to be shot between March and June of 2024. Below is the video:

The popular action franchise saw its beginnings in 1984 with the release of The Karate Kid. It starred Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi. The franchise now includes three sequels, two starring Macchio, and a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. The franchise most recently also includes the wildly popular Cobra Kai, a streaming series from YouTube and Netflix, which features Macchio and will be returning for its sixth and final season soon.

Although a logline for the new film has not been released by Sony yet, this is the first time in the series that Chan and Macchio will star together.

The new film is set to be released in theaters on Dec. 13, 2024.