Disney’s beloved animated series makes a bold live-action leap with American Dragon: Jake Long (2025), reimagined as a martial arts fantasy adventure. Jaden Smith stars as Jake Long, a brash New York teenager who discovers he’s the last in a legendary bloodline of dragon protectors. Jackie Chan joins as Grandpa Lao Shi, Jake’s stern but wise mentor, who struggles to prepare his impulsive grandson for the dangerous world of magical creatures hidden in plain sight.
The story kicks off with Jake balancing high school life, skateboarding, and friendships while secretly learning to harness his dragon transformations. But peace shatters when an ancient enemy, the Huntsclan, resurfaces under a ruthless new leader bent on capturing Jake’s dragon heart to gain immortality. As Jake trains under Lao Shi, his powers grow—but so does his recklessness, putting his friends in danger.
The emotional heart of the film lies in the bond between Jake and his grandfather. Jackie Chan delivers both humor and heartfelt wisdom, grounding the fantastical story with themes of discipline, family, and legacy. Jake’s journey forces him to accept that being the American Dragon isn’t about glory—it’s about sacrifice and responsibility.
The finale unleashes an epic battle atop New York’s skyline, with Jake in full dragon form clashing against the Huntsclan’s army of magical beasts. With Lao Shi’s guidance and his friends’ loyalty, Jake embraces his destiny, defeating the Huntsclan and securing the balance between worlds.
