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Zhenwei Wang, a Chinese-born actor and black belt martial artist, is best known for his role as Cheng in the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid and for starring in the 2012 comedy TV series Movie Martial Arts vs. Reality.
Born on October 20, 1995, in Handan, Hebei, China—a city in southern Hebei province and a communications hub on the Fuyang River—Zhenwei grew up in a middle-class family. Before 2010, he had no acting experience. He began training in Wushu at the Beijing Shichahai Amateur Sports School at the age of four.
At just four and a half years old, Zhenwei’s father, Wang Chaoguo, sent him to the Beijing Shichahai Amateur Sports School because he was "weak and sickly." Despite his young age, Zhenwei was highly focused and energetic during practice, never complaining of fatigue even after hours of training. His dedication earned him high praise in the wushu community. After three and a half years of training, around age eight, he advanced to Haidian Gymnasium to learn national wushu routines. His father relocated him to Beijing to ensure he received a better education in China’s capital. Despite the demanding schedule of training, work, and study, Zhenwei remained tireless and committed.
Zhenwei won numerous awards early in his career, including two gold medals at the Beijing Youth Wushu Competition. At age ten, he topped a field of 57 competitors to join the national wushu B-Mannschaft. His success as a two-time Beijing Youth Wushu gold medalist led to his discovery and casting as Cheng in The Karate Kid. In the film, he portrayed a rebellious and ruthless kung fu prodigy who rivals Jaden Smith’s character, Dre Parker. Off screen, however, Zhenwei and Jaden Smith are good friends, with Zhenwei even teaching Jaden some Mandarin.
In July 2009, casting for The Karate Kid began, seeking a teenage martial artist. Jackie Chan’s assistant and the film’s vice-director held auditions across China’s martial arts schools. At the Beijing Film Academy, about ten thousand candidates competed in a rigorous selection process that tested English and Mandarin fluency, wushu skills, appearance, acting ability, and eye control. After three months, Zhenwei secured the role of Cheng. During filming, he sustained a head injury requiring four stitches after hitting an oil pail while chasing Jaden Smith’s character. He also suffered minor injuries but recovered quickly, with the director providing rest days for healing.
Two years later, at age 17, Zhenwei returned to the screen as "Boss" in the comedy TV series Movie Martial Arts vs. Reality. He currently lives in Beijing’s Xicheng District. His impressive on-screen performances and fluency in both Mandarin and English highlight his talents both as an actor and martial artist.
