Radames Pera, who played young Caine, a.k.a.
Grasshopper, on the original TV show shares his one criticism of the new version with EW.
(He lives in France and can’t access CW shows).
Radames Pera in 2014 and as young Caine in ‘Kung Fu’.Michael Tran/FilmMagic; Everett Collection
“David Carradine once said thatKung Fuwas an anti-revenge series.
The character walked through life trying to make as few ripples as possible because of his mixed-race status.
“Despite that, he always tried to do the least amount of harm,” he adds.
Olivia Liang as Nicky Shen in the CW’s ‘Kung Fu’.Kailey Schwerman/The CW
The first rule of Kung Fu is to run away.
“They were taking heat from the Asian community from the onset.
Literally every Asian actor in town worked on that show.”
In case anyone wants to binge the original, says Pera, it’s available on DVD.
“The pacing is pre-MTV so yes, it might not appeal to current sensibilities and young people.
The newKung Fuairs Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
