Back in 2018, after a successful limited run, it was announced that the 2015 film The Martial Arts Kid would have a sequel. After all, the original film leaves off on a bit of a cliffhanger or open ending for such an idea. But what has happened since the news was announced?

Sadly, it looks as if the project is on a major developmental hiatus as of now, or the sequel is not happening. Let’s take a trip back to where it all began.

The Martial Arts Kid played in select theaters all over the U.S. in either film festivals or limited screenings. I attended a screening at Universal Studios Florida in October 2015, where there was a Q&A after the film with martial artist Glenn C. Wilson and director Michael Baumgarten. This was followed by a group photo that would end up on the DVD of the film. You can see my full review of the film HERE.

The news of a sequel was announced at screenings of the film, but first, the production company, Dragon Traditionz, founded by James Wilson, brother of legendary kickboxer Don “the Dragon” Wilson, had another film done, an action comedy called Paying Mr. McGetty. You can find that review HERE.

In February 2018, Dragon Traditionz launched an IndieGoGo (and later, Kickstarter) campaign to raise funds for what would be The Martial Arts Kid 2: Payback, which would pick up right after the first film and pit Uncle Glen (Don Wilson) and Aunt Cindy (Cynthia Rothrock) against Frank Whitlaw (Chuck Zito), who sees retribution for the first film’s events.

The film would bring back Brandon Tyler Russell as Lenny, who would replace Jansen Panettiere’s Robbie as the new “Martial Arts Kid”. Alongside Wilson, Rothrock, and Zito, T.J. Storm was set to return as Coach Laurent Kaine, Matthew Ziff returning as Bo Whitlaw and new cast members would include Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Anita Clay, and Sasha Mitchell along many others. There were even photos of Russell training under Gerry Blanck, former world champion kickboxer, for the film.

Sadly, there has not been any news since 2019 and to make matters worse, the team lost two dear members. Producer and former champion kickboxer and stunt performer extraordinare Cheryl Wheeler-Sanders died in February 2020. Then, earlier this year, the original Martial Arts Kid, Jansen Panettiere passed away.

Right now, there has been no news or traction involving The Martial Arts Kid 2: Payback, but here is an idea should they decide to rev up the film again. If Lenny is unavailable, a good idea would be Glen and Cindy’s daughter Katie (played by Kayley Stallings) be the new Martial Arts Kid. Then she could experience…”the pain” (those who saw the original film will get it).

Meanwhile, Wilson and Rothrock are keeping busy with new projects. Rothrock recently worked on The Last Kumite and is gearing up for a personal project, Black Creek (which Wilson will co-star). Wilson and Rothrock will also appear later this year in Joe Cornet’s Taken from Rio Bravo, the sequel to Gunfight at Rio Bravo opposite WorldFilmGeek Hall of Famer Alexander Nevsky.

While the status of The Martial Arts Kid 2: Payback may not be known now, here is some shred of hope that it will see the light of day, but only the team will know for sure.