The Karate Kid: Is Coldplay’s latest video a clever marketing ploy or a miss?

Coldplay, with over 100 million records sold worldwide, is inarguably one of the biggest and most successful music acts the world has witnessed in modern times. The British band undertakes various philanthropic endeavors and boasts one of the most eco-friendly music tours in the world, where all their stage tech is powered by sustainable energy.

Their music, while occasionally showcasing songwriting brilliance, always seems to miss the mark for me. Now that my opinion is unpopular, let’s discuss Coldplay’s latest release, The Karate Kid.

When I first came across the teaser for Coldplay’s video for the song "The Karate Kid," as an avid Karate Kid fan, I was instantly intrigued by Ralph Macchio and the title. After a new Karate Kid film featuring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio was announced in September, I also speculated that the song might tie in with the upcoming movie.

I was instantly disappointed that the video and song had nothing to do with The Karate Kid. The video features Macchio as a struggling busker who plays the keys and sings for people in the streets. He finds a man selling tickets to a Coldplay concert and buys them from him.

As he enters the arena to attend the concert, Coldplay singer Chris Martin has trouble singing on stage and, in a Bollywood-style twist, calls Macchio from the crowd to finish the song. Though the video and song are passable, The Karate Kid marketing gimmick felt unnecessary.

Perhaps the ruse was necessary to attract people like me, who don’t usually care for Coldplay’s music or the hype surrounding it. The band released its 10th studio album, Moon Music, on October 4, 2024, to a mixed reception from fans and critics alike.

Despite the reviews, Coldplay’s touring juggernaut shows no signs of stopping. The band has multiple stops planned in the UAE and India in January 2025. Other destinations include the U.K. and Netherlands throughout the next year.