American actor Will Smith (left) said Jackie Chan left an "eternal impact" on his family. Photo: Will Smith/Instagram
American actor Will Smith has expressed gratitude towards action star Jackie Chan for helping to "raise" his youngest son Jaden.
In celebration of the Hong Kong actor's milestone 70th birthday, Smith posted several snaps of Jaden and Chan taken from the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid.
"Happy 70th (wow) birthday to my guy Jackie Chan!! In addition to making some of my favourite movies of all time, creating some of the craziest moments that have ever been captured on film – I thank you most for helpin' to raise Jaden," Smith, 55, captioned his Instagram post.
Jaden, who was only 12 when the Karate Kid reboot was released, notably played Chan's apprentice in the movie. Jaden is now 25.
Smith continued: "Our time with you in Beijing during the Karate Kid left an eternal impact on our entire family. We wish you the deepest Love & Revelation on your next trip around the sun."
Chan is set to star in a new Karate Kid movie alongside Ralph Macchio, who famously played Daniel LaRusso in the original 1984 film.
The duo announced last November that they were looking for a new teen protagonist for the upcoming flick.
