Although I was already cautiously optimistic aboutKarate Kid: Legends, hearing about Ralph Macchio’s initial reaction to the concept ofCobra Kaihas made me far more confident that the franchise’s first movie in over 30 years is going to be something very special. WithLegendsadding to theKarate KidandCobra Kaitimeline, I’m very excited to see where the iconic martial arts saga is headed next after theCobra Kaiseason 6 castwraps up the Netflix legacy sequel show. Thankfully, there’s also not long left untilKarate Kid: Legends' release date.
In retrospect,the immense success ofCobra Kaimakes it seem like the show was always destined to thrive. It has managed to reinvigorate a franchise that had been inert since 1994, bringing the original fan base back while also introducing the series to those who were either too young decades ago or just hadn’t yet gotten around to watching theKarate Kidmovies- like me. Now, I love the universe set in motion by its first movie from 1984. Obviously, Macchio also has a huge affinity for the franchise that made him, which explains his initialCobra Kaireluctance.
It Took A While For Ralph Macchio To Get On Board With Cobra Kai
Macchio didn’t like the Cobra Kai pitch (at first)
Macchio has turned down several pitches through the years that offered him the chance to play Daniel LaRusso again. UntilCobra Kai, he hadn’t reprised the role in an official capacity since 1989’sThe Karate Kid Part III. So, it would seem he is very protective of his legacy and was waiting for the right-sounding project to come along. If the right opportunity never caught his eye, it’s very possible that Macchio would never have returned to his most famous role. Fortunately,Cobra Kaicame along and brought Macchio back- but it took a while to convince him.
“I’ve always been, ‘No thank you, no thank you.’ Plus, my scene partner, Pat Morita, is no longer here. How do I step back into this? I couldn’t think of it that way.”
- Ralph Macchio, speaking on the Lone Lobos Podcast about Cobra Kai’s inception.
Cobra Kaistars Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand invited Macchio onto their podcast,Lone Lobos, to discuss various things - including the process of Macchio being approached to makeCobra Kai. I found it a little surprising at first that the actor viewed the concept as unappealing at first. However, when he explained that framing William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence as the redeemed hero and initially presenting Daniel as the bad guy, I could understand where the actor was coming from. As the idea grew and became increasingly about a new generation,Macchio eventually found himself won over.
Ralph Macchio Doing Karate Kid: Legends Means It Must Have Something Special
Macchio’s upcoming collaboration with Jackie Chan probably has an amazing script
Cobra Kaiturned out to be a huge success for Macchio and theKarate Kidfranchise. The sequel show had done the seemingly impossible by bringing the actor back to the series, but only because the idea sufficiently impressed him. So, I would imagine thatCobra Kaibeing received so well has resulted in Macchio becoming even more protective over his character and theKarate Kidsaga. As such,another pitch to followCobra Kai’s ending needed to be equal or even betterthan the project that allowed Daniel’s comeback.Karate Kid: Legendswould appear to have pulled that off.
Mr. Han’s Connection To Mr. Miyagi Means Karate Kid: Legends Can Resolve A Mystery About Both Characters
Jackie Chan’s comeback as Mr. Han was very unexpected, but it could also be of immense benefit to the backstory of the franchise’s iconic late sensei.
ForKarate Kid: Legendsto achieve the same thing asCobra Kaiand convince Macchio to stay with the franchise was never a guarantee. Just as he has many times in the past,Macchio could easily have turned downLegendsif he thought the script didn’t do justice to his legacyor the legacy of the larger story. I love that he has such high standards when it comes to more appearances from Daniel LaRusso, and such levels of commitment are sure to makeKarate Kid: Legendsfar more than just a joyless cash grab.
How Karate Kid: Legends Will Be Different From Cobra Kai
Karate Kid: Legendshas a much easier job to do thanCobra Kaiin terms of generating appeal. The movie’s coming right on the heels of the Netflix show’s big finale, so the demand for more from the franchise is right there. Inversely,Cobra Kaiwas trying to breathe new life into a series that had been long abandonedsince the failure of 1994’sThe Next Karate Kidwith Hilary Swank.
Despite the demand to see more from the Netflix ensemble cast, Macchio is seemingly the only character making the jump intoKarate Kid’s next era.
Plus,Karate Kid: Legendsis softly leavingCobra Kaiin the rearview mirror. Despite the demand to see more from the Netflix ensemble cast, Macchio is seemingly the only character making the jump intoKarate Kid’s next era. The upcoming movie is more of a sequel toThe Karate Kid Part IIIand Jackie Chan’s 2010 movie. So, fans ofCobra Kaimay be a little disappointed by key absences fromKarate Kid: Legends, but I’m among the throngs of people who are incredibly stoked about seeing what’s next for the franchise’s biggest name.
Karate Kid: Legends
Cast
Karate Kid: Legends is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.
Cobra Kai
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
