Warning! This article contains major spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6, part 3.
Karate Kid: Legendswill be the next installment in the franchise afterCobra Kai, making it hard not to wonder ifCobra Kaiseason 6’s ending sets it up. All themovies in theKarate Kidfranchise, so far, have had well-rounded stories that did not necessarily set the stage for follow-ups. Despite this, thefirstKarate Kidmoviewas followed up with two direct sequels and one spin-off/reboot featuring Mr. Miyagi and his new student, Julie. Over a decade after the fourthKarate Kidfilm, the 2010 reboot attempted to reignite interest in the franchise by following its own standalone story.
Although the reboot failed to pave the way for new installments,Cobra Kaiachieved what it could not by not only creatively expanding the originalKarate Kidmovies' lore but also adding new young characters to the mix. Since neither of these new additions to theKarate Kidfranchise was pre-planned,Karate Kid: Legendscould also exist withoutCobra Kaisetting up its story. However, sinceCobra Kaihas been so integral to the franchise’s recent success, its narrative setups could immensely benefitKarate Kid: Legends.
Cobra Kai Season 6’s Ending Does Not Directly Set Up Karate Kid: Legends
Cobra Kai Season 6 Closes On A Conclusive Note
Cobra Kaiseason 6 does not end with a cliffhanger or story setup forKarate Kid: Legends. Instead, it brings a full circle to its overarching storyline by focusing on giving Johnny Lawrence the redemption he deserves. As the show’s title and early seasons suggested,it was always supposed to be about Johnny’s path toward forgiving himself for his All-Valley lossand overcoming his traumatic relationship with John Kreese. InCobra Kaiseason 6’s final arc, he achieves just that while also landing the opportunity to continue his karate journey as a sensei.
Is Karate Kid: Legends Connected To Cobra Kai?
Karate Kid: Legends is the next movie in The Karate Kid movie franchise, and here’s how it connects to Cobra Kai and how that shared universe works.
By focusing less on Daniel LaRusso and emphasizing Johnny Lawrence’s journey from rock bottom to self-acceptance and recovery,Cobra Kaiavoids directly paving the way forKarate Kid: Legends. Given howCobra Kaicharacters, like Robby, Tory, Devon, Kenny, and Anthony, still have a long road ahead of them in the world of combat sports, the show could have potential follow-ups. However, since none of these characters will appear in the upcomingKarate Kidmovie, their stories remain contained in the series' world.
Karate Kid: Legends Is A Separate Project From Cobra Kai
Daniel LaRusso & Mr. Miyagi Are The Only Connective Threads Between Cobra Kai & Karate Kid: Legends
One ofCobra Kai’s creators, Josh Heald, has previously explained (viaTHR) that even thoughCobra KaiandKarate Kid: Legendsare set in the same universe, “it’s a big universe with lots of different planets.” Showrunner Jon Hurwitz also revealed thatthe “movie takes place after the events of Cobra Kai,“which is why they toldKarate Kid: Legends' director, Jonathan Entwistle, where the show was going to end to ensure he had the “headspace” to follow it up.
…Mr. Miyagi’s shadow and profound lessons will also loom overKarate Kid: Legendsjust like they have over otherKarate Kidinstallments.
These behind-the-scenes details confirm the movie’s timeline in the franchise but do not draw any direct connections between the show and the movie. AsKarate Kid: Legendsstory beats and characters suggest, it will follow a standalone narrative and likely avoid referring toCobra Kaiin any capacity. The only major connective thread betweenCobra KaiandKarate Kid: Legendswill be Daniel LaRusso. At the same time, as the movie’s trailer suggests, Mr. Miyagi’s shadow and profound lessons will also loom overKarate Kid: Legendsjust like they have over otherKarate Kidinstallments.
Daniel LaRusso’s Fate In Cobra Kai Season 6 Does Set Up Karate Kid: Legends
Cobra Kai Subtly Hints At Daniel LaRusso’s Return
Cobra Kaiseason 6 initially madeKarate Kid: Legends' timelinein the overarching franchise even more confusing by suggesting that Daniel LaRusso planned to retire after the Sekai Taikai Tournament. Even in season 6’s final installment, Daniel tells his wife, Amanda, about his plans to hang his boots as a karate kid sensei. However, to his surprise, even though Amanda previously encouraged him to take a step back, she tells him that he will always be a sensei because it has become a solid part of his identity.
Karate Kid: Legends is scheduled to be released on June 25, 2025.
Amanda’s reminder to Daniel LaRusso sets the stage for his return inKarate Kid: Legendsas a new student’s sensei. It hints that even though Daniel has thought about focusing more on his family and less on sustaining Mr. Miyagi’s legacy by teaching new students,he is not ready to fully let go of the teachings that have shaped his life. Since Mr. Miyagi, too, would have wanted Daniel to find balance instead of completely giving up on karate after hisCobra Kaiarc, it makes sense that he will be the guiding force for another aspiring martial artist inKarate Kid: Legends.
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.
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.
