Even thoughCobra Kaihas not officially ended yet, whenKarate Kid: Legendstakes place spoils a major character’s ending. Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso is one of the most popular characters in theKarate Kidfranchise. Audiences have quite literally watched Macchio grow up in theKarate Kidfranchise. He first starred as the underdog Daniel LaRusso in the original 1984 film, and appeared in its two sequels. Therefore, Macchio has appeared in three out of thefiveKarate Kidmovies, and is also set to star in theupcoming filmKarate Kid: Legends.
Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso has been a prominent character in the spinoff seriesCobra Kaifor years, butKarate Kid: Legendswill mark the first time he’s appeared in a movie in the franchise since 1989’sThe Karate Kid Part III.Jackie Chan is also part ofKarate Kid: Legends’cast, reprising his role of Mr. Han from 2010’sThe Karate Kid. The story ofKarate Kid: Legendswill not be connected toCobra Kai, but it is set in the same continuity and will take place several years afterCobrai Kai’sfinale.
The New Karate Kid Movie Taking Place 3 Years After Cobra Kai Proves Daniel Will Never Move On From Karate
Daniel’s Story In Cobra Kai Will End Soon
Ralph Macchio recently revealed thatKarate Kid: Legendswill take place three years after the ending ofCobra Kai.Cobra Kaiseason 6, part 3premieres on Netflix in February 2025, so fans do not yet know how the show concludes. However, thetimeline ofKarate Kid: Legendsconfirms that Daniel will never move on from karate. Three years is also quite a long time, soit will be interesting to see how Daniel changes between the ending ofCobra KaiandKarate Kid: Legends.
New Karate Kid Movie Is Finally Fixing A 35-Year-Old Franchise Mistake That Not Even Cobra Kai Could
Karate Kid: Legends will be the sixth movie in the martial arts movie franchise, and it means redemption for a huge member of its iconic cast.
While not many details aboutKarate Kid: Legendsare currently known, its story will follow a brand-new character named Li Fong, who moves to the East Coast and starts studying karate. In the film, Li Fong will almost certainly be taught by Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han.It will be exciting to see Daniel and Mr. Han onscreen together inKarate Kid: Legends, since they previously appeared in different eras of the franchise.
Daniel Moving On From Karate Could Have Worked As A Cobra Kai Ending
Daniel Will Continue To Teach Karate Beyond Conra Kai
Karate Kid: Legends’timeline all but confirms that karate will remain a vital part of Daniel’s life afterCobra Kai, but him leaving karate behind could have been a really intriguing ending for the series. In the originalKarate Kidfilms, Daniel was always a student, butCobra Kaishowcases his skills as a teacher. As the hero of the originalKarate Kidmovies, it is great to see Daniel pass on his expertise to a new generation of students.
It could’ve been a very intriguing storyline if Daniel, the original protagonist in the franchise, decided to move on from karate.
However,Daniel has struggled with balancing his commitment to karate and his adult responsibilities. While he started learning karate to defend himself in the firstKarate Kidmovie, Daniel has arguably moved beyond a need for karate, and has a family of his own now. Therefore, it could’ve been a very intriguing storyline if Daniel, the original protagonist in the franchise, decided to move on from karate. This also would ensure the ending ofCobra Kaihas a feeling of finality to it. However, based on what is known aboutKarate Kid: Legends, this doesn’t seem to be the case.
Cobra Kai
Cast
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
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.
