Why Cobra Kai Characters Didn’t Appear in Karate Kid: Legends Revealed

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In the movie “Karate Kid: Legends,” director Jonathan Entwistle shares the reason why no characters from the original “Cobra Kai” series were featured in this sequel. After the culmination of the Netflix show, the new “Karate Kid” installment introduces a fusion of two martial arts realms as Li Fong (Ben Wang) undergoes training from Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for the Five Boroughs tournament. The film’s storyline occurs three years after the events depicted in “Cobra Kai” season 6. Although Macchio reprised his memorable character, none of the original “Cobra Kai” personalities appeared in “Legends.

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Entwistle explained the primary reason no original Cobra Kai characters featured in Legends. The final decision was based on ownership rights, enabling the director to utilize characters and aspects from the Karate Kid films. Regrettably, details unique to Cobra Kai were off-limits because they weren’t under Columbia Pictures’ control. Here is his complete statement: [insert quote]

In our adaptation, we’re free to incorporate elements from the original films, such as Daniel and Miyagi. However, anything unique to the “Cobra Kai” series is not owned by Columbia Pictures.

Why Did One Other Cobra Kai Character Return In Karate Kid: Legends

Netflix Owns The Streaming Rights To Cobra Kai

Fans of “The Karate Kid” might have wished for some appearances from “Cobra Kai” characters, but this latest information could explain why that didn’t occur. Since “Cobra Kai” was initially a YouTube Red series and subsequently moved to Netflix with season 6, there may have been a conflict due to the Netflix deal that prevented a crossover. Although both shows are produced by Sony Pictures, it’s plausible that this streaming rights agreement could have been the barrier. While this isn’t definitively proven, Entwistle recently addressed many questions in a Reddit AMA, and when asked about the absence of “Cobra Kai” characters, he suggested the Netflix deal might be the reason.

The main hurdle in this situation is that ‘Cobra Kai’ is an exclusive Netflix production. If they, the producers, decide to create a film featuring these characters, then it could happen. However, my playtime has been with the characters from the original movies.

In the making of “Karate Kid: Legends,” they could only include characters who had appeared in previous Karate Kid films, and not those from Cobra Kai. However, one more franchise character did make a brief appearance as a cameo. Specifically, William Zabka reprised his role as Johnny Lawrence in a short conversation with Daniel at the end of “Karate Kid: Legends.” This is significant because although Cobra Kai focuses on Johnny’s storyline, he was initially introduced in the original 1984 Karate Kid film, making him the only other character from the series to appear in this sequel.

Our Take On This Revelation About Cobra Kai Characters Not Appearing In Karate Kid: Legends

It’s A Huge Bummer!

Although no one from the cast or crew of Karate Kid: Legends has mentioned plans for sequels, this recent statement certainly dampens hopes for any Cobra Kai characters to make an appearance in future films and raises some intriguing issues. The Netflix series played a significant role in reigniting enthusiasm for the Karate Kid saga, thanks to characters like Robby, Miguel, and Tory, whose compelling storylines were a highlight. This new development leaves us wondering how the Karate Kid movies can possibly incorporate Daniel’s family, who were central figures in the Netflix series.

Despite a less-than-ideal update, there remains a possibility that this problem could be addressed – particularly if talks about a movie sequel arise between Sony and Netflix. Previously, when Cobra Kai concluded with season 6, the show’s creators and Macchio discussed potential spinoffs, which might carry on these cherished characters’ stories. At this point, no official news has been released; however, let’s keep our fingers crossed that Karate Kid: Legends won’t mark the end of their appearances. As they say, Cobra Kai never truly vanishes!

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2025-05-31 01:30