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The world of the Karate Kid is set to grow with the arrival of “Karate Kid: Legends.” In this new film, a gifted martial artist named Li Fong (played by Ben Wang) finds himself inexplicably drawn into the karate scene when he settles in New York City and catches the eye of a karate tournament. This encounter sets him on a path where he receives guidance from iconic figures from the original Karate Kid series, namely Mr. Han (portrayed by Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). The movie is helmed by Jonathan Entwistle and also stars Wang, Chan, Macchio, Sadie Stanley, Aramis Knight, Joshua Jackson, Li Jun Li, and Wyatt Oleff.

40 years after “The Karate Kid” set foot in the world, the Netflix show “Cobra Kai” has breathed fresh life into the universe. This series follows Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka) as they rekindle their martial arts rivalry in their middle-aged years. The show was a hit on Netflix, sparking even more excitement for “Karate Kid: Legends”. Now that the new franchise movie is out in theaters, it leaves us wondering if this film is indeed a continuation of the Cobra Kai storyline.

Karate Kid: Legends Is Technically A Cobra Kai Sequel In The Franchise Timeline

It Takes Place Three Years After Cobra Kai

I am committed to ensuring that the character of Daniel LaRusso remains authentic and true to who he is. We are working diligently to create a compelling continuation of his story, while also staying faithful to the essence of the Karate Kid universe.

Making the decision wasn’t a snap, as it involved shielding the Daniel LaRusso character, predicting his future whereabouts, and preserving the entire Miyagi-verse legacy. Once we managed to align these factors, it seemed logical for the Cobra Kai narrative to transition into the upcoming movie, despite them being separate spheres. Working with Jackie was simply thrilling. To return this project to the big screen after starting it there is just awesome!

Karate Kid: Legends Is Not A True Sequel To Cobra Kai

And Its Director Knows That

It should be noted that “Karate Kid: Legends” isn’t really a follow-up to “Cobra Kai.” Unlike the latter, it wasn’t produced by Netflix and the original creators – Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg – didn’t have a direct hand in its creation. In this movie, Daniel is present, but early reviews suggest that he takes a backseat to Wang’s captivating lead role. As of now, it appears that Daniel is the only character from “Cobra Kai” who will make an appearance; William Zabka, who played Johnny Lawrence in “Cobra Kai,” won’t be returning for this film.

In “The Karate Kid,” Daniel was indeed the main character, but both he and Johnny were integral to the story’s tension. They are undeniably crucial in “Cobra Kai” as the show’s narrative unfolded around their reemergence as adversaries after a long time. Consequently, if “Karate Kid: Legends” follows the storyline after “Cobra Kai” and is thus considered a sequel, it would not be authentic without Johnny being part of it.

According to “Legends” director Entwistle, his film should not be considered a direct continuation of the “Karate Kid” series as depicted in “Cobra Kai.” In an interview with Collider, he clarified that the movie is not part of the “Cobra Kai” series. Instead, it’s set within the same universe and serves as another instalment in the Karate Kid story, much like another entry in a comic book series. The director’s statement supports this view, indicating that the film is not a sequel to “Cobra Kai.” For more details on Entwistle’s explanation, please refer to the interview below:

There are numerous seasons of Cobra Kai, but this isn’t a Cobra Kai movie. Instead, it belongs to the Karate Kid universe and carries on some elements that made the original show so popular within the franchise. However, it is a new installment, just as Cobra Kai was after the movies. You could think of it as another page in the story or comic book series.

Cobra Kai Is Still Massively Important To Karate Kid: Legends

Legends Would Not Exist Without The Show

The upcoming “Karate Kid: Legends” movie holds significant value for its connection to the popular television show, “Cobra Kai.” Released on Netflix seven years ago, “Cobra Kai” not only reignited interest among fans of the original Karate Kid films in 2018 but also managed to sustain this interest across six seasons. The series became a cornerstone of Netflix, garnering favorable reviews and buzz. In essence, “Karate Kid: Legends” owes much of its existence to the success and enduring appeal of “Cobra Kai.

2025-05-28 20:38