Ralph Macchio Explains Why Cobra Kai Had to End

Ralph Macchio, the actor who has given life to the lead character in the Karate Kid franchise for over 30 years, is having the time of his life. The Netflix spin-off Cobra Kai is more successful than ever, and he is enjoying his return to the spotlight alongside William Zabka, who plays his longtime nemesis. But, as all good things must end, so must Cobra Kai. The OG Karate Kid star says the show has to end because it will lead into a new story.

That’s right. He’s not hanging his gi or his headband. Macchio will continue to play Daniel LaRusso for as long as he can keep doing it. However, as Variety reports, the Karate Kid star understands that Cobra Kai is a phase that’s supposed to end because “the timing is right.” For Macchio, things are certainly not over. He’s set to reprise LaRusso in the upcoming big-screen adventure Karate Kid: Legends, which is scheduled to be released in May 2025 and will put LaRusso against Mr. Han, Jackie Chan’s character from the 2010 reboot. Per Macchio’s remarks:

“It was not a quick decision, because it was about protecting the Daniel LaRusso character, and finding where he would be at that point, and then protecting the whole legacy in the Miyagi-verse.

Once we were able to line that up, for the
Cobra Kai
story to lead into the new film — even though they’re separate ecosystems — it all made sense for me. Then, working with Jackie was just super exciting. I started this on the big screen. How cool is it to get it back to the big screen?”

Cobra Kai is currently in its sixth and final season. Parts 1 and 2 have been released, with Part 3 coming next February. The reception has been positive, as usual, with audiences fully welcoming the comedy and drama mashup that made the Netflix spin-off such a beloved part of the Karate Kid franchise. That said, Season 6 did give the Miyagi-verse a darker tone, as LaRusso finds out Miyagi wasn’t exactly the peaceful sensei he thought.

Karate Kid: Legends is Returning the Franchise to the Big Screen

So far, not much has been confirmed about Karate Kid: Legends. Franchise characters Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han are returning, but no one else made the script’s final draft. Considering the success of Cobra Kai, and the fact that the release date was moved to avoid any timeline conflicts with the spin-off’s final season, Karate Kid: Legends could have been an excellent opportunity to take some interesting characters to a whole new level. Yes, cameos could still apply.

Nevertheless, The Karate Kid star also said that the upcoming movie doesn’t have to be the end of the franchise. It could continue with the Miyagi origins spin-off that Cobra Kai’s producers have discussed pursuing. Or perhaps it’s all about LaRusso once again. Macchio says this about the character’s future: “I don’t want to overstay the welcome of a character that’s so beloved. But he’s aging like I am, so there could be other areas to explore as well. Never say never.”

Cast

Ralph Macchio , William Zabka , Courtney Henggeler , Xolo Mariduena , Tanner Buchanan , Mary Mouser , Peyton List , Jacob Bertrand , Gianni DeCenzo , Dallas Dupree Young , Vanessa Rubio , Thomas Ian Griffith , Martin Kove , Cameron Markeles , Talin Chat , Samuel Goergen , Rob Garrison , Brandon Gibson , Alan Heckner , Kristin Brock , Randee Heller , Lara Silva , David Kronawitter , Dominick Racano , Tony Bravado

Seasons

6

Release Date

May 2, 2018

Network

Netflix , YouTube Premium

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