The Karate Kid: How does the new The Karate Kid film ties into the Cobra Kai universe? Ralph Macchio explains

What makes a franchise survive 40 years and become a cross-generational pop culture icon? For The Karate Kid fans, the answer is quite simple—the perfect balance between nostalgia and reinvention, and that's exactly what Ralph Macchio promises in Karate Kid: Legends.

The upcoming new film is already generating buzz. After all, how does this new The Karate Kid movie fit into the Cobra Kai timeline? Ralph Macchio revealed the details about the new chapter in the Miyagi-verse, assuring fans that its legacy is safe.

Karate Kid: Legends—Back to the origins

Cobra Kai brought new perspectives, stories, and faces into the fold and explored the rivalry between Daniel and Johnny from a more mature point of view, never forgetting its roots. Now, with the story of the spin-off almost completely told, the new chapter is set to unfold on big screens once again.

For Ralph Macchio, taking on the role of Daniel LaRusso in cinema again was a decision that required care and reflection. In an interview with Variety on November 19, 2024, Ralph shared:

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

And the wait seems worth it. Karate Kid: Legends takes place three years after the events of the last Cobra Kai season and shows Daniel and Amanda LaRusso living outside the United States in a new phase of their lives that promises to resonate with both old and new fans.

In the trailer shown at New York Comic Con, one scene caught attention: Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) visits Daniel at what appears to be the new Miyagi-Do, asking for his help to train Li Fong (Ben Wang) and transform him into the next Karate Kid. It's a union of two worlds, a meeting between generations that promises to move dedicated fans.

When two universes meet

While many wondered how Karate Kid: Legends would connect to Cobra Kai, Macchio clarified that, although they are "separate ecosystems," there is a narrative thread linking them.

"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?" said Ralph Macchio.

This transition from the small screen to cinema brings an epic feel to the Miyagi-verse, as if Cobra Kai's ending is actually the starting point for a new phase. With Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the F**ing World and I Am Not Okay with This) directing and Rob Lieber (Peter Rabbit and Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween) behind the screenplay, the film promises to rescue the essence that made the franchise a success while exploring new layers of its characters.

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The end of Daniel LaRusso's journey?

Ralph Macchio has so far shown Daniel growing and honoring Mr. Miyagi's legacy. But will Karate Kid: Legends mark the end of this path? The short answer is maybe not since Macchio doesn't rule out the possibility of returning to the role but leaves the future open.

"I don't want to overstay the welcome of a character that's so beloved. But he's ageing like I am, so there could be other areas to explore as well. Never say never", shared Ralph.

If the Miyagi-verse taught us anything, endings can be just the beginning of new stories. With the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends, it's impossible not to imagine that this universe still holds surprises. Will Daniel LaRusso take on a more spiritual role, like Mr. Miyagi, passing the torch to the next generation? Or will the meeting with Mr. Han open doors to a new chapter shared between two universes?

Karate Kid has always been more than kicks and strikes. It's about overcoming challenges, empathy, and finding balance in the dojo and life. With Karate Kid: Legends, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan bring back these values in a generational encounter that promises to honor the past while looking to the future.