The Karate Kid
Cobra Kai Season 5: Everything We Know About the Netflix Show’s Return
Nearly 40 years after Mr. Miyagi famously taught Daniel LaRusso how to paint a fence and wash a car in the original Karate Kid films, the Miyagi-verse has expanded exponentially, beginning with the release of Cobra Kai, a Netflix original series spin-off of the iconic franchise. The series reunites William Zabka and Ralph Macchio in their breakout roles, while introducing a whole new crew of karate kids. Premiering in 2018, Cobra Kai has answered the question: What happens to Daniel after his time with Mr. Miyagi? Since their days with Mr. Miyagi, Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), and his peer, Johnny Lawerence (Zabka) have started their own dojos, mentoring a new gang of fighters. Since its conception, the show has re-sparked love for the original films and become one of Netflix’s most streamed s...
New The Karate Kid Musical Slated for 2022 Pre-Broadway Run in St. Louis
Meet me in St. Louis, Daniel-san! The new musical adaptation of The Karate Kid is headed to the home of the Gateway Arch for its pre-Broadway tryout. According to a report from Deadline, The Karate Kid — The Musical will kick off a limited month-long engagement through Stages St. Louis beginning May 22nd, 2022. Helmed by Japanese director Amon Miyamoto, the show will then run through June 26th. While casting for the new musical has yet to be announced, Robert Mark Kamen — the screenwriter of the original 1984 classic — is handling the script, with music and lyrics by Smash composer Drew Gasparini. (Yes, we have him to thank for helping write Hit List, the fictitious show-within-a-show that eventually spawned a real-life 2013 concert event starring Jeremy Jordan, Andy Mientus...
Cobra Kai Season 3 Brings The Karate Kid Sequels Back Into the Dojo: Review
It’s a Cruel Winter: Dark clouds have descended upon the rolling hills of Encino, California. Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) remains in a coma following Season 2’s climactic battle at West Valley High. Robby Lawrence (Tanner Buchanan) is on the lam, tortured by his betrayal of Miyagi-Do’s code. And Samantha La Russo (Mary Mouser) is suffering PTSD after being sent to the hospital at the hands of Tory (Peyton List). Meanwhile, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is back in the bottle, stumbling into Reseda sports bars as quickly as he’s being tossed out of ’em. Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) is losing favor across town and his community, which spells trouble for the future of his dealership. And John Kreese (Martin Kove) is planning his next move at the titular Cobra Kai dojo, where he’s cru...
Cobra Kai Season 3 Kicks Up Netflix Release Date to January 1st
Come New Year’s Day, you’ll be able to put 2020 in a body bag, because Netflix is dropping the new season of Cobra Kai a full week early. The streaming platform has announced it’s kicking up the Season 3 release date from January 8th to January 1st. The news came via a tweet from the official Cobra Kai account: “QUIET! I hear you all whining about season 3 taking forever. So I called the pawn shop and the guy walked me through this Netflix thing,” read the message in the voice of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). “Dude knows his stuff. Now you get it a week early. See you Jan 1, nerds.” Johnny also appears in a teaser clip for the new release date, which you can watch ahead. Season 3 of Cobra Kai picks up with “everyone reeling in the aftermath of the violent high school brawl between dojos...
Cobra Kai Season 3 Premiere Date Confirmed With Scorching Hot Teaser Trailer: Watch
Good news Cobra Kai fans. Today, Netflix dropped a new teaser trailer for its highly anticipated third season. Not only does it announce a premiere date of January 8th, 2021, but it also confirms a fourth season is “officially training to join the fight.” As for the actually teaser, there are a few glimpses of what’s to come. It looks like Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) are at least on speaking terms again. Meanwhile, Robby (Tanner Buchanan) appears to be in juvie following his attack on Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña), who wakes up at the end in the hospital. That last reveal is admittedly rather surprising, seeing how Miguel’s fate is the true cliffhanger at the end of Season 2. What’s also intriguing is how this teaser leaves out any shots of Okinawa, Ja...
Cobra Kai Offers Lifelong Lessons on Redemption
“You can’t let the mistakes of your past determine your future.” Cobra Kai is a study in redemption. On August 28th, the former YouTube series hit Netflix with a splash, offering uplifting empowerment and sweet nostalgia that feels like rooting through an old shoebox filled with mixtapes. After all, 1984’s The Karate Kid is a beloved classic that empowered a generation to stand up for themselves (not to mention, catch flies with chopsticks and practicing crane kicks on the playground). But by expanding the narrative, Cobra Kai offers a powerful story of redemption that is a much-needed and much-welcome message for these divided times. The series follows a down-on-his-luck Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), the bleache-blonde bully who tormented Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and ultimately l...
What’s Next for Cobra Kai?
The future is bright for Cobra Kai. Two years after it first premiered on YouTube Red — ha, anyone remember YouTube Red? – The Karate Kid spinoff series is a pop culture phenomenon. Lesson learned? Never doubt the influence of Netflix. For die-hard fans, this development is both aggravating and refreshing. As Johnny Lawrence might say, “Where the hell have you wimps been all this time?” But then again, as Daniel LaRusso might wisely counter, “More fans, more future.” After all, without Netflix, there was no telling whether Cobra Kai would live past its forthcoming third season. If you recall, YouTube was in no place to commit to a fourth season, which means the doors would have most certainly closed on this dojo. Editors’ Picks Given the response and the fact that the show has been N...
The Karate Kid Spinoff Series Cobra Kai Moves to Netflix
Ralph Macchio and William Zabka of Cobra Kai at C2E2 2019, photo by Heather Kaplan Wax on, wax off: Cobra Kai has left YouTube for Netflix. According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Karate Kid spinoff series, starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, has found a new home with the streaming giant for its third season. “The appeal of The Karate Kid saga is timeless, and Cobra Kai picks up right where it left off without missing a beat,” said Brian Wright, Netflix vp originals. “The rivalry between Daniel and Johnny is one for the ages, and the show has a ton of heart and is a lot of fun. We can’t wait to introduce a new generation of fans to Cobra Kai and are thrilled to be its new home around the world.” The series debuted on YouTube in May 2018, back when it wa...
