Summary
The 2025Karate Kidmovie is one of the franchise’s most highly anticipated releases, but a recent announcement about itsCobra Kaiconnection gives it- and the show -the chance to be even better.The Karate Kidfranchise started all the way back in 1984, yet it has released new projects consistently over the years. Next year, the main franchise will return to the big screen for the first time in a decade with2025’sKarate Kidreboot. Meanwhile,Cobra Kaiseason 6 will premiere its first part in July 2024. Their connection, or lack thereof, makes them even greater.
After the announcement of 2025’sKarate Kid,questions have been floating around about whether the movie will connect toCobra Kaiseason 6. There are reasons why they should be connected, including Ralph Macchio’s role in both the movie and the show. However, there are also strong arguments for keeping them separate, including issues with Jackie Chan inCobra Kai’scanon. Luckily, though, a set visit withCobra Kaishowrunner Josh Heald answers this question for good. Heald says, “But our series doesn’t set up the movie, the movie kind of exists in its own piece of its own universe…”
Cobra Kai: New Cast & Returning Karate Kid Characters Guide
Cobra Kai has the perfect mix of classic Karate Kid legends and all-new characters. Here’s everyone you need to know in the hit Netflix series.
Cobra Kai Not Being Connected To Karate Kid’s 2025 Movie Is Actually A Good Thing
Cobra Kai & Karate Kid Can Do Their Own Thing
Josh Heald confirms thatCobra Kaiseason 6 won’t connect to theKarate Kidmovie. This is likely the best-case scenario. Although it might have been interesting to see how the end ofCobra Kaiset Daniel up for 2025’sKarate Kid,it’s a storyline that isn’t exactly necessary. If anything, it might have been more confusing.Though Daniel plays a key role in bothCobra Kaiand the newKarate Kid,it is better to keep the projects in different cornersof the same universe. Therefore, there are no retcons, no unanswered questions, and no restrictions.
Ultimately, creative freedom is the greatest benefit of keepingCobra Kaiand 2025’sKarate Kidseparate. Intertwining their universes might have been cool, but it would have forced the movie and the show to transform their stories to fit each other. This is a major detriment to their creativity. In this way,it is better to letCobra Kaiend on its own terms, focusing on its own story rather than that of the newKarate Kid.Similarly, the movie can start off with its own story in mind, not whatCobra Kaiforcefully set up.
Cobra Kai’s Miyagiverse Is Better Without The 2010 Reboot
Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han Is Too Confusing
KeepingCobra Kaiseparate from the newKarate Kidalso confirms that the 2010Karate Kiddoes not exist inCobra Kai’sworld. This is also for the best. Notably,2025’sKarate Kidmovie stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, but his co-star is Jackie Chan, reprising his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot ofThe Karate Kid.Immediately, this adds a layer of confusion since it long seemed like the originalKarate Kidfilm franchise was completely separate from the 2010 movie. Now, 2025’sKarate Kidis merging the two. Fortunately,Cobra Kaiis staying out of it.
Cobra Kaibenefits the most from focusing on its own story, and leaving the complications of theKarate Kidmovies to themselves.
It’s better forJackie Chan to not be inCobra Kaiseason 6because it is too confusing. The foundation ofCobra Kaiis the originalKarate Kidfilms from 1984 to 1994. That is the storyline the show has always followed. To change this in the final season makes the narrative too complex and strange. Plus,Mr. Han really has nothing to do withCobra Kai.Once again, their stories would only bog each other down. Therefore,Cobra Kaibenefits the most from focusing on its own story, and leaving the complications of theKarate Kidmovies to themselves.
Not Being Connected Is A Bigger Problem For Karate Kid 2025 Than Cobra Kai
Daniel LaRusso Needs A Backstory
Cobra Kaihas no need to mention 2025’sKarate Kid,but the reverse isn’t quite true. BecauseCobra Kaiseason 6 is coming out before 2025’sKarate Kid,nothing changes for the show. They can continue the trajectory they have always been on. However, on the other hand,2025’sKarate Kidis directly affected byCobra Kaibecause of Daniel LaRusso. In the world of the movies, Daniel has been absent since 1989’sThe Karate Kid Part III.In this way, 2025’sKarate Kidwill have to explain where Daniel has been all this time.
Karate Kidis set to be released on June 22, 2025. It stars Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, and Ben Wang.
In the end, it is up to 2025’sKarate Kidto decide how much it will be connected toCobra Kai,not the other way around.Karate Kidcan use the storylines thatCobra Kaihas built, including Daniel’s job, wife, and kids. At the same time, the movie could also completely ignore those facts, and either avoid talking about Daniel’s life, or create a new one entirely. In this way, 2025’sKarate Kidis walking a narrow tightrope. ItsCobra Kaiconnections are not make or break, but they will certainly affect the movie in one way or another.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
