Is Karate Kid Legends canon to Netflix’s Cobra Kai series? That question has been on everyone’s mind since the film’s first official trailer debuted yesterday.
Two branches. One tree.
Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, and Ralph Macchio star in Karate Kid: Legends – exclusively in movie theatres May 30. #KarateKidMovie pic.twitter.com/5isBABm3eC
— Karate Kid Movie (@KarateKidMovie) December 17, 2024
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The Karate Kid remains one of the most beloved 80s coming-of-age action movies. Its timeless message of balance and overcoming adversity resonates across generations. That’s why the original 1984 film, starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, spawned several sequels and offshoots. The most recent offshoot is a streaming series that began on YouTube Red before moving to Netflix.
That wildly popular series is Cobra Kai.
Daniel LaRusso faces Johnny Lawrence in a rematch from their fight from the first Karate Kid in Cobra Kai on Netflix – YouTube, Nerd Clips HD
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The Netflix series is entering its final season, divided into three parts for a multi-leg release. The third and final part will debut on Netflix on February 13th. But does the Cobra Kai story truly end there?
On May 30th, Karate Kid Legends will hit theaters. The film features Ralph Macchio reprising his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso, teaming up with Jackie Chan, who returns as Mr. Han from the 2010 Will Smith-produced Karate Kid film.
Surprisingly, Chan’s Karate Kid wasn’t a reboot after all. The producers have woven the story of Mr. Han and Shao Dre into the canon of Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san. In the trailer, we discover that Mr. Han knew Mr. Miyagi and that Miyagi-Do Karate and Mr. Han’s Chinese kung fu share a common lineage.
As Ralph Macchio says in the trailer, “Two branches, one tree.”
Mr. Han and Lee in Karate Kid Legends – YouTube, Sony Pictures Entertainment
But is the Karate Kid universe truly one tree? Does Karate Kid Legends tie into Cobra Kai canon?
Yes, it does.
Ralph Macchio confirmed at Big Texas Comic Con that the film takes place after the events of Cobra Kai.
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“Well, I can’t go into any depth on it except it’s another ecosystem within the grand universe of The Karate Kid, in the mythology of that, and I’m excited for it,” he said. “It all happens, the story is after the events of Cobra Kai, so—I—you know, I can’t say a damn thing, but enjoy Cobra Kai, embrace Cobra Kai, make it the biggest series finale in the history of Netflix and television.”
Now that we know Karate Kid Legends is canon to Cobra Kai, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief—it’s not a Karate Kid multiverse!
Are you excited for Karate Kid Legends? Do you love Cobra Kai? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know!
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