Ralph Macchio reveals the real reason the Karate Kid film is being rebooted as he hits back at critics
Ralph Macchio has big plans on the way as Cobra Kai finally comes to a close after seven years exploring the so-called 'Miyagi-verse.'
Cobra Kai has been going strong with teenage drama, karate crane kicks and redemption arc galore over the last few years.
But all good things must come to an end eventually, and fans who have been with the TV show since season 1 back in 2018 have been nervously anticipating a close that lives up to expectations.
The sixth and final season, split into the three parts, is finally here, and the Cobra Kai story does a brilliant job of tying up loose ends, concluding story arcs while also reflecting on the journey of all the characters involved.
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But for the integral star of the show, Ralph Macchio, this isn’t the end of his Karate Kid journey. In fact, the 63-year-old better be prepared to limber up and stay loose as he is set to next hit our screens this May 30 for his new film Karate Kid Legends.
Speaking to UNILAD, Macchio reflected on where this new story fits into the Karate-obsessed world, as well as his attitude towards critics who are skeptical about the upcoming film.
He said: “Well, I think that, you know, it’s a continuation for Daniel LaRusso. It's years after the events [of Cobra Kai] and It's super exciting with Jackie Chan and this new kid Ben Wang and the entire cast.
“It's kind of... I describe it as it's another chapter or ecosystem in the grand universe, you know.”
The film is set three years after the conclusion of Cobra Kai and focusses on Wang’s character Li Fong, as he turns to Chan and Macchio’s characters for guidance as he hopes to overcome a series of obstacles in New York City.
Now, the first attempt at expanding the Karate Kid film trilogy (quadrilogy if you count the terrible Hilary Swank’ flick) came back in 2010 with Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and was a bit of a ‘meh’ outing to be honest.
But Macchio has stood by his belief in the upcoming Karate Kid film, and insisted he is happy to make films that are less doom and gloom and hype people up in the same way films of yesteryear used to.
He continued: “As long as I can make films that tell stories that have a positive influence and are based on those themes that we loved back in the day.
“In a world, that’s not always so positive, it's nice to be involved in those kinds of stories that inspire families and young people.”
May is quite a way away, so now might be the best time to feel some of that inspiring action-packed 80s goodness by tuning into Cobra Kai and binge watching the story to catch up with a whole host of familiar faces.
Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 3 is now available to watch on Netflix.
Topics: Film and TV
Gerrard Kaonga