48 hours following the Atlanta filming of “Cobra Kai”, Ralph Macchio swiftly returned to the Montreal set of “The Karate Kid: Legends”, finding himself back at square one.
In the TV show “Legends”, Macchio walked onto a replica of the house that he and Pat Morita made famous in the 1984 film “The Karate Kid” by John G. Avildsen. The original house, located in Canoga Park, was torn down after filming for “The Karate Kid Part II” ended in 1986. It was later rebuilt at Warner Bros. Ranch for “Part III”, but for the TV series “Cobra Kai”, they built a different version of it on their set based in Atlanta, which changed over six seasons.
It was an unusual sensation, Macchio explains to The Hollywood Reporter for the upcoming theatrical release of ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ on May 30th. Despite being at someone else’s home, I somehow contributed to its construction.
In Jonathan Entwistle’s follow-up to his original work, Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio, encounters Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan, from the 2010 version of “The Karate Kid”. This merges the independent reboot into the main franchise. The creators of “Legends” decided to expand upon the Miyagi family dojo scene in “Part II”, linking the Miyagi family based in Okinawa, Japan with the Han family in China. In 1625, it’s told that Mr. Miyagi’s ancestor, a fisherman named Shimpo Miyagi, dozed off at sea and awoke on the coast of China. The Han family took him in, teaching him kung fu. Upon his return home, he founded Miyagi-Do Karate, blending the two families’ distinct martial arts, thereby forging an enduring friendship between Mr. Miyagi and Mr. Han. The storyline in the 2010 film serves as a basis for their China-set narrative.
Previously, Macchio crossed paths with Chan at the 2010 debut of The Karate Kid, and while he maintained a friendly demeanor in public settings, he acknowledges that he initially harbored reservations about Chan’s remake. However, this unexpected artistic collaboration left him more than content, as he now delights in performing action sequences alongside Chan, portraying the training of Mr. Han’s great-nephew, Li Fong (Ben Wang).
Initially, when I learned about the 2010 version of “The Karate Kid,” I felt protective because it was such an iconic film for me. I didn’t grasp their intention at first and felt skeptical given my long association with the original. My thought was, ‘How can they remake The Karate Kid from 1984?’ But then they produced a movie that was skillfully made and extremely successful. I often refer to this film as an example of how you can tell essentially the same story, yet create a completely distinct motion picture.
Initially announced in September 2022, there was curiosity about how the film Karate Kid: Legends would align with the upcoming final season of Cobra Kai. It has since been revealed that Legends was intended to be set three years after the series finale of Cobra Kai, but its initial release dates in June and December 2024 preceded the series’ conclusion in February 2025. (Both projects were postponed due to the 2023 strikes.) As a consequence, Macchio insisted on delaying the movie until after Cobra Kai‘s completion, aiming to avoid confusing Cobra Kai viewers and potentially drawing them to the film based on the satisfying series finale and its overall success.
Initially scheduled for release on December 13, 2024, Macchio expressed his excitement daily, stating “This movie needs to come out after Cobra Kai finishes.” Upon realizing that the December release wouldn’t be beneficial for either project, they made the wise decision to delay it until May 2025. Karate Kid: Legends will now debut at a time when I hope fans of Cobra Kai are eagerly anticipating another installment.
As a gamer, I can’t help but feel pumped about the future of Daniel LaRusso! According to Macchio, there are several potential spinoffs for Cobra Kai in the works, and it seems like only a matter of time before Netflix and creators Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg make their decision on which direction(s) to take next. I can hardly wait to see what they come up with!
Macchio mentions that several projects are currently ongoing, and he’s unsure which one will come to fruition first. He expresses hope that they all do, or at least some of them, or just one of them. He suggests that the success of ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ could boost everything else. Although it’s a new venture, it retains the essence of what was there before, and there’s a hint of Miyagi’s wisdom in it.
In a recent chat with THR, I, Ralph Macchio, expressed my sense of duty towards safeguarding the legacy of the Karate Kid franchise, seeing as I’m among the few original cast members still around from the groundbreaking 1983 movie.
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Legends” unfold in relation to the storyline of “Cobra Kai”? As you may recall, “Cobra Kai” was already being produced when “Karate Kid: Legends” was released. How were these two stories’ timelines explained?
Legends”. To me, it was about identifying the authentic links that would continue the narrative. For me, it’s been about advancing the Miyagi-verse or legacy all along.
As a devoted fan, I’ve always been eager to delve into the world of “Karate Kid: Legends,” a captivating tale that unfolds approximately three years after the events of “Cobra Kai.” Since “Cobra Kai” debuted in 2018, the characters from that series would be in their third year of college during “Karate Kid: Legends.” This timeline was established early on, and my primary goal was to introduce Daniel LaRusso in a way that feels like a organic continuation and progression, making his appearance in this new storyline three years later feel natural. That’s the approach I took when crafting this fresh, standalone narrative within the expansive universe of “Karate Kid.” It’s as if “Karate Kid: Legends” exists as its own self-contained ecosystem within this grand universe.
Towards the conclusion of Cobra Kai, he transforms in an optimistic manner, with himself and Johnny Lawrence growing into their best selves moving forward. In Karate Kid: Legends, he exhibits a strong resemblance to Miyagi in his intuitive sensibilities and profound wisdom. The portrayal of him in Cobra Kai was crafted to be more impulsive and confrontational towards Johnny Lawrence, which greatly contributed to Johnny’s redemption arc. This left me wondering when we would arrive at “Miyagi-land,” a place where Daniel LaRusso would embody all the wisdom he gained from his mentor, lead a balanced life with a loving family, and run a successful business. As it turns out, that is precisely where Daniel’s journey led him.
Three years later, they find him in Miyagi’s yard, a place filled with memories of his childhood for him. He removes his gardening gloves when Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan, enters the dojo, triggering thoughts of their family connection. The flashback scene from “The Karate Kid Part II” explains how Miyagi-Do karate originated in China, setting off a chain of events. It all made sense then – it was about safeguarding LaRusso and nurturing the bond that began in 1984, which has since grown into this entire franchise.
For many people, you will forever be recognized as “The Karate Kid,” yet for a newer group, you are now similar to the Mr. Miyagi character that I grew up with. Did it take time for you to adjust to portraying the sensei role after spending so many years as the student?
Indeed, that’s an insightful question you’ve posed. The answer lies in the show “Cobra Kai,” specifically during the early stages of season two. A scene that particularly stands out for me is when Tanner Buchanan, as Robbie, was shown polishing the car, painting the fence, and sanding the deck. During the rehearsal of this brief montage, I stepped away to change costumes since we hadn’t put on our wardrobe yet. In that break, a wave of emotion washed over me alone in my trailer. Although I didn’t cry outright, my eyes did moisten, and a lump formed in my throat as I prepared for the scene. This was because I was reminded of the enchanting moments that unfolded in Miyagi’s backyard all those years ago in 1983. Pat Morita had taught me how to paint the fence, among other things, and these memories have now become part of our shared pop culture. In that moment, I was no longer a student on the mat; instead, I found myself shoulder-to-shoulder with the greats who are no longer with us – John Avildsen, Pat Morita, and producer Jerry Weintraub. It was then that I felt the weight of preserving this legacy in such a poignant instant. So, it was during this emotional moment that I experienced that feeling.
Speaking from personal experience as a parent, I’ve felt similar dynamics between sensei and student. I could relate this to the young cast of Cobra Kai, much like a dad sharing tales of his past. They would show interest, just like any child listening to a story about their father’s childhood. In the same vein, I shared stories with Ben Wang during Karate Kid: Legends. I take great satisfaction in recounting yesterday’s events because, fundamentally, we wouldn’t have this present-day experience without the foundations laid in the early 1980s. While I try not to dwell too much on nostalgia, it’s important to pass on these traditions and make them applicable. Cobra Kai did an excellent job of achieving this relevance, and I hope that this film maintains a fresh or unique feel while retaining the same essential themes.
Reworking the Daniel-Miyagi flashback scene from “The Karate Kid Part II” into the later Jackie Chan film was a smart move to establish a continuity link. To be frank, I held off on watching Jackie’s movie when it came out in 2010 for quite some time because I found the idea of remaking “The Karate Kid” sacrilegious. Did you feel protective about it at the time?
Indeed, it’s true. Initially, it’s a surprise when they start reimagining your work, as you don’t often think it would be something they’d do so early on in your career. However, now I find myself with a Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” which won the Best Musical award at the 2024 Tony Awards. It’s hard to comprehend how much time has passed, allowing them to create it for a new generation. In essence, I’ve been through multiple iterations across generations.
Initially, upon learning about the 2010 remake of “The Karate Kid”, I felt protective, not comprehending their intent. Having spent so much time immersed in the original version, I wondered how they could revisit that storyline. However, they created a film that was skillfully made and incredibly popular. I often refer to this movie as an illustration of how you can retell the same tale yet produce a completely distinct cinematic experience.
When they presented the idea of linking these previously unrelated narratives in the room, I responded, “You’ve got the material!” It was all tied together quite neatly. Miyagi narrates that the roots of Okinawa karate lie in China, and we incorporated this into Cobra Kai. This way, it remains consistent, drawing from ancient scriptures if you will. Then, Hollywood took over to create a movie, and here we are today.
And it allowed you to trade moves with Jackie Chan, so it all worked out quite nicely.
Indeed, I moved from one remarkable figure to another. Can you imagine? It’s an endless source of inspiration, and now I find myself collaborating with Jackie. Although we didn’t know each other personally, his work was something I deeply admired. He has opened doors for countless others, and he approaches his craft with the enthusiasm of a child in a candy store. He adores being on set, cherishes filmmaking, and genuinely cares about his work. We may have distinct viewpoints, but our shared goal remains constant. Working with him was truly a pleasure.
Ben Wang delivers an outstanding performance, not just in terms of his physical abilities, but also mentally and emotionally. He becomes a hero that young viewers aged 8 to 19 will admire and support, while also inheriting a piece of the story’s legacy throughout the film. This pattern is reminiscent of Cobra Kai, and I hope it continues here. The movie is suitable for families and presents a heartwarming tale of good triumphing over evil. Watching it in a theater creates a shared experience where you might find yourself slapping hands with the stranger next to you, both having had a great time. When you return home, there’s a chance your uncle may pull out an old DVD of the original Karate Kid, allowing the entire family to discover Mr. Miyagi for the first time together. It’s exciting when kids recognize Mr. Miyagi and consider him as cool as can be.
One of the most unexpected aspects of growing up is that I don’t feel as disconnected from my 17 or 18-year-old self as I had imagined. Does your current self seem vastly different from the youth you recall in the previous flashback?
It’s an insightful question indeed. (Macchio pauses for a moment to reflect) In one of my early Cobra Kai scenes with Billy Zabka, we had been embodying our characters for 34 years by then. However, when we stepped onto the mat within the Cobra Kai dojo in the second episode, we were accompanied by wisdom from various angles. When we conversed through our characters, there was a heightened sense of consciousness. It seemed as if it happened just yesterday, yet it felt fresh and novel simultaneously.
When I gaze upon young Daniel LaRusso in the initial scene, it evokes memories of Hawaii and Pat Morita for me. The scent of the day transports me back to the particular humidity level and the sensation of walking into the Miyagi family dojo. This instantly takes me to a specific moment in time. Over the years, both Daniel and himself have grown, accumulating life experiences and gaining wisdom. Yet, despite these changes, he remains essentially the same person. Ironically, when I reflect on Daniel LaRusso in that particular scene, he was a genuinely sincere Daniel LaRusso. Unlike his later self who was prone to anger and confrontations with Johnny Lawrence, he was a diligent student eager to learn. Contrastingly, in the movie “Karate Kid: Legends,” Daniel LaRusso is more akin to Mr. Miyagi, sharing his wisdom generously with the new generation. Thus, it’s fascinating to consider Daniel as a young learner in that opening scene and later as the seasoned, wise, and patient teacher he became.
From what I gathered from your initial scene with Jackie and the conclusion, I thought you managed to accomplish two tasks at once by filming Karate Kid: Legends’ Miyagi house scenes on Cobra Kai’s Miyagi house set in Atlanta. However, it seems that Legends actually constructed a new house in Montreal?
Absolutely! After completing the series “Cobra Kai”, we had a wrap party the next day, and the following morning, I found myself on a plane to Montreal. Stepping onto a moving train was an unusual sensation. It felt like I was at someone else’s house, but in a way, I helped construct it. So, transitioning from this family I’d been with for seven years and 65 episodes, which is quite rare today, especially in the streaming era, was intriguing. Then, I stepped onto a big-screen movie where I was a part of the cast but hadn’t fully settled into my role yet. This shift in stories, happening three years later, presented a bit of a challenge, not because anyone made it difficult, but rather because I was dealing with it myself as I changed gears.
FYI, when it was first announced that “Karate Kid: Legends” would premiere on December 13, 2024, I found myself saying daily, “I hope this movie comes out after the series ends.” However, once they reconsidered and recognized that this date wouldn’t be ideal for them either, they made the wise decision.
In my opinion, the timing of the release couldn’t be better, as I believe fans of Cobra Kai are eagerly anticipating another installment. Additionally, there will likely be newcomers who might not have watched the series or even the original film, but would still enjoy watching it in the cinema.
The showrunners of Cobra Kai have alluded to more story. Do you know what that is yet?
As a devoted fan, I’ve got a bunch of projects spinning in the air right now, and I’m carefully treading to avoid any missteps. I’m unsure which one will come to fruition first – if all, some, or just one. Here’s hoping that ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ is among them, as it promises a fresh take on the franchise while staying true to its roots. There’s definitely a Miyagi-esque wisdom infused in this new journey!
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Karate Kid: Legends opens May 30 in movie theaters nationwide.
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2025-05-29 21:25