Why Cobra Kai’s Ralph Macchio Did not Return For The Subsequent Karate Child

At this level, it appears like when any chapter of “The Karate Child” franchise will get stirred up, it might probably’t be with out the pelican-kicking professional, Ralph Macchio. The unique Karate Child, Daniel LaRusso, returned alongside his previous foe Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) for “Cobra Kai,” and collectively they helped the present grow to be as profitable as the flicks, if no more so. However again when the franchise was nonetheless a trilogy, what stopped Macchio returning for “The Subsequent Karate Child,” the place he was as an alternative changed with Hilary Swank? 

Macchio assured Uproxx that it wasn’t a matter of rejecting a suggestion — he merely by no means bought the decision. Fortunately, he had no animosity in direction of his co-star, Pat Morita, who performed the masterful Mr. Miyagi. “I heard they have been making the film. There was a bit of time, for no particular purpose, the place Pat Morita and I have been most likely not [in] as a lot contact. It had nothing to do with something … all I’ve for Pat Morita is the utmost love and respect.” It was by no means made clear to Macchio why he wasn’t invited again for “The Subsequent Karate Child,” although he speculated that it was a results of the franchise altering arms: 

“I do know [director] John G. Avildsen did not make the film, I do know Robert Mark Kamen didn’t write the film. So the unique creators weren’t concerned […] My assumption was [there was] an concept from the studio to proceed on, and so they bought Pat to signal on with that concept.”

Based on Macchio, he had no pressure with anybody — both his former co-star Pat Morita, or his alternative Hilary Swank — just because there did not should be.

It occurs infrequently: Studios will squeeze the final dregs from a franchise, with or with out the unique star. Macchio did not thoughts, however however, it was understandably unusual for the poster boy of the franchise for ten years to see another person hopping on one leg for a change: 

“It was form of odd for me. I by no means actually had a dialog with Pat about it afterwards. Once more, for no obvious purpose. It wasn’t like they got here to me and [I] mentioned, ‘Oh no, I am going to by no means do one other one in all these.’ None of that occurred. I believe it was most likely a choice by the studio and producer at that time, ‘Hey, let’s take this on this course, let’s discover one other option to go.'” 

As for the star that took his place, Macchio says their real-life encounters have not led to the 2 of them squaring off: “I’ve run into Hilary Swank a couple of times and now we have had an inner smile about all of it.”

The query for lots of “Cobra Kai” followers, nevertheless, is that if we’ll ever see Swank and Macchio share the display screen collectively. With a 3rd of the ultimate season left to reach on Netflix, there’s solely hope to go on, because the present’s creators have not hinted at any main cameos to come back.

Given that almost each notable determine from “The Karate Child” franchise that has been on from either side of the mat has made an look in “Cobra Kai,” Hilary Swank’s Julie Pierce is without doubt one of the greatest characters that has remained absent from its six-season run. Followers have spoken out about her absence, and Macchio himself has admitted that a cameo from Hilary Swank does make sense. 

The “Cobra Kai” creators have heard this hypothesis, however they’ve stored quiet about whether or not she’ll truly be dropping in on the Saikai Taikai. Look or not, although, we’ll apparently get some form of point out by the tip. Chatting with CBR in November 2024, government producer Josh Heald responded to questions on Julie’s place within the “Cobra Kai” universe:

“We are going to finally say one thing about whether or not or not she’s within the collection, and the way superb it’s, or why she’s not. However we do not need to spoil something to come back with stepping into dancing round something, as a result of we won’t discuss any legacy characters coming again and what their involvement is till it truly occurs, or till we can provide you a peek at it.” 

We are able to solely hope that in the way forward for Miyagi-verse, we discover some area for “The Subsequent Karate Child.” There’s loads for everybody to wax on and off, in spite of everything.