Ralph Macchio isn’t closing the dojo just yet as he teases a potential Cobra Kai followingKarate Kid: Legends. Macchio, who first stepped into the iconic role in 1984, recently returned to the big screen alongside Jackie Chan forthe newKarate Kid: Legendsmovie. The film follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a Chinese teenager who moves with his mother to New York from Beijing a year after his older brother’s death. With theKarate Kidfranchise continuing its legacy through Netflix’sCobra Kaiand theLegendsmovie, Ralph Macchio has addressed what the future may hold for Daniel LaRusso.
In a recent interview withRolling Stone,Macchio was asked if this would be his final time playing Daniel. The actor reflected on the longevity of his character while expressing interest in a possibleCobra Kaimovie in the future now that the show has ended.Macchio revealed he’d like the franchise to continue as long as possible, saying,“Why not keep the party going as long as it can be rooted in some form of genuine truth?“He also reflected on how unpredictable his return to the franchise has been over the decades. Read his full comments below:
Might I do myGran Torinoversion? Listen, I hope the movie does well. I want it to be the next stage of other chapters, and I’d love there to be aCobra Kaimovie in two years from now as well. I mean, why not keep the party going as long as it can be rooted in some form of genuine truth? Listen, if you came to me in 1995 and said, “You’re going to play Daniel LaRusso again.” I would say, “It’s never going to happen.” So, never say never. Never say never.
What This Means For Cobra Kai
The Karate Kid Franchise Could Expand Even After Legends & Cobra Kai’s Ending
Macchio’s openness to continuing the story proves thattheKarate Kidfranchiseisn’t limited to just one more installment or a single show finale.Legendsmay be positioned as a major cinematic milestone, since the film will markthe best debut for anyKarate Kidmovie featuring Daniel LaRusso,with aprojected three-day opening weekend totaling between $21 and $23 million at the domestic box office. This could be a launchpad for the idea of aCobra Kaimovie two years down the line, which has been subtly set up by the narrative groundwork.
WithLegendssubtly noddingtoCobra Kai,a future movie could serve as a natural extension of the series’ ending and an expansion of the franchise, potentially bringing together fan-favorite characters and new faces to the big screen. If the franchise can continue to evolve while keeping its emotional sincerity, there’s no reason to believe theKarate Kidstory has to end anytime soon. Whether it’s through Daniel mentoring a new generation, revisiting old rivalries, or even expanding into new themes, the future ofKarate Kidis full of possibilities. Andwith Macchio still on board, there’s a built-in foundation of support and legacy.
His Passion Keeps The Franchise Alive, And Fans Want More
Macchio’s ongoing dedication to theKarate Kidfranchise is one of the reasons it’s remained so popular for decades. His willingness to reprise Daniel again in a potentialCobra Kaimovie shows he understands what the character means to people and what kinds of stories still excite longtime fans. His"never say never"attitude reflects just how the series has always found ways to grow and reinvent itself with each new era. AsCobra Kaiwrapped up earlier this year, the idea of future films afterKarate Kid: Legendsis incredibly compelling.
