Warning! Contains spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6, part 1.
Summary
Cobra Kaiseason 6 suggests that the show might finally have a subtle connection with the upcomingKarate Kidmovie. When Daniel LaRusso was first announced as one of the leading characters in the upcomingKarate Kidmovie, it was hard not to wonder whether the film was a direct sequel to Netflix’sCobra Kaior a one-off standalone installment in the overarching franchise. Since Netflix’sCobra Kaipreviously established Jackie Chan as an actor in its universe, it also made no narrative sense that Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Miyagi were teaming up for the new film.
The movie’s potential links withCobra Kaibecame even more confusing when it was confirmed that Daniel LaRusso was the onlyCobra Kaicharacterin the film. While only time will tell whether the newKarate Kidmovie will retcon Daniel LaRusso’s past, oneCobra Kaidetail seems to finally bridge the two narratives. This link does not necessarily draw a direct connection between the two, but it could eventually mean something more in the future.
How Old Cobra Kai’s Cast Is In Each Season
Since many actors have remained a part of Cobra Kai’s roster since season 1, it may be hard not to wonder how much they have aged over six seasons.
Cobra Kai Season 6 Connects Mr. Miyagi’s Past To The New Karate Kid Movie’s Setting
The Coin From Mr. Miyagi’s Box Links The Movie And The Show
InCobra Kaiseason 6’s part 1, Daniel, Chozen, and Amanda discover a box that once belonged to Mr. Miyagi. When they open the box, they find many of Mr. Miyagi’s belongings, revealing things about his past they never knew. As they skim through the items in the box, they find a pair of boxing gloves, a Chinese currency coin, some scrolls, a newspaper clipping, a passport, and a headband. Of all these items, the Chinese currency coin seems the least important.
Or, the coin could merely be a nod to how Mr. Miyagi’s ancestor, Shimpo Miyagi, traveled to China and derived Miyagi-Do karate from Chinese te.
However, given howChina has been confirmed to be one of the primary settings for the newKarate Kidfilm, the coin andMr. Miyagi’s pastassociation with it could be the connective thread between the film and the show. In his pursuit of finding the truth about Mr. Miyagi’s history, Daniel could end up in China in the film. This is where he could run into Jackie Chan’s Mr. Miyagi, paving the way for theirKarate Kidcollaboration. Or, the coin could merely be a nod to how Mr. Miyagi’s ancestor, Shimpo Miyagi, traveled to China and derived Miyagi-Do karate from Chinese te.
Can You Watch Cobra Kai Without Seeing The Karate Kid Movies First?
Whether audiences can watch Cobra Kai without having seen the Karate Kid movies is a question that has always followed the popular sequel series.
The New Karate Kid Movie Is Still Confusing After Cobra Kai Season 6
Daniel’s Return In The Film Would Seem Strange After His Cobra Kai Season 6 Retirement Announcement
While the coin seems to draw a semblance of a connection between the two, the newKarate Kidfilm still seems confusing after oneCobra Kaiseason 6 scene. InCobra Kaiseason 6’s first episode,Daniel LaRusso assures his wife Amanda that Sekai Taikai will serve as his swansong from karate. Following his retirement inCobra Kaiseason 6, it would make no sense for him to return in the newKarate Kidmovie as a sensei.
Considering these potential narrative inconsistencies, it seems likely that the new Karate Kid film will unfold in its own distinct universe, which is something evenCobra Kai’s showrunners have hinted at. This new universe will feature Daniel LaRusso as a completely different character, who never lived through the story presented in Cobra Kai. This approach could either work wonders for the newKarate Kidmovie or prompt viewers to look down on it for ignoring Daniel’s awe-inspiringCobra Kaijourney.
Cobra Kai
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
