Karate Kid: Legends

One of the most interesting upcoming picture show isKarate shaver : legend , a film that not only continues thelong - runningKarate Kidfranchise , but melds the original motion picture with the 2010 reboot movie . Legends ' cast is headlined by Ralph Macchio , star of the originalKarate Kidfilms , and Jackie Chan , who played Mr. Han in the reboot . This sequel is exciting because it blends the original cinema , the reboot , and theimmensely popularCobra Kai , but there is one fictional character who has gained significant importance in the enfranchisement since its revival , who is notably scatty from the film .

That character is Johnny Lawrence , played by William Zapka , who was the antagonist of the original 1984 classic , and one of thestar cast penis ofCobra Kai . While his original part is as more of a one - note bully , Johnny ’s increase show inCobra Kaihas made him one of the most darling charactersin the entireKarate Kidfranchise . His absence from thecast and story ofKarate minor : Legendsso far has been unexpected , but there are tidy sum of reasons as to why this may be the typesetter’s case .

William Zapka Is Not Confirmed To Return As Johnny Lawrence In Kacrate Kid: Legends

The Classic Actor Hasn’t Been Cast In Any Role Yet

The initialcasting announcement forKarate Kid : Legendstook piazza during 2023 , revealing Macchio and Chan , before the residuum of the cast was revealed over the trend of 2024 , including Ming - Na Wen , Joshua Jackson , and Sadie Stanley in supporting character , and Ben Wang of the Disney Plus showAmerican Born Chinesestarring as the titular karate kid . However , William Zabka has n’t been cast in the movie , meaning that he is n’t going to be a major player when it comes toLegends , though he may show up in a much smaller , more cameo - vogue role .

While there may be rationality thatLegendsis going to focus on Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Wan , Johnny Lawrence ’s absence from the flick will be felt .

Zapka ’s reintroduction ofJohnny Lawrence inCobra Kai , which jump in 2018 and finish with the net part of time of year 6 in 2025 , transformed the character from a simple villain in the original film to an absolute fan favourite character , andhis growth throughout the serial has been one of the best reference arcs within the entireKarate Kidfranchise . While there may be reason thatLegendsis sound to focalise on Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Wan , Johnny Lawrence ’s absence from the photographic film will be feel .

Karate Kid: Legends Official Poster

Karate Kid: Legends' Story Explains Why Daniel LaRusso Is Back But Johnny Isn’t

The Film’s Story Will Revolve Around Daniel More Than Johnny

While Johnny not being inLegendsis a dashing hopes for indisputable , there is an explanation for his want of appearance , and it ’s primarily due to the central plot of ground in the new subsequence . Karate Kid : Legendsis drop dead to enjoin astory that is centered around Mr. Miyagi as one of the main driving force , and the central type ' relationships with him . Daniel LaRusso ’s relationship with Miyagi was obvious , as he was Daniel ’s mentor throughout the first three pic , and the upcomingKarate Kid : Legendswill explore the human relationship Mr. Han had with Miyagi .

Karate tike : Legends ’ trailer shows Jackie Chan ’s Mr. Han meeting Ralph Macchio ’s Daniel LaRusso , begging the question of how they are connected .

That is very celebrated , because while Mr. Miyagi and Lawrence did interact a few times , it was mostly as foeman , and even thoughCobra Kaigave Johnny a connecter with Miyagithrough his oeuvre in Miyagi - Do , he never had the same human relationship as Daniel . Sincethe main connect tissue paper between Mr. Han and Daniel is their history with Mr. Miyagi , having Johnny tag along with Daniel , even if he would likely be a very entertaining addition to the celluloid , would distract from the central team .

Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) turning his back on Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) after winning one of the competitions in Cobra Kai Season 6 Ep 7

Cobra Kai’s Series Ending Can Better Explain Why Johnny Isn’t In Karate Kid: Legends

Johnny’s Character Will Probably Have Some Sort Of Conclusion

At the meter of this article , thefinal part of season 6 ofCobra Kaihasn’t been free yet , but it will likely provide some sort of explanation as to why Johnny wo n’t be joining Daniel for the nextKarate Kidouting . There are plenty of directions for Johnny to go after the series , be it retiring from karate , becoming a full - time Miyagi - Do Sensei , or even starting another young dojo after the menace of Cobra Kai has been dealt with , Johnny ’s character will definitely get some sort of finish to his story .

Cobra Kaiseason 6 part 3 is set up to be released sometime in 2025 .

Mr. Miyagi ’s yesteryear has been a fundamental constituent ofCobra Kaiseason 6 , and it is likely that the threads in the show will top now into the upcoming film . So , while Daniel ’s journey is taking him towards learning more about Mr. Miyagi , and from theKarate Kid : Legendstrailers , it seems like Mr. Han may have some of the answers for him , Johnny will likely be content to stay home and take care of the kids , as well as his newfound family , especially weigh that Carmen will likely give birth to their shaver at the death of the serial publication .

Jackie_Chans_Mr._Han_and_Ralph_Macchios_Daniel_LaRusso_looking_uncertain_in_Karate_Kid_Legends

Image via Netflix

Cast

Karate Kid : legend is a subsequence to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid take by Jonathan Entwistle . The film date Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their use , continuing the bequest of soldierly arts mentorship and competition in a new earned run average of challenges and apprentices .

Miyagi holding his chopsticks in The Karate Kid (1984) next to the poster for Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) have an emotional conversation on the plane on their way back to the USA in Cobra Kai Season 6 Ep 8

Image via Netflix

Cast Placeholder Image

Headshot Of Jackie Chan

Headshot Of Ralph Macchio

Headshot Of Joshua Jackson

Movies

Karate Kid: Legends

The Karate Kid - Franchise