Summary
Cobra Kaico-creator Hayden Schlossberg provides anoptimistic response to the possibility of a Mr. Miyagi prequel spinoff series. AsCobra Kaicomes to a close and with anewKarate Kidmoviereleasing in 2025, there has been speculation about whether the long-running franchise can continue further, with a prequel focused on a young Mr. Miyagi being a popular suggestion. Certain details about the character’s past have remained mysterious since his debut in the originalKarate Kidfilm, released in 1984.
According toThe Playlist, Schlossberg explained during theBingeworthypodcast thata Mr. Miyagi prequel series is not officially in the works, but he thinks there is significant merit to the idea. He compares the potential prequel toCobra Kai, as the series showedThe Karate Kid’s Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) in a different light, and a new spinoff could do the same for Mr. Miyagi. Schlossberg also spoke about the range of tones that he and his creative partners strive to achieve throughout the franchise. Check out his comments below:
There’s nothing official to say, butthe Miyagi backstory is the perfect [spin-off] show in our minds.The cool thing is that ‘Cobra Kai’ is a spinoff of ‘The Karate Kid,’ and it made sense to do what we were doing because the lead character was kind of a guy who you wouldn’t say is necessarily the best mentor, but in a way he is for Miguel. And when you think about what you could do with a Mr. Miyagi show, it feels like it could be something that’s totally different and yet really connected to ‘The Karate Kid,’ as well. We like the idea of exploring every type of show from the more dramatic side to the more comedic.
Did Cobra Kai Already Set Up A Mr. Miyagi Prequel?
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A prequel can shed more light on Mr. Miyagi’s past, revealing what the truth is, and how he became the wise and serene individual Daniel knew.
While a Mr. Miyagi prequel has been discussed before, it may now be closer to coming to fruition through the setup provided inCobra Kaiseason 6 part 1. The first half ofCobra Kai’s final season seesDaniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) discovering a box that contains mementos from his beloved mentor’s past. This includes a bloodstained headband, a newspaper clipping with the article title"Police search for assailant,“a tattered passport, and boxing gloves.
Through some of his own investigations, Daniel learns that Mr. Miyagi was responsible for the robbery and assault described in the newspaper clipping. These discoveries tease thatDaniel’s mentor had a darker past than he realized, and that some of the details he previously shared with Daniel do not entirely align with the clues left behind in the box of mementos. A prequel can shed more light onMr. Miyagi’s past, revealing what the truth is, and how he became the wise and serene individual Daniel knew.
Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan are returning for the 2025Karate Kidmovie.
Cobra Kaihumanized the previously villainous Johnny, making him a more sympathetic and nuanced character.A Mr. Miyagi prequel can humanize him differentlyby showing that he was not a perfect individual, but he learned and grew from his mistakes to become a better person. GivenCobra Kai’s setup and the enormous potential, the prequel seems like the best avenue for the franchise to take after the end of the Netflix series and the 2025Karate Kidfilm.
Cobra Kai
Cast
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.
