TheKarate Kid: Legendstrailer offers a clearer picture of what’s in store after the ending ofCobra Kai, and who plays a role in it. After a successful seven-year run,Cobra Kaiwill release part 3 of its final season on Jun 08, 2025. The epic showdown will be followed by the newKarate Kidmovie, which comes out on May 30. So far, theKarate Kid: Legendscastsuggests Ralph Macchio is the only actor from the popular Netflix series making a return, increasing speculation about howCobra Kaimight lead to the movie.
Abig theory aboutCobra Kai’s endingbelieved it would bring revelations about Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi’s past, ones which would then inform the movie. Notably, the direction of the show’s latest episodes shed light on theconnection between Kim Sum-Yung (C.S. Lee) and Chozen(Yuji Okumoto) — and, by extension, Miyagi. However, the movie’s synopsis foreshadows a distancing from the infamous dojo. Thoughhopes were that Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han would appear in theCobra Kaifinale, theKarate Kid: Legendstrailer suggests his history with Miyagi is being savedfor the movie.
Karate Kid: Legend’s Trailer Confirms This Is The First Time Daniel LaRusso & Mr. Han Have Met
Meeting Han Could Help Redeem Miyagi In Daniel’s Eyes
WhenKarate Kid: Legendsconfirmed the collaboration between Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan’s characters, the 2010 remake was presented as a sequel — withHan’s connection to Miyagi coming fromKarate Kid II. This led to a theory about the possibility that Daniel and Mr. Han had already met, perhaps through Mr. Miyagi. Notably,Cobra Kaiconfirms Mr. Miyagi died at 86 years old, on July 18, 2025, creating a 22-year gap of unknown history between Daniel LaRusso and his mentor, which could have involved Han.
Although the show involved many bitter revelations, including Miyagi’s criminal record, the film could serve to redeem him, especially if he helped Han and his family.
Karate Kid: Legends’trailer debunks that theory, asDaniel asking Han if he knew Miyagi confirms he didn’t know of their shared history, let alone had met Chan’s character before. Likely, the movie will continue Daniel’s discovery of his mentor’s hidden past, successfullyconnectingKarate Kid: LegendstoCobra Kai. Although the show involved many bitter revelations, including Miyagi’s criminal record, the film could serve to redeem him, especially if he helped Han and his family. Since the movie proposes a history unknown to Daniel,Cobra Kaiwill follow its own conclusion, which won’t investigate Han’s character yet.
Daniel LaRusso & Mr. Han’s Meeting Confirms Jackie Chan Won’t Cameo In Cobra Kai Season 6’s Final Episodes
Cobra Kai Could Still Have One Last Epic Cameo With Hilary Swank
Since Han and Daniel will meet inKarate Kid: Legends, it’s clear thatJackie Chan will not cameo inCobra Kaiseason 6 part 3, as had been speculated.The Netflix show has shocked fans time and time again by bringing back many main and supporting legacyKarate Kidcharacters in creative ways. Though Mr. Han was originally envisioned as a different version of Mr. Miyagi, the 2010 remake being canonized brought an uproar of excitement about a possible cameo by popular actor, Chan, for the show’s epic conclusion.
Even if Han will not make an appearance beforeKarate Kid: Legends,the show could still get one last cameo by havingJulie Pierce appear inCobra Kai’s last episodes. Played by Hilary Swank, Julie is Miyagi’s student inThe Next Karate Kid. Although the movie got mixed reviews upon its release, Swank has since become a powerhouse actress, even winning an Oscar for her performance of an aspiring boxer inMillion Dollar Baby — all of which suggest her return to theKarate Kidfranchise could be a great one.
Jackie Chan Not Appearing In Cobra Kai Season 6 Helps Karate Kid: Legends
Han’s Introduction Will Get Center Focus On Karate Kid: Legends
AsKwon’s (Brandon H. Lee) death changesCobra Kai’s season 6direction, the last episodes will have a lot to deal with, considering they also need to wrap up all character arcs. Daniel’s main focus will probably be on uncovering the truth behind Miyagi’s own incident in the tournament; helping put an end to Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith); and, hopefully, guiding his students to make peace with what happened. However, if Miyagi’s past is not a pleasant one, the show might give Daniel LaRusso a bitter ending, perhaps showing him demoralized that karate can cause such tragedy.
Ralph Macchio & Jackie Chan’s Karate Kid Movie Is Already Avoiding An Annoying Debate That Cobra Kai Never Settled
Karate Kid: Legends is addressing one of the most divisive topics regarding the Netflix spinoff show, ending a debate before it can begin.
Because of all that the show needs to tackle,it’s probably better that Chan doesn’t appear inCobra Kai’s ending. The show doesn’t have enough time to properly present and develop his character, especially as his connections to Miyagi will be touched upon for the first time. Rather than having a small cameo way before theKarate Kid: Legendstimeline, which would be anticlimactic, Jackie Chan’s introduction deserves to be reserved for when it can have a bigger focus. Luckily, theKarate Kid: Legendstrailer confirms Chan’s return will happen afterCobra Kaiends.
Karate Kid: Legends
Cast
Karate Kid: Legends is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.
