Legends connects with Cobra Kai explained by director

Karate Kid: Legends director Jonathan Entwistle explains how the upcoming film connects to Cobra Kai, revealing how the film and TV show interact. The story of Karate Kid: Legends will see Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) team up with fellow martial arts instructor Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) to train Li Fong (Ben Wang), a new karate prodigy. This will be the second time that Macchio returns as his character in the 2020s, also having a prominent role in the Netflix film. Cobra Kai. The TV series ends in February 2025, while the new film arrives in May.

Talking to Weekly entertainmentEntwistle revealed that, by making Karate Kid: Legendshe was talking to the team behind Cobra Kaihoping to build connections between the TV show and the film. While he didn't say much about how strong their bond will be, the director confirmed much of the what he talked about doing with Macchio to connect the two stories ended up making it into the film. Check out what Entwistle had to say below:

I've been a huge fan of Cobra Kai since the beginning, and that's one of the reasons I found this project so exciting. I was excited by the idea that films and series could be part of a family. I've had some very detailed conversations with the Cobra Kai team about cool things we can do in the film that can make everything feel holistic. And obviously Ralph is very, very close to that after all these years on Cobra Kai, and they've been involved in small steps along the way. Everything we talked about made it into the film in one way or another, whether through Ralph or through conversations. We are very excited to have added another piece to the overall universe.

What Entwistle's confirmation means for Cobra Kai in Karate Kid: Legends

Final episodes could lead to new movie

There have already been some hints that Cobra Kai season 6 will lead into the new film, as Mr. Han apparently visits Daniel at his Miyagi-Do Dojo from the series. However, Entwistle's statement offers concrete confirmation that the TV show will be referenced during the events of the film. While it's not yet clear to what extent the series will play a role, Daniel's appearance in both means that some of his teaching methods that he's applied to other students could carry over to when he trains Li.

Another possible outcome is that the cast of Karate Kid: Legends features some notable guests from the show. This could include legacy characters from the franchise's history, like Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), or new faces introduced to the series, like Tory Nichols (Peyton List). It is also possible that they are mentioned or referenced in important waysestablishing a strong link between the two stories, causing them to intersect in ways that drive the film's story forward. Cobra Kaithe ending of can even lead into the film, forming an even stronger bond as one flows into the other.

Our Take on Karate Kid: Confirmed Legends and Cobra Kai Connections

Fits with the film's themes of legacy

Given how the Karate Kid: Legends trailer had a big focus on the franchise's legacy, it only makes sense for Cobra Kai to play a role in the film to some extent. While the film likely doesn't rely on the TV show for necessary context, acknowledging its events can help highlight its thematic elements of homage to the past. With the Netflix series ending just months before the film's release, it will be interesting to see how much the final episodes will actually be covered on the big screen.

Source: electronic warfare