Why Johnny Lawrence isn't in Karate Kid: Legends

One of the most interesting upcoming films is Karate Kid: Legendsa film that not only continues the long story Karate Kid franchise, but combines the original films with the 2010 reboot film. Legends' cast is headed by Ralph Macchio, star of the original Karate Kid films, and Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han in the reboot. This sequel is exciting because it combines the original films, the reboot, and the immensely popular Cobra Kaibut there is one character who has gained significant importance in the franchise since its resurgence, who is notably absent from the film.

That character is Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zapka, who was the antagonist of the original 1984 classic, and one of the main cast members of Cobra Kai. Although his original role is more of a one-note bully, Johnny's growth shown in Cobra Kai made him one of the most beloved characters throughout the Karate Kid franchise. His absence from the cast and story of Karate Kid: Legends So far it has been unexpected, but there are many reasons why this could be the case.

William Zapka is not confirmed to return as Johnny Lawrence in Kacrate Kid: Legends

The classic actor has not yet been cast in any role

Initial casting announcements for Karate Kid: Legends took place during 2023, revealing Macchio and Chan, before the rest of the cast was revealed throughout 2024, including Ming-Na Wen, Joshua Jackson and Sadie Stanley in supporting roles, and Ben Wang from the Disney Plus show American born Chinese starring as the titular karate kid. However, William Zabka has not been cast in the film, meaning he won't be a major player when it comes to Legends, although he may appear in a much smaller, more cameo-style role.

Zapka's reintroduction of Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kaiwhich began in 2018 and ended with the final part of season 6 in 2025, transformed the character from a simple villain from the original film into an absolute fan-favorite character, and her growth throughout the series was one of the best character arcs in the entire series. Karate Kid franchise. Although there may be reasons that Legends will focus on Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Wan, Johnny Lawrence's absence from the film will be felt.

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

The film's story will revolve more around Daniel than Johnny

Although Johnny is not in Legends is a disappointment for sure, there is an explanation for its lack of appearance, and that is mainly due to the central plot of the new sequel. Karate Kid: Legends will tell one story centered on Mr. Miyagi as one of the main driving forcesand the central characters' relationships with him. Daniel LaRusso's relationship with Miyagi was obvious, as he mentored Daniel throughout the first three films and the next Karate Kid: Legends will explore the relationship Mr. Han had with Miyagi.

This is very notable, because although Mr. Miyagi and Lawrence interacted a few times, it was mostly as enemies, and even though Cobra Kai gave Johnny a connection to Miyagi through his work on Miyagi-Do, he never had the same relationship as Daniel. Since The main connecting tissue between Mr. Han and Daniel is his history with Mr. Han.Having Johnny accompany Daniel, even though he would probably be a very fun addition to the film, would distract from the central team.

Cobra Kai's series finale may better explain why Johnny isn't in Karate Kid: Legends

Johnny's character will likely have some kind of conclusion

At the time of this article, the final part of season 6 of Cobra Kai hasn't been released yet, but it will likely provide some sort of explanation as to why Johnny won't be joining Daniel in the next Karate Kid tour. There are many directions for Johnny to take the series, whether it be retiring from karate, becoming a full-time Miyagi-Do Sensei, or even starting another new dojo after the threat of Cobra Kai has been resolved. Johnny's character will definitely have some sort of conclusion to his story.

Mr. Miyagi's past has been a central element of Cobra Kai Season 6, and it's likely that threads from the series will lead directly into the next film. So while Daniel's journey leads him to learn more about Mr. Miyagi, and from Karate Kid: Legends trailers, it looks 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 new family, especially considering Carmen will likely give birth to his child at the end of the series .