The Karate Kid Part III, released in 1989, constitutes the third entry in the renowned martial arts film series. This installment picks up the narrative of Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio, and his mentor Mr. Miyagi, played by Pat Morita. The film introduces a fresh antagonist, Terry Silver, a wealthy entrepreneur and martial artist driven by vengeance following his friend’s defeat in the previous installment.
The reappearance of the ruthless John Kreese intensifies the conflict as Daniel becomes entangled in a perilous tournament. Although it may not attain the same level of adoration as the original, The Karate Kid Part III still garners recognition from fans for its memorable characters and martial arts sequences. However, Ralph Macchio isn’t a fan of the film.
Why Did Ralph Macchio Not Like The Film
Ralph Macchio expressed his reservations about The Karate Kid 3, noting that he didn’t favor the direction it took. He believed the story retreaded familiar ground and didn’t contribute to character development for LaRusso’s eventual conclusion. Additionally, he mentioned production challenges, with the script undergoing alterations. Macchio admitted he didn’t connect with certain aspects of his character in this installment as he did with the original film and its sequel, relegating it to a lower position on his resume.
“I was not a fan of how the Karate Kid 3 came out. I felt the story was only repeating itself and was not character forwarding for the end of LaRusso. And production-wise, it was being written one way and then changed another way. It was not a smooth ride. In the end, there were parts of the character that I didn’t embrace as well as I did with the original and the first sequel. I don’t put it on the top of my resume.”
Ralph Macchio pointed out that The Karate Kid Part III serves as a foundation for the ongoing narrative in Cobra Kai, particularly evident in season four. This installment provides a wealth of storytelling material. Macchio emphasized the creative brilliance of the Cobra Kai series’ creators, highlighting their ability to expand upon the original story and delve into the backgrounds of characters who may have had limited development in the past.
The Karate Kid Commitment Costed Him Big Time
During a substantial portion of the 1980s, Ralph Macchio enjoyed widespread recognition as a Hollywood icon, primarily attributed to his role in the iconic blockbuster trilogy, The Karate Kid. Cast as a young teenager acquiring martial arts skills as a defense against bullies, Macchio was regarded as one of the era’s most prominent young talents, poised for potential industry stardom.
However, the actor’s career trajectory led him to remain relatively low-key for many years, and he also passed on several notable opportunities due to contractual obligations tied to The Karate Kid franchise.
In 1988, Ralph Macchio secured a role in Sidney Lumet’s acclaimed drama Running on Empty. However, he had to reluctantly withdraw from the project due to his contractual commitments to The Karate Kid series and its forthcoming sequels. Subsequently, the role went to the talented young actor of the era, River Phoenix, who not only starred in the film but also received an Oscar nomination for his performance.
The Karate Kid Part III is available for streaming on Netfix.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
