The new Karate Kid movie is in the talks and will be released in 2024. The first Karate Kid movie was released in 1984. And even after 40 years, the franchise is going strong with Cobra Kai (2018). Before Cobra Kai, there were a total of five Karate Kid films, which collectively grossed more than $430 million globally.
The original movies followed Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) as he trained in karate and confronted those who bullied him. Then, in 2010, another Karate Kid movie saw Jaden Smith play a similar character. Though, the only difference is this movie followed Kung Fu instead of Karate.
Now almost 13 years later, the new Karate Kid will be seen on big screens again. But fans disapprove of this film because it is missing out on that one particular beloved character.
Fans Criticize Karate Kid Movie’s Neglect of Key Character
As per Deadline, Sony Pictures is working on the sixth Karate Kid movie. The original actors, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, are set to return. Macchio played Daniel LaRusso in the first three Karate Kid movies, while Chan portrayed Mr. Han (based on Mr. Miyagi from the original series) in the 2010 remake.
But one key character from the upcoming movie is reportedly missing. It is William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence. It has caused concern among fans on X (formerly Twitter). Check out some fan reactions below:
the only thing that could make me more excited is if they added William Zabka as well to this 😩🙏🏻 https://t.co/ataFwGYIut pic.twitter.com/4WSfcSEWVy
— sabrina 🦇 (@nightwaynes) November 21, 2023
Please tell me @WilliamZabka is also in it. He has to be. Has to.
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) November 21, 2023
Bring William zabka back too you cowards https://t.co/rb6WVhdVqZ
— Ayyan Ahmad (@heel_ayyan) November 21, 2023
I'll watch it for Jackie Chan alone, but I hope they bring in the real Karate Kid (William Zabka) too. https://t.co/ajgfzTBSdk
— Christian Lindke 🧐🐉🎬 (@ChristianLindke) November 21, 2023
If william zabka isn’t in this movie we have no choice but to boycott https://t.co/vYzdcVmJGT
— Person of Culture (2nd post-retirement stint) (@0b11100001) November 22, 2023
Sony Pictures has kept details about the plot and connection to the original series and the 2010 remake under wraps. Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka, is behind Cobra Kai‘s success, so his exclusion from Karate Kid 6 would be a total mistake.
Why is Johnny Lawrence important to The Karate Kid Franchise?
The success of Cobra Kai and its five seasons (with a sixth on the way) is attributed to William Zabka‘s portrayal of Johnny Lawrence. Johnny’s redemption arc was a key highlight in the Netflix series.
If the creators are planning to exclude Zabka from the upcoming Karate Kid 6, then its popularity will certainly take a nosedive. Fans appreciate the chemistry between Zabka’s character and Ralph Macchio’s.
Their on-screen partnership has become a defining element for both the Karate Kid movies and Cobra Kai. So, it’s definite that removing Johnny Lawrence will come with certain challenges and may impact the film’s reception.
Karate Kid 6 is set to premiere in late 2024.
