The 1984 film The Karate Kid starring Ralph Macchio, laid the foundation for the martial arts franchise. The film was followed by three sequels, a remake featuring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, and a TV series based on the same universe as the 1984 film. Another Karate Kid film is also reportedly in development, however, not much is known about the project so far. However, the TV series following The Karate Kid films have now become one of the most popular shows of the time.
Macchio, who reprised his role in the TV series Cobra Kai, has appeared in all five seasons of the show. However, the actor turned down the offer for the potential crossover with Sylvester Stallone’s popular franchise Rocky.
Ralph Macchio Recalls Rocky And The Karate Kid Crossover Offer
In his memoir Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me, Ralph Macchio recalled the time he came across the idea for a crossover between Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky and The Karate Kid franchise. Both film series were popular and successful at the time and had a common link, director John G. Avildsen.
The actor shared that the idea was pitched to him and the director by a screenwriter after the release of the fourth installment in the series, The Next Karate Kid. He explained the plot that included Rocky Balboa and Daniel LaRusso’s kids facing each other. However, the director was not on-board with the concept as he believed that it was a “forced idea” and that it would never work.
Macchio shared in his book that he thought that John G. Avildsen was not interested in combining the two franchises, and that is why he denied the idea. Later during the Fan Expo Dallas, The Outsiders actor shared the reason he also agreed with the director and refused to move ahead with the crossover.
Why Did Ralph Macchio Not Pursue the Crossover?
Ralph Macchio talked about the potential crossover between The Karate Kid and Rocky franchises during the Fan Expo Dallas. He shared that he was pitched the idea for a crossover between the two series that followed Rocky and LaRusso’s kids against each other with the big question, “Who would win a fight between Rocky or Daniel LaRusso?”
However, he had different thoughts about Stallone’s film series, as he considered his character Rocky Balboa his hero growing up. “Rocky was my hero growing up. I’d have bow to Rocky, I think, crane kick or not,” Macchio stated before adding, “You know, that was my hero growing up 1976.”
While The Karate Kid and Rocky were not able to have a crossover, both franchises have grown to become very successful. The Karate Kid has gained popularity as the Netflix series Cobra Kai, and Rocky also continues growing with the Creed film series.
Source: Cinemablend
