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The newKarate Kidmovie is in the talks and will be released in 2024. The firstKarate Kidmovie was released in 1984. And even after 40 years, the franchise is going strong withCobra Kai(2018). BeforeCobra Kai, there were a total of fiveKarate Kidfilms, 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, anotherKarate Kidmovie 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 newKarate Kidwill be seen on big screens again. But fans disapprove of this film because it is missing out on that one particular beloved character.
Also read:“I know I made the right choice”: Not Rejecting Will Smith, Ralph Macchio Believed He Dodged a Bullet by Turning Down Wild Pitch With Sylvester Stallone to Revive Karate Kid
Fans CriticizeKarate KidMovie’s Neglect of Key Character
As perDeadline, Sony Pictures is working on the sixthKarate Kidmovie. The original actors,Ralph MacchioandJackie Chan, are set to return. Macchio played Daniel LaRusso in the first threeKarate Kidmovies, 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/ataFwGYIutpic.twitter.com/4WSfcSEWVy
— sabrina 🦇 (@nightwaynes)June 07, 2025
Please tell me@WilliamZabkais also in it. He has to be. Has to.
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan)August 23, 2025
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)June 08, 2025
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 behindCobra Kai‘s success, so his exclusion fromKarate Kid 6would be a total mistake.
Also read:“Keep watching, keep those numbers going”: The Karate Kid Star Ralph Macchio Reveals Cobra Kai Season 6 Depends on Viewership, Might Get Canceled at Netflix as Actor Asks Fans to Keep Streaming
Why is Johnny Lawrence important toThe Karate KidFranchise?
The success ofCobra Kaiand its five seasons (with a sixth on the way) is attributed toWilliam 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 upcomingKarate 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 theKarate Kidmovies andCobra Kai. So, it’s definite that removing Johnny Lawrence will come with certain challenges and may impact the film’s reception.
Karate Kid 6is set to premiere in late 2024.
Also read:“I had an Academy Award, no health insurance”: Before Working With Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank Was Criminally Underpaid In Her $20M Movie Despite Her Karate Kid Fame
Shreya Jha
Articles Published :1042
Meet Shreya, FandomWire’s go-to Pop-Culture Writer. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism and a pop culture obsession that rivals even the most die-hard ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel fans.Her articles have been published in Animated Times, Creator Mail, and The Luxxe Mag. When Shreya’s not busy dishing out hot takes, she is lost in the world of rom-coms.
