Ralph Macchio Hints at Karate Kid Universe’s Next Steps

Ralph Macchio isn’t quite ready to bid farewell to the world of The Karate Kid, but he’s also not promising a swift return. While attending the 24 Hour Plays Annual Gala, Macchio made it clear that, although the creative team and cast remain in touch, there’s no secret project waiting in the wings. As he put it,

Me and the guys who write that show and other actors involved, we’re all open to communicating. But something isn’t coming tomorrow. I don’t have that secret yet. Maybe we do a few other things. And Cobra Kai never dies. Karate Kid lives forever.

Following the conclusion of Cobra Kai, speculation about possible spin-offs was rife. However, after the release of Karate Kid: Legends, the conversation seemed to quieten. So, what’s behind the pause, and which new directions are the creators actually considering?

Why the Franchise Might Need a Breather

Macchio’s recent remarks suggest a rare bit of self-reflection from a franchise that’s been running for decades. He’s not shying away from the fact that Karate Kid: Legends didn’t quite hit the mark, hinting that perhaps the timing of the film and the series was a bit too close for comfort.

Between the series and the movie with Jackie Chan, all that colliding at the same time, I just think there needs to be a reset. And then finding the perfect way to launch, because the fan base — it’s never gone away. It hasn’t gone away since 1984. But you want to service and be organic, and be true to the integrity of the characters. So that’s always a challenge once you are on the long game.

He’s not dashing hopes entirely, though. There have been conversations about what might come next for the saga, but the sense is that any new chapter will need to be carefully considered, rather than rushed out to capitalise on nostalgia.

Spin-Offs and New Stories: What’s on the Table?

The show’s creators—Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg—have openly discussed the possibility of spin-offs. One idea that’s gained traction involves Hawk and Demetri, the so-called Binary Bros, heading off to Caltech. Their journey through Cobra Kai was one of the more satisfying arcs, and there’s a sense that their story could stand on its own.

For those keeping track, Cobra Kai ran for six series and 65 episodes, with a cast including Macchio, William Zabka, Mary Mouser, Xolo Maridueña, Martin Kove, Peyton List, and Jacob Bertrand. The show’s reception was nothing short of impressive, with an 8.4 rating on IMDb and a strong showing on Rotten Tomatoes.

Macchio’s Pick: A Mr Miyagi Origin Tale?

Macchio himself has expressed interest in exploring Mr Miyagi’s backstory—a prospect that would no doubt appeal to long-time devotees. The idea of delving into the origins of such a beloved character is certainly tempting, especially for those who’ve followed the franchise since its earliest days.

With Cobra Kai now available to stream on Netflix in the UK, the question remains: which direction should the next chapter take? Whether it’s the Binary Bros, a Miyagi-centred prequel, or something entirely unexpected, the door remains open—just not tomorrow.