New 'Karate Kid' movie unrelated to 'Cobra Kai' series slated for 2024 release
A new Karate Kid movie is set to debut in 2024 following the success of the Cobra Kai series, which is currently at the top of Netflix's list of original series.
According to a report from Variety, Sony Columbia Pictures has announced that a brand new movie in the hit franchise is coming on June 7, 2024, following the success of the Netflix series.
Sony Pictures has announced it will release a new #KarateKid movie on June 7, 2024.https://t.co/3exixW6EwX pic.twitter.com/rDUdHxnT4S
— Variety (@Variety) September 16, 2022
The martial arts series reboot of 1984's Karate Kid movie, which features original stars Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence, recently premiered its fifth season and is currently ranked first among the Global Top 10 Netflix English TV shows. Cobra Kai is in the top 10 in TV in 83 countries on Netflix, including the Philippines.
Fans questioned Cobra Kai creator Jon Hurwitz about the news on Twitter, and he responded that the film has no relation to the series and will not be featuring its cast.
The guys and I would love to make Karate Kid and Cobra Kai movies and hope to someday. But this one isn't from us or focused on the Cobra Kai cast. Don't know much about it, but wish it well. #KarateKid #CobraKai https://t.co/pd2aYYAF0A
— Jon Hurwitz (@jonhurwitz) September 17, 2022
As of this writing, not much information is available regarding the new project's directors, cast, or plot details yet, but the movie's release date has already been set for June 7, 2024.
There are rumors, though, that the movie will have a completely different plot while still emphasizing Kung Fu.
Murphy's Multiverse reported that the film would tell the story of Li, a young man who was small but tenacious and bright and who overcame his past challenges when he met Mia, a student at his school. Li eventually started learning Kung Fu with his father, Victor, despite his mother's opposition to violence and combat.
The Karate Kid film franchise started in 1984 with a teenager (played by Ralph Macchio) being taught karate by Mr. Miyagi (played by Pat Morita). The Karate Kid Part II and Part III were released in 1986 and 1989, respectively, and featured the same cast. The Next Karate Kid, the fourth film in the series starring Hillary Swank, was released in 1994.
The fifth movie remake, starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, was released in 2010.
The news of a brand-new Karate Kid movie was teased when Sony Pictures TV renewed its agreement with the Cobra Kai creators in December 2021.
Season 5 of Cobra Kai is currently streaming on Netflix.
