COBRA KAI Writers Have Had Discussions About Involving Hilary Swank's Character From THE NEXT KARATE KID
The Karate Kid revival series Cobra Kai has become a giant sensation, first airing on YouTube, and recently making the move to Netflix. The show has had several throwbacks for fans of the original films to enjoy, and has an incredible story supported by the cast, new and old, for newcomers and old fans alike. Season 2 saw the return of many of Johnny’s friends from the first film, as well as original Cobra Kai sensei John Kreese. Recent reports and trailers we’ve gotten to watch confirm that Season 3 will see The Karate Kid Part II characters Chozen and Kumiko, and fans are holding out hope that we will see The Karate Kid character Ali (Elisabeth Shue) return as well.
But as all the discussions have happened around who from the franchise will return to the series, the topic of The Next Karate Kid star, Oscar-winner Hilary Swank, hasn’t really been addressed, until now. Our friend Mick over at Cinema Blend was able to have a chat with the creators of Cobra Kai, and he jumped right in and asked about the possibility of Swank’s character Julie Pierce joining the show in the future. Writer Jon Hurwitz responded:
In our writers’ room we speak about literally every character that has appeared in the Miyagi-verse, so it’s obvious that we’ve spoken about Julie Pierce. As to whether or not she’ll return to the series, that’s something you’ll just have to wait to find out.
The best part about the series is that the writers are huge fans of the franchise, and they are constantly surprising fans with throwbacks and the story they would want to see as fans. Hurwitz went on to add:
We always say that our show takes place in the Miyagi-verse...in our minds, any story in which Mr. Miyagi was a character, with Pat Morita playing Mr. Miyagi I should say, is canon to our world. The Next Karate Kid is a part of our universe. We believe that the events of that movie happened...In terms of that movie, it has its pluses and minuses. One of the things that’s really special about it is it's very early work for Hilary Swank and she’s gone on to be one of the great actors in Hollywood. Her performance is great in that movie and her chemistry with Pat Morita is fantastic.
I know some fans don’t care about that film and don’t consider it as part of the Karate Kid universe, as Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) wasn’t involved in the story. However, the stars and writers of the show are always echoing the sentiment that Mr. Miyagi is the heart of the series, and Julie Pierce was a part of his story. I wouldn’t be mad at her making her way into the story in some way, if it made sense to the series. I don’t think it’s necessary, really, but I trust the writers to do what’s best, as the show has been so good up to this point.
Cobra Kai Season 3 is set to hit Netflix on January 8th. Would you want to see Hilary Swank reprise her role from The Next Karate Kid in Cobra Kai?