Ralph Macchio Says COBRA KAI and KARATE KID: LEGENDS Are All About "Paying the Legacy Forward"
Ralph Macchio has been in some fantastic films over the years, like The Outsiders and My Cousin Vinny, but it seems that he will always be most tied to his role as Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid franchise, and he’s glad to carry on the legacy.
Macchio starred in the first three films that each came out in the ‘80s, then after almost three decades, the series Cobra Kai was released, which reunited the two stars of the film, Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka).
Though Pat Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi in the franchise, passed away in 2005 and was unable to see the success of the series, Macchio and the show’s creators made sure to pay homage to the character in really special ways.
Macchio is about to see the series wrap with the final episodes of Cobra Kai airing at the end of this week, but the Karate Kid legacy continues in the upcoming film Karate Kid: Legends. The actor talked about the franchise’s legacy in a recent interview with GamesRadar, where he said:
"Throughout the Cobra Kai series, there have been those mentor moments, those parenting moments. So paying the legacy forward is kind of part of what Daniel LaRusso does now as an adult and will do in the Karate Kid Legends film when that comes out, the end of May.
“Really excited about that other chapter within the grand universe of sharing stories. But for Cobra Kai, where my focus is now, it was about landing that plane in that, you know, big, winning way and I'm super proud of that."
In the new movie, Daniel once again takes on the role of sensei, this time joining Jackie Chan, who reprises his role from the Jaden Smith-starring Karate Kid reboot, in training the next karate kid (Ben Wang, who was cast via a worldwide talent search).
In a way, Macchio is stepping into the shoes of Mr. Miyagi, who Macchio says would've been immensely proud of Cobra Kai and where the franchise is today.
"I think he would've been first in line with and bought popcorn for everybody. I really do. His character - it's always been super important to me that it was woven into the Cobra Kai series.
That was day one when this was pitched to me. I said, I need that to not be forgotten because without that, none of this exists, meaning that character of Miyagi and that performance by him. So I enjoy honoring those who are no longer with us that helped, create this franchise."
Continues Macchio: "And I feel, I guess I would say a responsibility, but I take pride in making sure, or at least letting my voice be heard, of the importance of that in honor of them. I'd like to believe he'd be proud of me for that part."
Cobra Kai season 6 part 3 hits Netflix on February 13. Karate Kid: Legends hits theaters on May 30.