No Jackie Chan in Cobra Kai? Cobra Kai is great, and that’s an understatement! If you have seen it then you know what I am talking about. If not, what are you waiting for? Sure, it is cheesy at times, but so are the films. Mix that aspect with cameos from the original films giving us all the nostalgic feels, a damn fun storyline, and you have a success!
Ever since Season 1, we fans always speculate who will be next to make their appearance. John Kreese comes into the picture as do others: the original Cobra Kai, Chozen, Ali Mills, etc. With Season 4 premiering soon we also see that the much anticipated Terry Silver will make his return! While fans wonder what other cameos we may see (come on Mike Barnes!) there is an individual Ralph Macchio thinks does not make a good fit.
NO Jackie Chan
What also makes Cobra Kai stand out is how close they keep to the original films (the nostalgia is real). Unfortunately, one of the main figures of the franchise is no longer with us: Pat Morita, Mr. Miyagi. With all the fan speculation to other possible returning characters, a Mr. Miyagi-esque individual has been tossed around, Mr. Han. Jackie Chan plays the mentor figure in the Karate Kid remake in 2010. The original Karate Kid himself, Ralph Macchio, gives his explanation on not thinking Chan can appear in Cobra Kai:
“Anyone who knew Mr. Miyagi and interacted with Mr. Miyagi is canon for our show, for the Cobra Kai show.”
Now, I know we are in the age of Spider-Man: No Way Home and Flash where different variations of characters from multi-verses can come together. However, that works for the comics, not here. The Karate Kid remake with Mr. Han and Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) is not canon.
For me, Mr. Miyagi cannot, and should not, be replaced in Cobra Kai. This is nothing against the remake and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han. However, with the following that the original films have, Mr. Miyagi is a legacy. As Macchio alludes to, Mr. Miyagi is a focal point for the series. John Kreese mentions him numerous times. Daniel goes to see his grave and often “speaks” to him. You know Silver will bring him up in a condescending way this coming season.
ALSO SEE: The Cobra Kai Season 4 Official Trailer Is Out Now And It’s Freaking Badass!
The cameos we have seen are all connected to Mr. Miyagi, or experienced him in some way. Bringing in Mr. Han would stray from this and would need some type of explanation. Even if it is just an appearance. The idea would take away from the strong story-telling.
So while we keep speculating for who else could show up, it looks like we will need to keep it canon. Which I am happy with. Speaking of, I am hoping for a Mike Barnes return. The Karate Kid III is always my next favorite to the original. Daniel vs. “Karate’s Bad Boy”. Macchio even goes as far to say that anyone canon is game. Including Julie Pierce. That’s right, Hillary Swank from The Next Karate Kid. While I am not a fan of the film, I say bring her back! (There is already a theory going around about her in the series, which would be pretty awesome!) Bring anyone they can back!
Cobra Kai Season 4 premieres December 31! Are you looking forward to the new season? What other cameos do you want to see? Do you agree with Macchio about keeping the cameos canon? Leave your thoughts in the usual spot, and thanks for reading!
Source: Jakes Takes
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