Get ready for some more crane kicks (probably) as the original “Karate Kid” is getting a sequel television series.
Stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka are returning for the 10-episode half-hour series “Cobra Kai,” which is set to debut on YouTube Red in 2018.
The series takes place 30 years after the events of the first “Karate Kid.” Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) is reopening the Cobra Kai dojo in order to help redeem himself. He then reignites his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), who’s been struggling to maintain balance in his life without the help of his mentor Mr. Miyagi (actor Pat Morita died in 2005).
“The minute I heard about this project, I knew we had to have it,”Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content at YouTube, said in a statement. “‘The Karate Kid’ became an instant classic in the 1980s, and still resonates with audiences around the world and on YouTube today.”
“Cobra Kai” is written and executive produced by Josh Heald (“Hot Tub Time Machine”), John Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg (“Harold & Kumar”).
“Like everyone who grew up in the 1980s, the three of us are enormous fans of ‘The Karate Kid,’” said Heald, Hurwitz, and Schlossberg. “‘Cobra Kai will be a true continuation of the original films – packed with comedy, heart, and thrilling fight scenes. We can’t wait to reignite the LaRusso-Lawrence rivalry.”
Fans of the original film will remember that Daniel was able to defeat Johnny — who was a member of the sometimes unethical Cobra Kai dojo — in a tournament. “Karate Kid” was followed by three sequels, two of which involved building the relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. One saw the return of the Cobra Kai leader, John Kreese, who was out for revenge after the original film’s tournament.
Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan starred in a reboot in 2010.