Ralph Macchio Has an Idea About How the KARATE KID Franchise Can Live on Forever

The Karate Kid came out over forty years ago, and it remains a franchise that fans have loved and returned to ever since. The movie spawned sequels, an in-universe reboot, and the series Cobra Kai, which became a huge hit with both diehard fans and young newcomers alike.

The show ended almost a year ago now, and franchise star Ralph Macchio reprised his role of Daniel LaRusso in this year’s big screen feature, Karate Kid: Legends. The release of these two projects seemed to put a bow on the long-running story, but Macchio has an idea that could allow the franchise to move forward, eventually.

When asked about the future of the Karate Kid franchise, Macchio explained to People:

“There's been discussions. Between the series and the movie with Jackie Chan, all that colliding at the same time, I just think there needs to be a reset. And then finding the perfect way to launch, because the fan base — it's never gone away.

“It hasn't gone away since 1984. But you want to service and be organic, and be true to the integrity of the characters. So that's always a challenge once you are on the long game.”

He notes that there is “nothing set" for future works, however, those involved have "discussions all the time.”

“Me and the guys who write that show and other actors involved, we're all open to communicating. But something isn't coming tomorrow. I don't have that secret yet. Maybe we do a few other things. And Cobra Kai never dies. Karate Kid lives forever.”

I think the franchise has been a ton of fun. I grew up with the movies and I loved every episode of Cobra Kai, but I think it’s all ended so nicely, I can’t really imagine welcoming back a new story set in that universe. Maybe like Macchio said though, one day a total reboot might be fun.