Key Points:
- Martin Kove confirms his absence from Karate Kid: Legends.
- Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan will star in the crossover movie.
- Cobra Kai Season 6 part 2 will conclude key storylines.
- The franchise may continue with spinoffs and new expansions.
As Cobra Kai approaches its conclusion with Season 6, Martin Kove has revealed he will not be reprising his role as John Kreese in the upcoming movie, Karate Kid: Legends. With Ralph Macchio returning as Daniel LaRusso alongside Jackie Chan, the film marks the franchise’s first theatrical installment since the 2010 reboot and will explore a new storyline post-Cobra Kai Season 6.
Why Martin Kove Exits Karate Kid: Legends?
Martin Kove, known for his portrayal of the iconic antagonist John Kreese, disclosed his absence from the movie during an interview with Kyle Meredith. Kove humorously noted that his exclusion means the filmmakers are “inviting trouble.” He added that neither he nor many other longtime cast members were included in the project.
“Well, that was a choice. Robert Kamen didn’t write the script, he wrote all three and wrote brilliance. … On this picture, I don’t know. It’s kept under wraps pretty well. I haven’t talked to Ralph about it; I will… Ralph went off for about 10 days, did it, and that was it. None of us were invited to come and play. When they don’t invite me, it’s okay, because I know why: They’re inviting trouble.,” said Kove.
Kove’s absence aligns with the direction Cobra Kai has taken. Over six seasons, Kreese’s arc has remained closely tied to William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence and Thomas Ian Griffith’s Terry Silver. With Karate Kid: Legends reportedly focusing on LaRusso’s journey and a new protagonist, Li Fong, Kreese’s storyline appears to have reached its conclusion.
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What Karate Kid: Legends Means for the Franchise
Karate Kid: Legends serves as a continuation of the Karate Kid saga. The movie unites Ralph Macchio’s LaRusso with Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han, introducing a crossover between the original series and the 2010 reboot. Scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, the film’s plot remains under wraps.
The supporting cast includes Joshua Jackson, Shaunette Renée Wilson, and Ming-Na Wen. This standalone project may allow the franchise to branch out, potentially creating a fresh narrative apart from the Cobra Kai series.
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The Future of Cobra Kai Characters and Stories
While Martin Kove won’t appear in Karate Kid: Legends, the universe could still expand in other ways. Cobra Kai creators have expressed interest in further spinoffs. “We have multiple ideas of the things that we would like to do,” said co-creator Jon Hurwitz.
Jacob Bertrand, who plays Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz, has also shown enthusiasm for future projects. Flashbacks or archival footage could keep legacy characters like Kreese connected to the evolving storyline, even in their absence from new productions.
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Is Karate Kid: Legends Connected to Cobra Kai?
Yes, Karate Kid: Legends is directly connected to Cobra Kai, serving as a continuation of the storyline after the events of Cobra Kai Season 6. Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso remains a central figure, bridging the gap between the Netflix series and the upcoming film.
However, the movie focuses on a new protagonist, Li Fong, and introduces fresh elements to the franchise while retaining ties to its roots. Legacy characters like John Kreese will not appear, signaling a shift toward a standalone narrative within the shared Karate Kid universe.
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With Cobra Kai Season 6 set to wrap up major story arcs and Karate Kid: Legends charting a new course, the franchise is at a pivotal moment. While Martin Kove’s John Kreese will not feature in the upcoming movie, his impact on the series is undeniable.
Source: Kyle Meredith with…
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