New Karate Kid Movie Timeline Gives Away A Major Part Of Daniel’s Cobra Kai Ending

Even though Cobra Kai has not officially ended yet, when Karate Kid: Legends takes place spoils a major character’s ending. Ralph Maccio’s Daniel LaRusso is one of the most popular characters in the Karate Kid franchise. Audiences have quite literally watched Maccio grow up in the Karate Kid franchise. He first starred as the underdog Daniel LaRusso in the original 1984 film, and appeared in its two sequels. Therefore, Maccio has appeared in three out of the five Karate Kid movies, and is also set to star in the upcoming film Karate Kid: Legends.

Ralph Maccio’s Daniel LaRusso has been a prominent character in the spinoff series Cobra Kai for years, but Karate Kid: Legends will mark the first time he’s appeared in a movie in the franchise since 1989’s The Karate Kid Part III. Jackie Chan is also part of Karate Kid: Legends’ cast, reprising his role of Mr. Han from 2010’s The Karate Kid. The story of Karate Kid: Legends will not be connected to Cobra Kai, but it is set in the same continuity and will take place several years after Cobrai Kai’s finale.

The New Karate Kid Movie Taking Place 3 Years After Cobra Kai Proves Daniel Will Never Move On From Karate

Daniel’s Story In Cobra Kai Will End Soon

Ralph Maccio recently revealed that Karate Kid: Legends will take place three years after the ending of Cobra Kai. Cobra Kai season 6, part 3 premieres on Netflix in February 2025, so fans do not yet know how the show concludes. However, the timeline of Karate Kid: Legends confirms that Daniel will never move on from karate. Three years is also quite a long time, so it will be interesting to see how Daniel changes between the ending of Cobra Kai and Karate Kid: Legends.

While not many details about Karate Kid: Legends are currently known, its story will follow a brand-new character named Li Fong, who moves to the East Coast and starts studying karate. In the film, Li Fong will almost certainly be taught by Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han. It will be exciting to see Daniel and Mr. Han onscreen together in Karate Kid: Legends, since they previously appeared in different eras of the franchise.

Daniel Moving On From Karate Could Have Worked As A Cobra Kai Ending

Daniel Will Continue To Teach Karate Beyond Conra Kai

Karate Kid: Legends’ timeline all but confirms that karate will remain a vital part of Daniel’s life after Cobra Kai, but him leaving karate behind could have been a really intriguing ending for the series. In the original Karate Kid films, Daniel was always a student, but Cobra Kai showcases his skills as a teacher. As the hero of the original Karate Kid movies, it is great to see Daniel pass on his expertise to a new generation of students.

However, Daniel has struggled with balancing his commitment to karate and his adult responsibilities. While he started learning karate to defend himself in the first Karate Kid movie, Daniel has arguably moved beyond a need for karate, and has a family of his own now. Therefore, it could’ve been a very intriguing storyline if Daniel, the original protagonist in the franchise, decided to move on from karate. This also would ensure the ending of Cobra Kai has a feeling of finality to it. However, based on what is known about Karate Kid: Legends, this doesn’t seem to be the case.

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  Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.

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  Karate Kid: Legends (2025) is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.