Daniel LaRusso was the original star ofThe Karate Kidin 1984, and now, more than four decades later, Ralph Macchio returns to claim the spotlight in the franchise withKarate Kid: Legends.The Karate Kidwas an incredibly influential and popular hit film upon its release. While Macchio was largely unknown before its release, he became a household name, and went on to lead in several sequel movies in the franchise.
However, the popularity of the series tapered out, and the third entry in particular saw a massive drop in the box office from both previous films (viaThe Numbers). Then, the reboot in 2010 sparked interest in the franchise once again, but the film did not feature any of the original cast.Cobra Kaibecame the closest thing to a sequelupon its release in 2018, but the series did not maintain focus on the original star, Daniel LaRusso.
Daniel LaRusso Will Once Again Be The Real Protagonist In Karate Kid: Legends
Daniel LaRusso Is The Original Champion
In terms of a feature film, Macchio has not led aKarate Kidmovie in over 35 years. And while he had a prominent leading role inCobra Kai, the series shifted the focus off the former star in order to highlight a different story. This means thatKarate Kid: Legendswillfinally put LaRusso back in the hot seat as the lead, alongside Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan, who starred in the 2010 reboot. On top of the focus on these leads, the movie will also bring the largerKarate Kiduniverse into a clearer united focus.
Karate Kid: Legends' Missing Cobra Kai Characters Make Me Very Worried About My Favorite Couple From The Show
Karate Kid: Legends seems to be keeping itself separated from Cobra Kai, but I’d be disappointed not to learn about the future of my favorite couple.
However, it’s hard to imagine that the film will not provide LaRusso with the adequate time and space to continue his story, and pay homage to the 1980s hit films. He will still be sharing the spotlight, and there is abrand-new Karate Kid whose legacy is only just beginning, but withhow pivotal LaRusso is to the entire series, the movie will need to properly acknowledge his presence and role.
Daniel LaRusso Served Johnny Lawrence’s Story In Cobra Kai (And That’s Fine)
Johnny Lawrence Is The Real Protagonist In Cobra Kai
When looking atCobra Kai, it’s true that Macchio has a starring role. But the series was never about him. The name of the series gives this away by highlighting the rival dojo that Daniel fought in the original movies. And as much as it builds on LaRusso’s legacy, and highlights how things in his life have worked out for the best, the focus has clearly shifted to make the series a show thatfocuses on the life and experiences of his former rival, Johnny Lawrence.
Lawrence was the original bully in the 1984 movie, and a previous All-Valley Champion. However, under thetutelage of John Kreese, Lawrence played hard and fast with the rules.Cobra Kaishows the strugglesLawrence faces living with regrettable decisions, and gives Johnny a shot at redemption. In this way, it was never LaRusso’s story. He was just a piece of the puzzle to healing Lawrence and helping him move beyond some of the worst things he ever did.
Cobra Kai Did Give Daniel LaRusso Some Great Character Development Eventually
The Story From Cobra Kai Should Not Be Ignored
Of course,Cobra Kaidid ensure that Daniel’s story was not ignored. Throughout, Daniel became a sensei, continuing the legacy of his greatest teacher and friend, Mr. Miyagi. With Miyagi-Do, LaRusso found his passion, and the result meant more than money or reviving an old rivalry; it became his life. Beyond this, LaRusso even uncovered some secrets about his old friend, while also coming face to face with old rivals, and even making friends out of former enemies. All of thisadds to the story ofCobra Kai, and gives LaRusso a meaningful story.
All 17 Fights Between Karate Kid Characters In Cobra Kai, Ranked
Many of Cobra Kai’s best fights were those between original Karate Kid characters. However, some of these matches rank far better than others.
It makes perfect sense forKarate Kid: Legendsto incorporate some elements ofCobra Kai, and acknowledge the events as they occur. If not, it will feel as though none of the series mattered, and the show is essentially written out of canon for the sake of a new movie. But seeing LaRusso as the man he became at the end ofCobra Kaiwill be infinitely more interesting than seeing a strange man who hasn’t been heard from since 1989sThe Karate Kid Part III.Karate Kid: Legendsis exciting because it finally puts thefocus back on Daniel LaRusso, but it should also build on the strong foundation of stories that has been set up since the original trilogy wrapped up.
