TheKarate Kidstar Ralph Macchio recently shared his approach to reprising the role of Daniel LaRusso alongside Jackie Chan in the upcomingKarate Kid: Legends. Macchio’s character, Daniel LaRusso—a scrappy teen learning about martial arts and life from his wise mentor, Mr. Miyagi—quickly became an icon in the 1980sKarate Kidtrilogy. Macchio has continued to evolve Daniel’s character in the award-winning comedy seriesCobra Kai, which follows the complex relationship between Daniel and his former rival, Johnny Lawrence. TheupcomingKarate Kid: Legends, will be released on July 10, 2025.
In an exclusive interview withScreen Rant,Macchio explains his dedication to Daniel’s character arc, describing how he remains committed to portraying Daniel’s journey truthfully.Cobra Kaiallowed Macchio to delve further into Daniel’s growth, particularly through honoring Mr. Miyagi’s legacy, a theme Macchio says will carry forward into Sony’sKarate Kid: Legends. Here’s what he had to say:
Well, I can’t go into detail on it at this point, but one of the things of the choices I’ve made from back in 1983 was always to play the truth of Daniel LaRusso, and the honesty, even with all his flaws. He’s a good-hearted kid back in the day that was overcoming obstacles, and had this wonderful mentor in Mr. Miyagi that has become so much a part of his life. And through Cobra Kai, continuing to play that truth, and even in the storyline in Cobra Kai of unearthing who Miyagi might have been, and coming to grips with when we get to part 3 of how it resolves, and playing that in all honesty.
So, in the movie, it’s the same throughline for me. It’s wanting to pay it forward, wanting to honor the legacy, wanting to do all the things that Miyagi-do and that his life, to this point, has brought him, and that is to try to help anyone find their balance and move forward. So, therein lies some of the truth that I bring into that chapter of the franchise. It’s the best I could do without giving you story points, because I’d be in trouble at this point right now, when launching part 2 of Cobra Kai. But it’s about playing truth, and that’s important to me, and I think will pay off in dividends.
What Macchio’s Comments Mean For The Karate Kid Franchise
His Insights Tell Us More About The Next Chapter Of The Karate Kid
Macchio’s comments suggest the upcoming film will be an opportunity to highlight Daniel—who isn’t the focus inCobra Kai—as a character who represents the franchise’s themes of mentorship, legacy, and personal growth throughout high-tension tournaments. By continuing to portray Daniel with a sense of sincerity and grounded humanity,Macchio honors Mr. Miyagi’s impact on Daniel’s lifeand appeals to the core ofTheKarate Kid’s narrative.
All 13 Tournaments In Karate Kid & Cobra Kai (& Who Won)
Here is a timeline of all the karate tournaments from the Karate Kid franchise that have been the source & drivers of many overarching conflicts.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the movie will center on a Chinese teenager who studies martial arts under a stern yet empathetic mentor. Presumably, Chan’s Mr. Han and Macchio’s LaRusso will be working together, but it’s unclear how the film will connect to the original franchise.
Nonetheless,Macchio’s comments hint thatKarate Kid: Legendswill continue to focus on the core values that Mr. Miyagi instilled in Daniel.This commitment to “playing the truth” echoes Macchio’s respect for the character and his understanding that audiences relate to Daniel because of his honest and earnest approach to life’s obstacles. By returning to these values, Macchio ensures thatKarate Kid: Legendswill remain true to the franchise’s spirit.
Our Take On Macchio’s Reprising Daniel LaRusso
Macchio As Daniel Keeps The Karate Kid Spirit Alive
Ralph Macchio’s steadfast dedication toDaniel LaRusso’s characteris one of the reasonsThe Karate Kidfranchise has resonated for nearly four decades. Through Macchio’s portrayal, Daniel remains a character grounded in truth and humility, which continues to attract both longtime and new audiences alike. Macchio’s approach toKarate Kid: Legendsshows a commitment to preserving the franchise’s legacy while allowing Daniel to evolve in meaningful ways, bridging the timeless lessons of Miyagi with new obstacles and characters to come.
Karate Kid: Legends
Cast
Karate Kid: Legends 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.
