One of the most interesting upcoming movies isKarate Kid: Legends, a film that not only continues thelong-runningKarate Kidfranchise, but melds the original films with the 2010 reboot movie.Legends' cast is headlined by Ralph Macchio, star of the originalKarate Kidfilms, and Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han in the reboot. This sequel is exciting because it blends the original films, the reboot, and theimmensely popularCobra Kai, but there is one character who has gained significant importance in the franchise since its resurgence, who is notably absent from the film.
That character is Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zapka, who was the antagonist of the original 1984 classic, and one of thestar cast members ofCobra Kai. While his original role is as more of a one-note bully,Johnny’s growth shown inCobra Kaihas made him one of the most beloved charactersin the entireKarate Kidfranchise. His absence from thecast and story ofKarate Kid:Legendsso far has been unexpected, but there are plenty of reasons as to why this may be the case.
William Zapka Is Not Confirmed To Return As Johnny Lawrence In Kacrate Kid: Legends
The Classic Actor Hasn’t Been Cast In Any Role Yet
The initialcasting announcements forKarate Kid: Legendstook place during 2023, revealing Macchio and Chan, before the rest of the cast was revealed over the course of 2024, including Ming-Na Wen, Joshua Jackson, and Sadie Stanley in supporting roles, and Ben Wang of the Disney Plus showAmerican Born Chinesestarring as the titular karate kid. However,William Zabka hasn’t been cast in the movie, meaning that he isn’t going to be a major player when it comes toLegends,though he may show up in a much smaller, more cameo-style role.
While there may be reasons thatLegendsis going to focus on Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Wan, Johnny Lawrence’s absence from the film will be felt.
Zapka’s reintroduction ofJohnny Lawrence inCobra Kai, which started in 2018 and ended with the final part of season 6 in 2025, transformed the character from a simple villain in the original film to an absolute fan favorite character, andhis growth throughout the series has been one of the best character arcs within the entireKarate Kidfranchise. While there may be reasons thatLegendsis going to focus on Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Wan, Johnny Lawrence’s absence from the film will be felt.
Karate Kid: Legends' Story Explains Why Daniel LaRusso Is Back But Johnny Isn’t
The Film’s Story Will Revolve Around Daniel More Than Johnny
While Johnny not being inLegendsis a disappointment for sure, there is an explanation for his lack of appearance, and it’s primarily due to the central plot in the new sequel.Karate Kid: Legendsis going to tell astory that is centered around Mr. Miyagi as one of the primary driving forces, and the central characters' relationships with him. Daniel LaRusso’s relationship with Miyagi was obvious, as he was Daniel’s mentor throughout the first three movies, and the upcomingKarate Kid: Legendswill explore the relationship Mr. Han had with Miyagi.
Why Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han Goes To Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso In Karate Kid: Legends
Karate Kid: Legends’ trailer shows Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han meeting Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso, begging the question of how they are connected.
That is very notable, because while Mr. Miyagi and Lawrence did interact a few times, it was mostly as enemies, and even thoughCobra Kaigave Johnny a connection with Miyagithrough his work in Miyagi-Do, he never had the same relationship as Daniel. Sincethe main connecting tissue between Mr. Han and Daniel is their history with Mr. Miyagi, having Johnny tag along with Daniel, even if he would probably be a very entertaining addition to the film, would distract from the central team.
Cobra Kai’s Series Ending Can Better Explain Why Johnny Isn’t In Karate Kid: Legends
Johnny’s Character Will Probably Have Some Sort Of Conclusion
At the time of this article, thefinal part of season 6 ofCobra Kaihasn’t been released yet, but it will likely provide some sort of explanation as to why Johnny won’t be joining Daniel for the nextKarate Kidouting. There are plenty of directions for Johnny to go after the series, be it retiring from karate, becoming a full-time Miyagi-Do Sensei, or even starting another new dojo after the threat of Cobra Kai has been dealt with,Johnny’s character will definitely get some sort of conclusion to his story.
Cobra Kaiseason 6 part 3 is set to be released sometime in 2025.
Mr. Miyagi’s past has been a central element ofCobra Kaiseason 6, and it is likely that the threads in the show will lead directly into the upcoming film. So, while Daniel’s journey is taking him towards learning more about Mr. Miyagi, and from theKarate Kid:Legendstrailers, it seems like Mr. Han may have some of the answers for him, Johnny will likely be content to stay home and take care of the kids, as well as his newfound family, especially considering that Carmen will likely give birth to their child at the end of the series.
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.
