This Cobra Kai Character Not Being Included In The New Karate Kid Movie Makes A Lot More Sense After How Season 6 Ended

Warning: SPOILERS for Cobra Kai season 6, part 3, ahead.Johnny’s character arc in Cobra Kai perfectly explains why he doesn’t need to appear in Karate Kid: Legends. Cobra Kai season 6’s ending says goodbye to an amazing and unique era, which saw the Karate Kid franchise evolve into a new pop culture phenomenon. The iconic TV show starts and ends with Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), now a beloved sensei that fans aren’t likely to ever forget. Being one of Cobra Kai‘s best characters, Johnny’s resolution was long-discussed and nervously awaited, bringing worries about the creators doing right by him.

However, Cobra Kai season 6 part 3’s reviews prove the Netflix show’s last episodes have exceeded expectations. Not only are the fights bigger than ever, but every character’s journey is emotionally and thematically resonant within the overall franchise. Johnny’s antihero arc may be the best one yet, and his epic alliance with Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) takes him one step further. Because of his epic ending, however, it’s clear that Johnny isn’t fit to have a role in Karate Kid: Legends.

Johnny Lawrence Doesn’t Have To Return After His Perfect Cobra Kai Ending

Johnny’s Arc Doesn’t Really Align With The Karate Kid Lore

As Cobra Kai‘s finale brings the show full circle by having Johnny overcome every one of his initial struggles, it makes less sense for him to return for Karate Kid: Legends. The Netflix show started with Zabka’s antihero, as he lived bitterly and angrily since losing the All-Valley tournament against Daniel in 1984’s The Karate Kid, but found purpose in resurrecting Cobra Kai. Six seasons later, Johnny regains his confidence, mends his relationship with his abusive mentor, redeems his dojo’s philosophy, and embraces other karate styles.

Having Johnny in Karate Kid: Legends just doesn’t make thematic sense, since he represents redemption and offense, and the movies tend to explore opposite themes.

Considering Johnny’s character growth and his responsibilities at the end of the show, there doesn’t seem to be a narrative reason for him to join Daniel in Karate Kid: Legends. Additionally, The Karate Kid movies’ lore has always focused on underdogs inspired by Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi, which paves the way for Daniel’s return. Though Johnny’s relationship with Miyagi-Do isn’t bad, he relates more to the Cobra Kai way, which carries Kreese’s (Martin Kove) legacy instead. Having Johnny in Karate Kid: Legends just doesn’t make thematic sense, since he represents redemption and offense, and the movies tend to explore opposite themes.

Where Johnny Lawrence Will Be During Karate Kid: Legends

Their Karate Partnership Suggests Johnny Will Cover For Daniel While He’s Away

The show gives a clear picture of where Johnny will be during Karate Kid: Legends, and it aligns perfectly with his Cobra Kai arc. As both Kreese and Daniel help him realize he did something great and meaningful with his dojo, Johnny returns as a full-time sensei of offense. In a pleasant surprise, Cobra Kai‘s ending sees Johnny and Daniel share students, as they accept that balance is important for success. After Johnny follows Miyagi-Do’s philosophy to win his fight against Sensei Wolf (Lewis Tan), he is ready to encourage his students to learn more than one discipline.

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Assuming their partnership is still in place after three years, Johnny is perfectly set to take over Daniel’s defense lessons when the latter goes to New York in Karate Kid: Legends. Believing “aggression isn’t always the answer,” the Cobra Kai sensei’s approach to karate is flexible enough to allow him to teach Miyagi-Do if it’s needed. However, even if Daniel is not gone for long, Johnny’s focus remains on his family first. Notably, he will likely be busy enjoying time with his wife, his mother-in-law, and his young daughter.

Will William Zabka Ever Play Johnny Lawrence Again?

The Karate Kid Franchise’s Endless Character Possibilities Could Allow Johnny A New Character Arc

Johnny, Chozen and Daniel celebrating in Cobra Kai.

Though Johnny’s perfect arc in Cobra Kai shows a promising future for the character, it also doesn’t easily open possibilities for his return. His victory against Sensei Wolf feels like a fitting goodbye, as Johnny has learned that winning or losing does not equal one’s worth and will teach and parent with that philosophy in mind. Additionally, he has no unfinished business with his mentor, as he is able to confront and forgive Kreese for the pain he caused him for decades.

Karate Kid: Legends will be released on May 30, 2025.

However, if Cobra Kai‘s long run confirms anything, it is that The Karate Kid franchise brings endless possibilities and a committed audience that’s in for unexpected turns. Just like Daniel in the Netflix series, Johnny could get a fresh character arc in any of the spinoffs set up by Cobra Kai. It would certainly be sad if William Zabka never returned, considering how beloved and essential his character has become. Though Karate Kid: Legends may still surprise fans by bringing back specific Cobra Kai fighters, for now, all clues signal Johnny will not appear in future movies.