Warning! This post contains spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6, part 1.
Summary
Cobra Kaiseason 6 has not featured any big cameos, but its subtle reference toThe Next Karate Kidseemingly paves the way forHilary Swank’s appearance in its future installments. After each subsequentKarate Kidmovie sequel gave diminishing returns, the franchise released a reboot titledThe Next Karate Kid, starring Hilary Swank as its lead. Playing Julie Pierce, Hilary Swank portrayed a traumatized young girl in theKarate Kidmovie who, like Daniel LaRusso, found solace and strength through Mr. Miyagi’s profound karate lessons and philosophies.
Despite being the protagonist in one of theKarate Kidmovies, however,Hilary Swank’s Julie Piercehas surprisingly not yet appeared inCobra Kai. Owing to this, many viewers have been anticipating her arrival in the series, hoping she would at least have a cameo in the final season. Interestingly,Cobra Kaiseason 6, part 1 has a subtleThe Next Karate Kidnod that seemingly sets up her cameo.
Cobra Kai Season 6 Cast & Character Guide
Cobra Kai season 6 marks the return of many cast members of previous seasons, many of whom remain its primary leads while others get less screen time.
Cobra Kai Season 6’s The Next Karate Kid Reference Explained
Mr. Miyagi’s Box Of Revelations Reveals A Next Karate Kid Connection
InCobra Kaiseason 6’s part 1, Daniel, Amanda, and Chozen discover a box that once belonged to Mr. Miyagi. When they open the box, they find several little items that reveal a lot about Mr. Miyagi’s past. One of these items is a newspaper clipping about a violent robbery, which cites the perpetrator’s name as “Keisuke Miyagi.” Since both Chozen and Daniel remember Mr. Miyagi’s first name as “Nariyoshi,” they initially assume Keisuke must be his brother. However, they soondiscover a passport in the same box with the name “Keisuke Miyagi” beside Mr. Miyagi’s photo.
Mr. Miyagi’s full name was first revealed inThe Karate Kid Part II, which confirmed it as “Nariyoshi.” However,The Next Karate Kidseemingly retconned this detail by revealing Mr. Miyagi’s first name as “Keisuke.” While this was clearly a discontinuity error inThe Next Karate Kid,Cobra Kaiseason 6 seems to be leveraging it to add some intrigue and mystery to Mr. Miyagi’s past. Since it seems unlikely that the show would mention the alternate Miyagi first names for no reason, it is hard not to wonder ifThe Next Karate Kidreference means something in the Netflix series.
Cobra Kai Season 6’s Next Karate Kid Nod Might Have Set Up Hilary Swank’s Cameo
Daniel Might Run Into Her In His Quest For Answers
The deeper Daniel LaRusso digs intoMr. Miyagi’s secret past inCobra Kai, the more he realizes he hardly knew him. Since onlyThe Next Karate Kidhas previously mentioned his name as Keisuke, it seems likely that Mr. Miyagi adopted a new identity long before the events ofthe reboot film, and Julie Pierce might know something about his assumed identity. Daniel’s search for answers surrounding Mr. Miyagi’s name change could eventually lead him toHilary Swank’s Julie Pierce inCobra Kaiseason 6 since she would possibly have more insights into Mr. Miyagi’s life before Daniel met him in the firstKarate Kidfilm.
Cobra Kai
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.
