How Cobra Kai Season 6, Part 3 Sets Up Karate Kid: Legends

Warning! This article contains major spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6, part 3.

Karate Kid: Legends will be the next installment in the franchise after Cobra Kai, making it hard not to wonder if Cobra Kai season 6’s ending sets it up. All the movies in the Karate Kid franchise, so far, have had well-rounded stories that did not necessarily set the stage for follow-ups. Despite this, the first Karate Kid movie was followed up with two direct sequels and one spin-off/reboot featuring Mr. Miyagi and his new student, Julie. Over a decade after the fourth Karate Kid film, the 2010 reboot attempted to reignite interest in the franchise by following its own standalone story.

Although the reboot failed to pave the way for new installments, Cobra Kai achieved what it could not by not only creatively expanding the original Karate Kid movies’ lore but also adding new young characters to the mix. Since neither of these new additions to the Karate Kid franchise was pre-planned, Karate Kid: Legends could also exist without Cobra Kai setting up its story. However, since Cobra Kai has been so integral to the franchise’s recent success, its narrative setups could immensely benefit Karate Kid: Legends.

Cobra Kai Season 6’s Ending Does Not Directly Set Up Karate Kid: Legends

Cobra Kai Season 6 Closes On A Conclusive Note

Cobra Kai season 6 does not end with a cliffhanger or story setup for Karate Kid: Legends. Instead, it brings a full circle to its overarching storyline by focusing on giving Johnny Lawrence the redemption he deserves. As the show’s title and early seasons suggested, it was always supposed to be about Johnny’s path toward forgiving himself for his All-Valley loss and overcoming his traumatic relationship with John Kreese. In Cobra Kai season 6’s final arc, he achieves just that while also landing the opportunity to continue his karate journey as a sensei.

By focusing less on Daniel LaRusso and emphasizing Johnny Lawrence’s journey from rock bottom to self-acceptance and recovery, Cobra Kai avoids directly paving the way for Karate Kid: Legends. Given how Cobra Kai characters, like Robby, Tory, Devon, Kenny, and Anthony, still have a long road ahead of them in the world of combat sports, the show could have potential follow-ups. However, since none of these characters will appear in the upcoming Karate Kid movie, their stories remain contained in the series’ world.

Karate Kid: Legends Is A Separate Project From Cobra Kai

Daniel LaRusso & Mr. Miyagi Are The Only Connective Threads Between Cobra Kai & Karate Kid: Legends

One of Cobra Kai‘s creators, Josh Heald, has previously explained (via THR) that even though Cobra Kai and Karate Kid: Legends are set in the same universe, “it’s a big universe with lots of different planets.” Showrunner Jon Hurwitz also revealed that the “movie takes place after the events of Cobra Kai,” which is why they told Karate Kid: Legends‘ director, Jonathan Entwistle, where the show was going to end to ensure he had the “headspace” to follow it up.

These behind-the-scenes details confirm the movie’s timeline in the franchise but do not draw any direct connections between the show and the movie. As Karate Kid: Legends story beats and characters suggest, it will follow a standalone narrative and likely avoid referring to Cobra Kai in any capacity. The only major connective thread between Cobra Kai and Karate Kid: Legends will be Daniel LaRusso. At the same time, as the movie’s trailer suggests, Mr. Miyagi’s shadow and profound lessons will also loom over Karate Kid: Legends just like they have over other Karate Kid installments.

Daniel LaRusso’s Fate In Cobra Kai Season 6 Does Set Up Karate Kid: Legends

Cobra Kai Subtly Hints At Daniel LaRusso’s Return

Cobra Kai season 6 initially made Karate Kid: Legends‘ timeline in the overarching franchise even more confusing by suggesting that Daniel LaRusso planned to retire after the Sekai Taikai Tournament. Even in season 6’s final installment, Daniel tells his wife, Amanda, about his plans to hang his boots as a karate kid sensei. However, to his surprise, even though Amanda previously encouraged him to take a step back, she tells him that he will always be a sensei because it has become a solid part of his identity.

Amanda’s reminder to Daniel LaRusso sets the stage for his return in Karate Kid: Legends as a new student’s sensei. It hints that even though Daniel has thought about focusing more on his family and less on sustaining Mr. Miyagi’s legacy by teaching new students, he is not ready to fully let go of the teachings that have shaped his life. Since Mr. Miyagi, too, would have wanted Daniel to find balance instead of completely giving up on karate after his Cobra Kai arc, it makes sense that he will be the guiding force for another aspiring martial artist in Karate Kid: Legends.