The sixth season ofNetflix’sCobra Kaiis currently in production, bringing viewers one step closer to the show’s conclusion, expectedto be released sometime later this year.While the series will pick back up with its regular band of characters,Cobra Kaihas also become known forits nostalgic cameos, bringing in familiar faces fromThe Karate Kidfranchise. One face that has yet to reappear isHilary Swank, who played Julie Pierce inThe Next Karate Kid. However, in a recent interview, Swank suggested that fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a Julie cameo.
During an interview withCollider’s Editor-in-ChiefSteve Weintraubfor her upcoming projectOrdinary Angels, Swank was asked thenewKarate Kidmovieand revealed whether she will be in either the movie orCobra Kai. First, it seems likely Swank won’t appear in the movie, as she appeared to be unaware of it at the time, saying, “Is there a newKarate Kidbeing made? What are they calling it? […] Because I wasThe Next Karate Kid.” On theCobra Kaifront, she also seemingly confirmed that Julie Pierce is one legacy character that won’t make it into the continuation series, although she’s often asked:
“I don’t think I am, unfortunately. I know. It’s, like, the number one question I get right now. Most people usually say, ‘What’s it like working with Clint Eastwood?’ But I think, ‘Are you going to be onCobra Kaihas almost surpassed that?'”
Swank joined theKarate Kidfranchise in 1994 withThe Next Karate Kid, taking on a similar role to that ofRalph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. Swank’sKarate Kidcenters on Julie, a teenager fueled by grief and anger following the death of her parents and dealing with other problems with her grandmother and her peers. Eventually, Julie meets Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), who begins to learn more about Julie and teaches her karate as a way to work through her pain.
What to Expect From ‘The Karate Kid’ Franchise
As mentioned, a newKarate Kidmovie is currently in the works, with Macchio andKarate Kidreboot actorJackie Chanconfirmed to star in the movie. Though most plot details are being held under wraps for now, the upcoming installment will follow aChinese teenager (Ben Wang)who resides on the East Coast and seeks direction through martial arts. Meanwhile,Cobra KaiSeason 6 will pick up following its title dojo’s downfall in Season 5, with Daniel, Johnny (William Zabka), Chozen (Yuji Okumoto), and their students ending Terry Silver’s (Thomas Ian Griffith) reign of terror. Additionally, their dojos gained entry into a worldwide karate tournament called the Sekai Taikai, and Kreese (Martin Kove) escaped prison. Most cast members are expected to return for the final season.
Ordinary Angelspremieres this Friday, February 23, in theaters.Cobra KaiSeasons 1-5 are available now on Netflix, with Season 6 coming soon. Stay tuned for our full interview with Swank.
Thirty-four years after events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso.
Watch on Netflix
