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“He Would’ve Been First In Line”: Ralph Macchio Reflects On How Cobra Kai Honored Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi & Imagines His Reaction To Today’s Franchise
Cobra Kaistar Xolo Maridueña, who plays Miguel Diaz in the hit Netflix show, has given his views on how the final episodes will close out the show in the right way. Beginning as a spinoff ofThe Karate Kidmovies, the show debuted on YouTube Red in 2018, and reexamined the narrative ofThe Karate Kidas told from Johnny Lawrence’s POV, exploring his fractious relationship with long-time rival Daniel LaRusso. The show was picked up by Netflix for season 3, and the final part of the sixth and final season is set to air February 13.
In an interview withScreen Rant’s Tessa Smith at the Saturn Awards, Maridueña gave his views on the upcoming conclusion to the show, how the final episodes have a conclusive tone to them, and was also full of praise for his co-stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka (who play Daniel and Johnny, respectively). He went on to talk about how the last day on set was emotional, as well as revealing how proud he was of the show. Check out Maridueña’s full comments below:
I can tease that we worked the hardest on them. This has been a seven-year journey for myself, and a journey since ‘84 for Ralph and Billy, so, they were putting in the work like. The tone felt very final, and for those reasons, we had over a year to film this last season, so we’re ready to have it be out now. I don’t know what the heck it’s gonna feel like internally, because then, once the episodes are out, then who knows if they’re gonna show up at Thanksgiving. So, we’ll see.
But I can tell you that I’m so proud of it, and everyone else that’s supported our show, as well. Yeah, of course, the last day on set [was emotional]. I was so grateful that this year, actually, both Ralph and Billy got an opportunity to direct, and getting them behind the camera, getting them in the position of riding the bull and directing where the ship is going was really just so fantastic. And they fit perfectly, so I’m hoping after the show comes out, we get to see whatever else they’ll do, and support them wherever they go.
What Maridueña’s Comments Mean For Cobra Kai’s Conclusion
A Satisfactory & Fitting Conclusion Seems Likely From The Actor’s Comments
Cobra Kaihas received acclaim for how it has managed to thrive as its own show, while also paying homage to the legacy ofThe Karate Kidin the process. A big part of this is down to the writing, which has managed to sprawl and explore many different genres over the show’s run, while also keeping it tonally grounded. Maridueña’s comments suggestCobra Kaiseason 6 part 3manages to keep up this trend, delivering a conclusion that fits the overall scope of the show.
Judging by the name of the show, and Johnny’s backstory, it feels like Cobra Kai needs to achieve a redemption arc and be the dojo that comes out on top.
With the final five episodes set to air, viewers will be hoping they can close out the series in a way that feels definitive and continues to enhance the overarching franchise. The fact that both Macchio and Zabka are set to be behind the camera for an episode each should also help maintain tone and continuity, as they are the two stars who have been in the franchise from the start. The hope will be that the characters get the arcs they deserve, and that the show concludes in a way that is definitive, and, as Maridueña states, feels final.
Our Verdict On How Cobra Kai Will Conclude
There Are Several Major Plot Threads That Need To Be Tied Up
The conclusion is drawing nearer, and there are severalCobrai Kaiseason 6 part 3 theoriesthat may come to pass as the series heads for its denouement. Judging by the name of the show, and Johnny’s backstory, it feels like Cobra Kai needs to achieve a redemption arc and be the dojo that comes out on top. There’s also the fate of the Sekai Taikai tournament, the overarching threat of Terry Silver, fallout from Quan’s death, and Tori and Kreese’s possible redemption arcs to cover. There is a lot to cram in, and the hope will be thatCobra Kaican wrap things up in the best possible way.
The franchise will continue with the upcoming movieKarate Kid: Legends, which will star Macchio, and is set three years after the events ofCobra Kai.
Cobra Kai
Cast
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.
