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Cobra Kai Creators Discuss the Finale, Johnny’s Journey, and What’s Next for the Franchise
The creative minds behind Cobra Kai—Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald—recently shared insights on the show’s finale, reflecting on key character arcs, surprises, and the future of the Karate Kid universe. The long-running sequel series concluded after six successful seasons, wrapping up the journeys of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso while leaving some possibilities open for the franchise’s future.
Bringing Johnny’s Story Full Circle
From the very beginning, Cobra Kai positioned Johnny Lawrence as its central figure. His redemption journey, which spanned the entire series, was always intended to culminate in him reclaiming Cobra Kai in a new, positive way. The creators ensured this development felt organic, allowing William Zabka the flexibility to evolve Johnny’s character naturally.
“We always knew Johnny’s story couldn’t end without him reclaiming Cobra Kai in his own way,” said Schlossberg. Johnny’s evolution wasn’t just about karate—it was about breaking free from his past and forging a better future. Fans were rewarded with a powerful conclusion as Johnny and Daniel trained side by side, symbolizing their long-awaited alliance.
The Seikai-Teikai Tournament and Key Moments
A major highlight of season six was the Seikai-Teikai Tournament, an international competition that put Johnny and Daniel to the test as mentors. A pivotal twist in the story saw Johnny and Miguel finding a loophole to rejoin Cobra Kai, leading to some memorable fight sequences, including Miguel and Tory’s standout victories.
Perhaps one of the most emotional scenes in the finale was Johnny’s final interaction with his former mentor, John Kreese. Their confrontation allowed Johnny to acknowledge Kreese’s influence while ultimately moving beyond his shadow.
The Fate of Kreese and Silver
Fans were left questioning the fates of John Kreese and Terry Silver after their climactic battle aboard a yacht ended in an explosion. While the moment suggested their demise, the showrunners intentionally left things ambiguous.
“Explosions don’t always mean someone is gone forever,” Hurwitz teased, suggesting that Kreese or Silver could return under the right circumstances. A deleted scene that hinted at Silver’s possible survival was ultimately cut, keeping the ending open-ended.
Why Hilary Swank Didn’t Return
With so many past Karate Kid characters making a comeback, many fans speculated that Hilary Swank’s character, Julie Pierce, might appear in the final season. The creators confirmed that they explored the possibility but were unable to make it happen due to scheduling conflicts.
“It was something we wanted to make happen, but it was important for us that the story remained strong even without her,” said Heald. A similar situation occurred with Elizabeth Shue’s return as Ali earlier in the series when her availability determined how much her character could be involved.
A Nostalgic and Meaningful Ending
The final scene of Cobra Kai provided a perfect nostalgic touch, with Daniel successfully catching a fly with chopsticks while having lunch with Johnny. This callback to The Karate Kid reassured fans that despite years of rivalry, their camaraderie had solidified.
“We wanted the last moment to reflect the heart of the show,” Schlossberg shared. “It’s about second chances, growth, and keeping that nostalgic spirit alive.”
Future of the Karate Kid Universe
Although Cobra Kai has concluded, its creators have not closed the door on future possibilities. There is interest in further exploring Mr. Miyagi’s backstory, particularly his connection to the Seikai-Teikai tournament.
A new Karate Kid movie featuring Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot is also in development. However, the Cobra Kai team has clarified that this project exists separately from their continuity. While open to expanding the franchise, the creators want to ensure that any extensions feel meaningful rather than forced.
A Satisfying Conclusion with Room for More
The conclusion of Cobra Kai successfully wrapped up six seasons of storytelling, delivering emotional moments, nostalgic callbacks, and compelling character growth. Johnny and Daniel’s journeys reached a satisfying endpoint, but the show left enough intrigue regarding Kreese and Silver to keep fans guessing.
As Schlossberg put it best: “Never say never in this world. The legacy of Miyagi and these characters will always have a place in our hearts.”
