Logo

Ralph Macchio Brings His ‘Karate Kid’ Character to Series TV

Aug 4, 2017  •  Post A Comment

A new TV series brings the “Karate Kid” franchise to television, with both Ralph Macchio and his adversary William Zabka reprising their signature roles. The half-hour series, “Cobra Kai,” has a 10-episode order from YouTube Red, with plans for the series to bow in 2018.

“Thirty years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), who has been struggling to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of his mentor, Mr. Miyagi,” YouTube says in today’s announcement. “The show is about two men addressing past demons and present frustrations the only way they know how: through karate.”

The project is written and executive produced by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg. Hurwitz and Schlossberg will direct much of the series, with James Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett executive producing for Overbrook Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television Studios.

Said Susanne Daniels, global head of original content for YouTube: “The minute I heard about this project, I knew we had to have it. ‘The Karate Kid’ became an instant classic in the 1980s, and still resonates with audiences around the world and on YouTube today.”

The “Karate Kid” film franchise has reportedly pulled in more than $619 million at the worldwide box office.

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)