Karate Kid: Legends Should Steer Clear of Repetitive Karate Kid Tropes That Even Cobra Kai Struggled With

In contrast to the familiar patterns that have characterized the franchise, Karate Kid: Legends aims to introduce a fresh narrative perspective. This much-anticipated reboot not only sparks excitement but also showcases a compelling cast featuring Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan—two iconic figures uniting to craft a new story within the Karate Kid universe, especially following the conclusion of Cobra Kai in February 2025.

The trailer for Karate Kid: Legends suggests a shift away from the self-aware humor typical of Cobra Kai. Instead, it hints at a more serious and mature storyline. While the film may take place in the same franchise timeline, it appears set to largely detach itself from the overarching narrative of Cobra Kai. However, it’s crucial that Karate Kid: Legends breaks away from some longstanding traditions, particularly concerning its conclusion.

A Departure from the Tournament Tradition

The Overuse of Tournaments in the Franchise

Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso in Cobra Kai, and the Sekai Taikai tournament from Cobra Kai — Image Credit: Ana Nieves

A recurring theme throughout the franchise has been the conclusion of stories with karate tournaments. Whether it’s the original The Karate Kid from 1984, the 2010 remake, or various seasons of Cobra Kai, tournaments serve as dramatic climaxes that encapsulate the protagonists’ martial arts journeys.

Despite this convention, it would be refreshing for Karate Kid: Legends to avoid a tournament-based ending. The film’s initial promotional material indicates a new tonal direction, and steering clear of traditional competition narratives would enhance this fresh approach. Even if segments of the trailer suggest the possibility of a tournament backdrop, it could simply serve as a stage for introducing Ben Wang’s character—marking a significant departure from established patterns within the franchise.

Breaking the Cycle: Rare Exceptions in the Series

Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid Part 2 next to Mr. Miyagi in The Next Karate Kid poster

As previously mentioned, diverging from the tournament formula would serve as a strong differentiator for Karate Kid: Legends. As of 2025, only two films in the Karate Kid franchise—The Karate Kid Part II and The Next Karate Kid—along with three out of six seasons of Cobra Kai, have successfully concluded without a tournament. In The Karate Kid Part II, Daniel engages in a personal battle for honor on Okinawa, whereas The Next Karate Kid culminates with a confrontation at the docks in Boston.

When examining Cobra Kai, the series has primarily utilized fight scenes to conclude its seasons, notably in high schools and dojos, while only a few seasons, such as 1, 4, and 6, resorted to the tournament trope. Thus, Karate Kid: Legends has the opportunity to break away from this predictable convention, offering a unique and revitalizing conclusion to a franchise that has persisted for over four decades.

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