With Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han Returning, The Absence of Cobra Kai’s Karate Kid Character Becomes More Noticeable

Jackie Chan’s return as Mr. Han in the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends fuels the trend initiated by Cobra Kai to reintegrate iconic characters from the franchise’s past. This move not only delights fans but also brings attention to the notable absence of other key characters that debuted within this beloved series, particularly those introduced in the 1994 film. Chan’s portrayal of Mr. Han, originally in the 2010 remake of the classic 1984 movie, adds a layer of meta-excitement to the narrative, especially as his absence in Cobra Kai feels increasingly like an oversight.

With the entire Karate Kid franchise now unified under what fans are calling the “Miyagi-verse, ”the typical split between its narratives has dissolved, giving way to a more cohesive saga. The impactful storytelling of Cobra Kai has effectively bridged the timeline, continuously referencing legacy characters and events across the series. Notably, Chan’s 2010 installment presents a unique opportunity for revisitation, especially since there remains one film largely overlooked in this revival effort.

The Next Karate Kid: The Last Film to Consider

Julie Pierce’s Absence in the Franchise

The narrative strength of Cobra Kai allows it to stand alone, where past installments of the franchise become optional viewing. While familiarity with the films enhances the experience, it is not strictly necessary. Through the inclusion of original characters and story arcs, Cobra Kai has paid homage to the trilogy featuring Ralph Macchio, seamlessly weaving former stars back into the story. However, the 1994 film, The Next Karate Kid, which starred Hilary Swank as Julie Pierce, has remained notably absent from the discussion.

Karate Kid Franchise Release Timeline
Movie/TV Show	Year	Rotten Tomatoes Score
The Karate Kid	1984	90%
The Karate Kid Part II	1986	47%
The Karate Kid Part III	1989	15%
The Next Karate Kid[*]	1994	7%
The Karate Kid[*]	2010	66%
Cobra Kai	2018-2025	92%
Karate Kid: Legends	2025	TBC

Now that Jackie Chan’s portrayal is being revisited 15 years post-debut, the omission of The Next Karate Kid appears deliberate rather than accidental. While the movies featuring Macchio and Chan now inhabit a shared continuity, The Next Karate Kid seems on the brink of being quietly disregarded. Despite its lack of critical acclaim, similar weaknesses plagued the sequels featuring Macchio, yet Cobra Kai has revitalized their narratives while sidelining Swank’s contribution.

Could Hilary Swank’s Julie Make an Appearance in Cobra Kai’s Finale?

The Clock is Ticking on a Potential Cameo

Hilary Swank sitting on a red sofa in The Hunt

As Cobra Kai approaches its conclusion, the opportunity to acknowledge The Next Karate Kid might be waning. The show has previously hinted at Swank’s character through subtle nods, including a variation in Mr. Miyagi’s name as found on his passport in the show, which corresponds with Swank’s narrative. This detail could serve as either a clever Easter egg or a setup for a long-anticipated cameo from Hilary Swank.

Despite the fervent speculation surrounding a possible return, insiders have remained tight-lipped. While the consensus leans towards a Swank cameo being unlikely, Hollywood often thrives on surprises, leaving the door open for unexpected developments. As Cobra Kai nears its wrap and Karate Kid: Legends gears up for release, the focus on new storylines may challenge the feasibility of integrating Julie into the broader narrative.

Source&Images