Ahead of its presentation at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour, YouTube Red has given a straight-to-series order to a Karate Kid follow-up series entitled Cobra Kai with original stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprising their roles. The order is for 10 episodes for a 2018 debut.
Set 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, the series revolves around a down and out Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) who, seeking redemption, reopens the infamous Cobra Kai dojo. It reignites 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 (the late Pat Morita). The season follows the duo addressing demons from their past and present frustrations - through karate.
Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg are writing the series, with Hurwitz and Schlossberg also set to direct most of the season. They executive produce with Macchio, Zabka, James Lassiter and Caleb Pinkett. Sony Pictures Television and Overbrook Entertainment produce.
"Like everyone who grew up in the 1980s, the three of us are enormous fans of The Karate Kid," said Heald, Hurwitz and Schlossberg. "Cobra Kai will be a true continuation of the original films - packed with comedy, heart and thrilling fight scenes. We can't wait to reignite the LaRusso-Lawrence rivalry, and we're thankful to our partners at YouTube Red, Sony Pictures Television and Overbrook for their shared enthusiasm in making our dream project a reality."
