Fans of Netflix’s Karate Kid sequel series Cobra Kai got an exciting sneak peek at what to expect for the Emmy-nominated show’s fifth and final season thanks to co-creator Jon Hurwitz. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hurwitz spilled the deets on pushing the boundaries of martial arts action with the largest tournament in franchise history and uncovering more of Mr. Miyagi’s mysterious backstory.
According to Hurwitz, viewers are in for “the biggest, craziest martial arts tournament” seen in the decades-spanning Karate Kid saga. Taking place in Barcelona, Spain, the international Sekai Taikai tournament promises to go above and beyond the traditional one-on-one bouts at the iconic All Valley Karate Championships. While leaving some surprises under wraps, Hurwitz teased innovative martial arts matchups that will raise the stakes for Cobra Kai dojo rivals Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso.
Meanwhile, the return of Karate Kid Part II villain Chozen Toguchi to Okinawa could finally provide answers about mentor Mr. Miyagi’s past. Through connections to his criminal uncle Sato Toguchi and new information uncovered abroad, Chozen may shed light on Miyagi’s mysterious involvement in underground martial arts and past transgressions. Tantalizing clues also suggest Miyagi had deeper ties than expected to the legacy of Cobra Kai through complex personal relationships yet to be fully realized on screen.
As the acclaimed series draws to a close after five hit seasons of cunning storytelling, Hurwitz assured fans they still “can’t say exactly what Part 2 is and what Part 3 is.” Whether through high-octane fights or poignant flashbacks, the final installment seems poised to both reward long-time viewers and potentially redefine one of the most iconic films in the 1980s cinema canon.
After years of captivating audiences with its perfect marriage of action and drama, Cobra Kai is saving the most thrilling surprises for last. The largest tournament arena and long-awaited backstory revelations set an exciting stage for the legacy of The Karate Kid saga to be rewritten once more.
