Karate Kid Sequel Series Lands at YouTube

Ralph Macchio and William Zabka are reprising their star-making roles from the iconic film franchise The Karate Kid in a new ten-episode series for YouTube Red.

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. The half-hour series, Cobra Kai, is slated for a 2018 launch.

Cobra Kai is written and executive produced by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. Heald is the writer behind the cult classic Hot Tub Time Machine franchise, while Hurwitz and Schlossberg created the successful Harold & Kumar film series and wrote and directed American Reunion. Together, the trio conceived of this new Karate Kid storyline that picks up decades after the original film ends. Hurwitz and Schlossberg will direct much of the series. James Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett will executive produce for Overbrook Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television Studios.

“The minute I heard about this project, I knew we had to have it,” said Susanne Daniels, the global head of original content at YouTube. “The Karate Kid became an instant classic in the 1980s, and still resonates with audiences around the world and on YouTube today. We’re thrilled to partner with Sony TV, Overbrook and the talented writing team led by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg to add a fresh, new comedic twist on one of Hollywood’s most storied rivalries.”

“Continuing the story of The Karate Kid has been a passion project for all of us, and when Ralph and Billy said yes, we knew it had become real,” said Glenn Adilman, the executive VP of comedy development at Sony Pictures Television Studios. “We are thrilled that YouTube Red felt the same thing the minute they heard the pitch and then stepped up with this series commitment.”

“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.”