The connection between Ralph Macchio’s portrayal of Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid and his sensei, Miyagi, stands as one of the most moving relationships ever depicted on screen. Miyagi’s guidance has not only shaped Daniel’s existence but also forged an unbreakable bond. Thus when the Netflix series based on the aforementioned successful franchise, Cobra Kai season 5, dove into the past, audiences were magically transported back to the good old days. Reflecting on this very moment, Ralph Macchio, in a heartfelt round table conversation with Slash Film in 2022, openly discussed the latest season of Cobra Kai, unveiling moments that held a special place in his heart.
Ralph Macchio Found It Impossible to Keep His Tears at Bay During Emotional Scene in Cobra Kai
The Karate Kid holds a beloved place in the nostalgia-filled memories of countless individuals’ childhood. Thus, when Netflix announced the spin-off gem Cobra Kai, a mix of excitement and skepticism rippled through the fanbase. Worried by the significant absence of the beloved Mr. Miyagi, portrayed by Pat Morita, in the project, who was essentially the franchise’s core, concerns deepened among enthusiasts.
Nonetheless, Cobra Kai admirably embraced the challenge and exceeded expectations. The series not only extended the universe and its narrative dimensions but managed to retain the essence that had endeared it to fans. In this undertaking, the show didn’t just create new chapters but also, remarkably, kept the heartbeat and spirit of the original intact. Thus during a roundtable interview, the lead, Ralph Macchio shared his favorite bit from the series’ latest season, he said,
“When I opened the door, it just starts playing that music. And it was a rush. I just immediately welled up, and seeing these pictures and thinking of that.–It was nice to go back to the roots, and he needed to see that. And for me, that’s always the thread that’s important in the show for Daniel LaRusso, and for Ralph, to have those elements of the magic of what Mr. Miyagi was, and still is.”
The scene where Amanda takes Daniel to visit Miyagi’s old house pays homage to the late Pat Morita, who passed away in 2005, and his iconic character. It, therefore, served as a powerful reminder of the collective journey of the fans as well as the characters. This tribute held a very emotional weight, particularly touching the hearts of the cast and crew involved in the project.
Ralph Macchio Believes Pat Morita Would Have Been a “Big Fan” of Cobra Kai
Both William Zabka, the actor behind the rebellious Johnny Lawrence, and Macchio, openly discussed their perspectives on how Pat Morita would perceive Cobra Kai. And they believe that Morita would have absolutely loved the show and one hundred percent approves of it, as his spirit is felt as they create the show, suggesting that he’s observing their efforts from far away. Macchio stated,
“I think he would be very, very proud and rally embrace that. And for those reasons, outside of the fact that Cobra Kai is entertaining as hell and awesome, I think he’d be very, very pleased with the care that’s been taken with the original franchise.“
Undoubtedly, Morita left an unforgettable mark on the franchise, and in turn, Cobra Kai finds its accomplishments intricately linked to him. The show’s very essence owes its existence to the iconic character Miyagi, portrayed by Morita. Therefore in the Netflix show, each character bears a unique thread of his spirit, and that is what makes it so great.
All seasons of Cobra Kai are available on Netflix to stream.
Source: Slash Films
