Like other entries in the franchise, the film does indeed conclude with a triumphant freeze frame — but test audiences wanted more.

The most dramatic moment in “ Karate Kids: Legends ” is its final fight – a 12-minute sequence called the Five Boroughs Tournament that takes place on the roof of a New York City skyscraper.

Ultimately, while the movie sticks to that standalone promise pretty strongly, and Daniel actually has a relatively small role, there are two scenes that touch upon other aspects of the larger Karate Kid franchise - specifically tied to The Karate Kid Part II and, yes, Cobra Kai.

Legends has been high on my list when it comes to 2025 movie releases, but since I first heard about it, I’ve been curious about how it may or may not affect things after the Cobra Kai finale earlier this year.

Ralph Macchio has fond memories of his 1984 hit film 'The Karate Kid,' particularly with one beloved costar, he told PEOPLE on the red carpet at the 'Karate Kid: Legends' premiere.

In the end, we just hope that the next karate kid in The Karate Kid franchise doesn't simply have to move to a different country, meet a girl, get into a feud with her ex, and defeat him in a tournament to earn that respect.

Good fight movies take many different forms and teach many different lessons, but they all have one thing in common: At some point, the main character will have to square off against a bigger, scarier,

The two branches of the Karate Kid series unite in theaters this weekend with a new entry, subtitled Legends. The film sees the original's student, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), and the 2010 reboot's teacher,