There have been reports of a new Karate Kid on the block and this time Sony is responsible for it. The production company aims to branch out of the franchise by bringing back the existing trilogy. So far, reports claim that the film is stepping out of the shadows of its predecessors and taking on a whole new form. But how much did this test of time reboot cost Karate Kid franchise influenced by the current trend of 80s remakes and pioneering hits?
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Karate Kid Steps away from the Cobra Kai x Miyagi-Do timeline
With the unexpected and surprisingly good revival of the classic ’80s karate franchise, Cobra Kai set out to achieve what most later Hollywood remakes failed to do – stay relevant while staying true to the source material. The Netflix series not only reignited the lost passion of watching enemies fight on the mat, but also instilled the cross-generational themes of perseverance, brotherhood, and redemption. Perhaps with the rising fame that accompanies the success of Cobra Kaithe stage is set for the start of a new Karate Kid franchise now more than ever.
To read also: “There is definitely an endgame”: Cobra Kai Star William Zabka reveals exciting future for series, says he’s open for another Karate Kid Trilogy in the future
As confirmed by Cobra Kaithe creator, Jon Hurwitz, the film has no association with the series and as such with the original trilogy. But that doesn’t immediately put the film below par since the upcoming remake now has two big advantages in its favor – it has the backing of an already established and beloved franchise as well as the fandom that comes with it. The new film further has the luxury of avoiding the scripted structure of the ’80s and delving deep into a newly furnished world without having to cross the expectations of the old.
Karate Kid Remake finds its confidence in the revival of the 80s
The last two decades of the 20th century delivered some very good franchises that are, to this day, celebrated. Some have established themselves as essential references in popular culture. This era of the golden 80s in Hollywood transgressed boundaries and laid the foundation for entirely new kaleidoscopic possibilities in cinema. We have seen the evolution of the star wars franchise, Back to the futureby Tony Scott Superior gun (1986), the Predator franchise, and The Karate Kid trilogy. All of these have prevailed over the decades and have only become more popular with age.
To read also: “It’s a little disrespectful… it doesn’t make any sense”: Cobra Kai Series creator faces backlash after making disheartening announcement about upcoming Karate Kid Film
However, the best comeback among all others was the resounding delivery of Top Gun: Maverick who kept climbing until he reached the top of the industry success ladder. Top Gun: Maverick defined what a return of a classic should look like and delivered that and more. The film honored its genesis and traditions, but at the same time, it didn’t hold back by clinging to the fringed strings of its past. Sony may have learned a lesson from Joseph Kosinski’s creation when it decided to launch a new Karate Kid inspired remake of the 80s classic.
The Karate Kid is now streaming on Hulu. Season 5 of Cobra Kai was released on Netflix.
