The Legacy of Mr. Miyagi: Cobra Kai’s Potential Prequel Explores the Unseen Past
The phrase "Cobra Kai never dies" may soon take on a whole new meaning. While the first third of the final season of the Netflix Karate Kid spinoff has just been released, the show’s creators are already looking toward the future, exploring ways to continue the franchise. And one of the most intriguing possibilities involves delving into the past of the legendary Mr. Miyagi.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Cobra Kai co-creator Hayden Schlossberg confirmed that this season’s hints about Mr. Miyagi’s past, particularly the Miyagi box story, are a direct nod to a potential spinoff. "It is one of the reasons why we did the Miyagi box story this season," he said. "It opens up all these questions about Mr. Miyagi and what his life was like, and that’s been something we’ve been wanting to do for a while. We’ve talked to Robert Mark Kamen, the writer of the original Karate Kid who based this whole movie off his sensei who studied Okinawan karate; we’ve been talking about all this Miyagi backstory with him, which helped us with season six stuff. Now that we’re done, we can actually start getting into this stuff.”
While a Mr. Miyagi prequel isn’t officially confirmed, Schlossberg left no doubt about the creators’ interest in exploring the character’s earlier years. "I would say that we definitely want to do that and have been talking about that," he continued. "But the focus has been on Cobra Kai. As we’re finishing that up, we’ll see exactly what path we take in terms of spinoffs, but it is definitely something that we’ve been wanting to do. It’s just that we want to wait until we get finished with Cobra Kai first before we get into that."
The potential for a Miyagi prequel is undeniably exciting. Despite being a pivotal figure in the Karate Kid universe, the character’s backstory remains largely mysterious. The passing of Pat Morita, the actor who brought Mr. Miyagi to life, in 2005, has left a significant void, and Cobra Kai has respectfully honored his legacy by keeping the character deceased.
However, a prequel could offer a unique opportunity to explore Mr. Miyagi’s formative years, delving into his early life in Okinawa, his training in Okinawan karate, and the events that shaped him into the wise and compassionate mentor we know. It could also explore his experiences during World War II, a period hinted at in the original Karate Kid movies, but never fully developed.
More than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, a Miyagi prequel could offer a fresh perspective on the Karate Kid universe, reframing not just the Cobra Kai series but also the original movies. By delving into his past, we might gain a deeper understanding of Mr. Miyagi’s philosophy, his choices, and the events that led to his arrival in the United States.
It could shed light on his complex relationship with his own sensei, potentially revealing the origins of his “wax on, wax off” teachings and other signature practices, which have been so influential in the Karate Kid movies and Cobra Kai. A prequel could also introduce new characters from Mr. Miyagi’s past, expanding the Karate Kid universe and adding layers of depth to its lore.
While the potential for a Mr. Miyagi prequel is certainly exciting, there are significant challenges involved in bringing such a project to life. Navigating the sensitive subject of Morita’s passing will be crucial, ensuring that the project honors his legacy and avoids exploitation. The writers will also need to tread carefully to maintain the essence of Mr. Miyagi’s character, avoiding clichés and maintaining the integrity of his wisdom and teachings.
Finding an actor who can capture the spirit of Mr. Miyagi, particularly his stoicism, humor, and inherent goodness, will be a challenge. It’s important to acknowledge that Morita’s performance was groundbreaking, leaving a lasting impact on both the Karate Kid franchise and pop culture as a whole.
However, the creators of Cobra Kai have proven their ability to honor the Karate Kid legacy while innovating, adding new layers to the original story and introducing engaging new characters. If they are successful in creating a Mr. Miyagi prequel, they have the potential to create a genuinely touching and insightful story that would resonate with fans of the Karate Kid franchise.
A Mr. Miyagi prequel could explore not just his personal journey, but also the broader themes of tradition, resilience, and the power of belief, adding new dimensions to the franchise’s exploration of these timeless themes.
While the focus remains on concluding Cobra Kai, the prospect of a Mr. Miyagi prequel adds another layer of intrigue to the franchise’s future. The creators have shown a commitment to honoring the spirit of the Karate Kid, while also expanding its universe, and a Miyagi prequel could be a fitting tribute to one of the most beloved characters in cinema history.
As the saying goes, "Cobra Kai never dies". And with the potential for a Mr. Miyagi prequel, the legacy of the Karate Kid may continue to inspire new generations, reminding us of the importance of honoring tradition, embracing new beginnings, and always striving to be the best version of ourselves.
