The Final Kick: Cobra Kai Creators Talk Season 6, Mr. Miyagi’s Past, and Saying Goodbye
It seems like just yesterday we were buzzing about the hilarious, heartwarming, and action-packed return to the world of The Karate Kid with Cobra Kai on YouTube. But six seasons and a move to Netflix later, the epic saga is coming to an end with a supersized 15-episode final season, kicking off on July 18 with the first five episodes.
In anticipation of Cobra Kai’s final bow, io9 sat down with the show’s creators – Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg – to discuss the extended season, their decision to delve into Mr. Miyagi’s past, and what it feels like to finally say goodbye to a project they poured their hearts into.
The Big Farewell: Why 15 Episodes, and How It Changed the Storytelling
"It was right after we finished making season five," revealed Hurwitz, "We knew we were coming in for a landing, but 10 episodes felt like it wouldn’t give us enough space to tie everything up the way we wanted." The creators ultimately landed on 15 episodes, divided into three chunks of five, released across three time periods.
"We wanted people to get episodes of the show sooner rather than later," Hurwitz explained, "And it felt like three acts in a bigger story." This innovative approach not only gave the creators more space to explore storylines, but also ensured fans wouldn’t have to wait too long for the conclusion.
Unveiling the Mystery: Mr. Miyagi’s Past Takes Center Stage
While the show has always been steeped in the legacy of Mr. Miyagi, he’s never been a central figure until now. Season 6, a bold departure for the series, delves into his past, offering a glimpse into the life of the man who taught Daniel LaRusso more than just karate.
"This was something we’ve wanted to do for a while, but it became more in focus as we got deeper into the series," said Heald. "We realized there’s a lot of power there with the unknown story that we don’t yet know about Mr. Miyagi."
The creators were particularly interested in exploring the human side of Mr. Miyagi, a man who, despite his wisdom and kindness, "is not just a perfect being," Heald emphasized. "We wanted to tell a grounded story about somebody in adulthood encountering an additional truth about a parent or grandparent that challenges what they know about that person."
The Saikai Taikai: Crafting a New Tournament
Season 6 features a brand-new tournament, the “Saikai Taikai," a pivotal event that pushes characters to their limits. The team took inspiration from real-world tournaments, but also focused on crafting an event that would deliver the most compelling narrative.
"It was a combination of thinking about what we want to put our characters through along with what we would want to see in a martial arts tournament," said Schlossberg. "And also what is the best story? What are the best fight scenarios that would take our characters and create the most entertaining story?"
A Sense of Accomplishment and the Future of Cobra Kai
Despite saying goodbye to the show, the creators are filled with a sense of accomplishment. "We achieved everything in this series that we set out to do,” Heald said, highlighting their ambition and dedication to delivering a satisfying finale.
Even with the series concluding, the Cobra Kai universe is far from over. The creators expressed their desire to explore this world further, with new ideas already in the works. “We have a lot of other ideas that are on our minds already that we’re starting to discuss with our partners," Heald revealed.
A Final Look Back: The Valley and Beyond
While most of the show was filmed in Atlanta, the creators embraced the iconic San Fernando Valley for key scenes in the final season. "This is a story that is based in the Valley," Schlossberg explained. "And it’s about what happens after the tournament and where everyone settles and how the Valley is left."
With the release of the first five episodes of Season 6 on July 18, fans eagerly await the final chapter of Cobra Kai. The creators have created a universe filled with action, humor, and heart, leaving fans with a legacy that will continue to inspire. As they say goodbye to this chapter, they leave open the opportunity for more stories, further proving that the spirit of Cobra Kai will live on long after the final kick.
