While it is unknown whether Cobra Kai will ever return with new installments in the near future, Apple TV‘s upcoming movie can perfectly fill the void it left behind.
Cobra Kai first landed on YouTube Red, where it seemingly had limited reach. When it was released on Netflix, though, it rose in the ranks to become one of the most popular shows on the streaming service. Its success paved the way for several new seasons, which further cemented the overarching Karate Kid franchise’s legacy.
It is hard not to be hopeful that Cobra Kai will eventually return with new spin-offs and follow-ups. While waiting for it, though, viewers can look forward to Apple TV’s upcoming movie, which seemingly dabbles with similar themes.
Apple TV’s Way Of The Warrior Kid Feels Like The Cobra Kai/Karate Kid Replacement
Apple TV is adapting Jocko Willink’s Way of the Warrior Kid, which comes as the perfect movie replacement for Cobra Kai and Karate Kid. Both Karate Kid and Cobra Kai started with stories of young teenage boys, Daniel and Miguel, getting bullied in school.
Desperate to protect themselves, Daniel and Miguel eventually found mentors in Mr. Miyagi and Johnny Lawrence, respectively, who taught them everything about discipline and the power of restraint and perseverance.
Way of the Warrior Kid will tell a similar story about an 11-year-old boy who gets bullied in school. However, he soon learns to channel his inner warrior after training under his Navy SEAL uncle Jake (played by Chris Pratt). The upcoming Apple TV movie will probably not feature a fighting tournament in its final arc. However, it will certainly scratch that itch for the “underdog finding their feet” trope that drives the Karate Kid franchise.
The Karate Kid franchise’s future seems uncertain for now after Cobra Kai and Karate Kid: Legends. However, Way of the Warrior Kid will seemingly fill the void it left behind.
Like Karate Kid, Way Of The Warrior Kid Has Franchise Potential
For now, Way of the Warrior Kid is only being adapted as a singular movie with no franchise plans. However, like Cobra Kai and Karate Kid, it does have immense potential. If the movie performs well on Apple TV, the streaming service could follow it up with a sequel or two. Like Karate Kid, each new sequel could feature a new student who trains under Chris Pratt’s Navy SEAL character.
In the future, it could even take a Cobra Kai route by revealing new rivalries and alliances while exploring how the mentor’s past students carry his lessons forward in different ways.
Without the introduction of a central combat sport, though, Way of the Warrior Kid might not be as scalable as Cobra Kai and Karate Kid. While only time will tell what the future holds for the Apple TV movie, it seems like something fans of the Cobra Kai franchise would certainly enjoy.
