Mysterious Revelation in Cobra Kai Season 6 Leaves Fans Questioning Hilary Swank's Role

All signs seemed to point to Hilary Swank having a cameo in Cobra Kai season 6, but a surprising update means even more unanswered questions going into the Netflix series' final season. So far, several The Karate Kid characters have appeared in the spinoff series—even some of the minor ones. For this reason, many have expected Swank's Julie Pierce from The Next Karate Kid to make an appearance, and there was even a specific Cobra Kai character that seemed to be set up for a big reveal. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this is happening.

Julie Pierce was Mr. Miyagi's new student in The Next Karate Kid (1994), replacing Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso as the titular character. Though the movie wasn't nearly as popular as its predecessors, it's an official installment in what has been dubbed the "Miyagi-verse," which means Julie would be an easy cameo for Netflix's spinoff series Cobra Kai. However, five seasons in, and Swank's character has been nowhere to be seen. Cobra Kai season 6 would be the last chance for such a cameo to happen, but the actor has made it sound like she has received no such invitation.

Hilary Swank Claims She Won't Be Appearing In Cobra Kai Season 6

Julie Pierce and the Cobra Kai season 5 characters - Hilary Swank Claims She Won't Be Appearing In Cobra Kai Season 6

It was revealed in an interview promoting her upcoming movie Ordinary Angels (via Screen Rant) that Hilary Swank seemed unaware of a new Karate Kid movie or the possibility of returning to Cobra Kai. When asked about potentially appearing in the final season of Cobra Kai, Swank responded with a definitive "I don't think I am, unfortunately." This raises the question of who Tory's mom is if not Hilary Swank's Karate Kid character.

Cobra kai Tory mom and dad theory - Who Is Tory's Mom If Not Hilary Swank's Karate Kid Character?

Swank's announcement that she will not be part of Cobra Kai season 6 comes as a surprise, especially considering the strong implication that Julie Pierce could be revealed as Tory Nichols' mother. The show initially hinted at Tory's family situation, with her mother being too unwell to look after them, forcing Tory to take on the responsibility. While this was not portrayed as particularly secretive, the series purposely kept Tory's mother hidden from view in season 2, and even in season 5, only a glimpse of her foot by the bed was shown in Tory's apartment.

It would have been easy enough to cast someone to play Tory's mother, even if she was only shown in a few brief scenes. If the woman's identity wasn't important, it seems as if Cobra Kai would want to show the sickly character in bed to earn sympathy for the previously antagonistic Tory. This is why it has commonly been assumed that Mrs. Nichols is actually Julie Pierce. If this wasn't the case, why did Cobra Kai work so hard to keep the character out of sight?

Netflix has yet to provide an official release date for Cobra Kai season 6.

Hilary Swank May Be Misleading Cobra Kai Fans

Hilary Swank as Eileen Fitzgerald on the phone looking annoyed in Alaska Daily - Hilary Swank May Be Misleading Cobra Kai Fans

It's possible that Swank is intentionally misleading Cobra Kai viewers to keep her potential appearance in season 6 a surprise. In a recent interview, the actor revealed that she is frequently asked about Cobra Kai, indicating that Netflix is aware of the high risk of spoilers for a big cameo. Therefore, Swank may have been instructed to deny her involvement, as she vaguely stated, "I don't think I am," leaving room for speculation.

However, it is also possible that hoping for Swank's appearance in season 6 is wishful thinking. The secrecy surrounding Tory's mother's identity in Cobra Kai could suggest that the writers were aiming to secure Swank for the role, but it may not have materialized. The character's storyline could potentially be dropped in season 6 without significant impact on the overall plot. The truth will only be revealed when Cobra Kai season 6 premieres on Netflix, but it might be wise to prepare for Swank's absence.

Editor's P/S:

The news that Hilary Swank may not appear in Cobra Kai season 6 is a disappointment for many fans who have been anticipating her cameo. Julie Pierce was a beloved character in The Next Karate Kid, and her inclusion in the spinoff series would have been a nostalgic treat. However, it is understandable that Swank's busy schedule may have prevented her from participating.

The speculation surrounding Julie Pierce being Tory's mother has been intriguing, and it would have been a satisfying revelation. However, if Swank is indeed not involved, the writers will have to find a different way to resolve this storyline. It is possible that Tory's mother will remain a mystery, or that another character will be introduced to fill the role. Regardless, Cobra Kai season 6 will still be highly anticipated by fans who are eager to see how the story concludes.