Dre Parker Could Return With Mr. Han
The announcement that Chan's Mr. Han would appear in the upcoming The Karate Kid movie has raised questions regarding Jaden Smith's Dre Parker. As with Chan, it's possible that Smith will have a cameo in Cobra Kai season 6 as a way to set up the newest installment in the franchise. This could be uniquely interesting compared to other possible Karate Kid cameos since Dre learned kung fu rather than karate. If this Karate Kid character joined those from Cobra Kai, he could teach them something new (perhaps the snake stance technique he used to hypnotize Cheng at the end of The Karate Kid).
The Karate Kid, Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith , Jackie Chans Best American Films (1)
Dre Parker, the protagonist of The Karate Kid (2010), may return alongside Mr. Han, adding a fresh perspective to the world of Cobra Kai. With his kung fu expertise, Dre could bring a new dimension to the martial arts drama.
Dre Parker fighting in The Karate Kid
Ned Randall Could Be Another Redeemed Villain
Ned Randall was Julie's primary rival in The Next Karate Kid, and since he accepted his ultimate loss at the end of the movie, it can be assumed that he would be another redeemed villain if he were brought back for Cobra Kai season 6. Of course, this would also depend on Julie Pierce or Colonel Dugan returning. Ned wasn't a strong enough villain to be of much interest on his own, but combined with the other characters of The Next Karate Kid, it could be interesting to see how he interacts with the characters of Cobra Kai. If Tory truly is Julie's daughter, then Ned could potentially make amends for his past by passing on some help to the young Cobra Kai fighter.
Ned Randall from The Next Karate Kid
Ned Randall, a character from The Next Karate Kid, may make a comeback in Cobra Kai season 6, adding a layer of redemption and reconciliation to the storyline. His potential interaction with other characters could offer a fresh dynamic to the series.
New Clips From The Karate Kid Remake (1)
Colonel Dugan Could Hold A Grudge Against Miyagi-Do
Colonel Dugan was the adult antagonist from The Next Karate Kid, and he was certainly a piece of work. Unlike Terry Silver and John Kreese, we haven't seen the man since the '90s, which could make bringing him back in Cobra Kai season 6 a lot of fun. This would be especially true if Julie Pierce made a returning appearance. Perhaps, with Silver headed to prison, Kreese will have a need for another villainous ally. Though there is nothing indicating that these two men ever knew each other, bringing Kreese and Dugan together could provide an opportunity to create more links and connections within the franchise.
Colonel Dugan from The Next Karate Kid
The return of Colonel Dugan, a formidable figure from The Next Karate Kid, could introduce a new layer of villainy and vendetta in Cobra Kai season 6. His potential alliance with other antagonists could spell trouble for the dojos and their students.
Cheng and his friends in The Karate Kid (2010) (1)
Master Li Could Join John Kreese As A Villain
Master Li was the John Kreese equivalent in The Karate Kid (2010), which could make him another valuable addition to Cobra Kai. If the series hopes to set up the 2024 Karate Kid movie, it would be fitting to bring in Cheng and Master Li to parallel Johnny and Kreese in the final season. Like Johnny, Cheng left his abusive sensei's practice after being defeated by his rival, so it would be interesting to see Li and Kreese team up to get revenge on their old students (who could join forces as well). Since Hurwitz's tease that Cobra Kai would include 'at least one' cameo, it certainly seems implied that more characters will appear, and Cheng and Master Li would be a perfect way to further explore the series 'villain redemption' themes.
Karate-Kid-Master-Li (1)
The addition of Master Li to Cobra Kai season 6 could bring a new level of malevolence and manipulation to the storyline. His potential collaboration with other antagonists might pave the way for a dramatic showdown in the final season.
Cheng in The Karate Kid (2010)
Julie Pierce Could Be Tory's Mom
One of the most heavily requested characters from the various Karate Kid movies is Julie Pierce, Mr. Miyagi's student in The Next Karate Kid. Though this was one of the least popular movies within the franchise, there is a lot of promise regarding her character, and a return from actor Hilary Swank would be quite a treat. There are theories that Julie is Tory Nichols' mother, supported by Cobra Kai's secretiveness surrounding the bed-ridden character (season 5 went out of its way to keep her hidden). Given Hurwitz's hint, Julie seems the most likely character to appear in Cobra Kai season 6.
Julie Pierce and Mr Miyagi in The Next Karate Kid
The potential return of Julie Pierce, a significant figure from The Next Karate Kid, could unveil a compelling familial connection and add depth to the character of Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai season 6. Her presence might bring about a revelation that could shake the foundations of the martial arts world.
Julie Pierce and the Cobra Kai season 5 characters
Toshio Can Rejoin Chozen
In The Karate Kid Part 2, Toshio is Chozen's best friend and a real pain for Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. Since Cobra Kai season 5 saw Chozen admit that he was in love with Kumiko, it can be assumed that either he will return to Japan for a time to see her or she will come to the United States. When this happens, it may be the perfect way to bring Toshio into the mix and explore whether he went through redemption like his old best friend did.
Chozen and his friends in The Karate Kid Part 2
The potential return of Toshio, Chozen's best friend from The Karate Kid Part 2, could open up new layers of friendship, forgiveness, and growth in Cobra Kai season 6. His presence might shed light on Chozen's journey and the impact of past relationships on the characters.
Dennis Can Join Forces With Mike Barnes
The teen antagonists of The Karate Kid always had buddies, and Dennis was the companion to Mike Barnes. Cobra Kai season 5 saw Daniel reunite with Mike, who, like many other original villains, has changed his ways since the 80s. After Terry Silver burned down Mike's furniture store, he decided to help Daniel and Johnny escalate things. Silver may be gone, but Mike could decide that Kreese's escape from prison makes it worth sticking around. He may even choose to call in some old support in the form of his old equally-as-destructive friend Dennis.
Mike Barnes and Dennis in The Karate Kid Part 3
The potential reunion of Dennis and Mike Barnes, the notorious duo from The Karate Kid Part 3, could reignite old rivalries and bring a new wave of trouble to the dojos in Cobra Kai season 6. Their partnership might pose a significant threat to the stability and safety of the characters.
Eric McGowen Could Return With Julie
Eric McGowen was Julie's love interest in The Next Karate Kid, which makes him another character whose presence in Cobra Kai season 6 would depend on whether Julie appears. Were this the case, he could be an interesting and relevant addition since Eric was a member of the Alpha Elite (The Next Karate Kid's Cobra Kai equivalent). As a good character in a bad situation, Eric could relate to many of the teen characters in Cobra Kai, such as Kenny Payne, and provide some valuable guidance regarding how he separated from unhealthy influences.
Eric from The Next Karate Kid
The potential return of Eric McGowen, a key figure from The Next Karate Kid, could introduce a compelling narrative of redemption and mentorship in Cobra Kai season 6. His influence might offer valuable insights and guidance to the younger characters, shaping their paths in the martial arts world.
Mr. Han Can Set Up The Upcoming Karate Kid Movie
Jackie Chan's Mr. Han is another character that The Karate Kid fans have been eager to see in Cobra Kai, and recent franchise news makes this more likely for season 6 than it ever was before. In the past, the creators of Cobra Kai have said that, as a reboot, the 2010 The Karate Kid existed in a different 'universe,' but the reveal that Chan's Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso would be coming together for a 2024 The Karate Kid changes this. To set up this upcoming film, Mr. Han may be brought into the story in Cobra Kai season 6.
A composite image of Jackie Chan's Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso from The Karate Kid movies.
The potential inclusion of Mr. Han in Cobra Kai season 6 could pave the way for an exciting new chapter in the Karate Kid universe, setting the stage for the upcoming movie. His involvement might bridge the gap between the past and future of the franchise, building anticipation for what's to come.
Jackie Chan holding his hands up in Karate Kid