Jackie Chan's Mr. Han returns, seeking Daniel LaRusso's (Ralph Macchio) help to train a new student, played by Ben Wang. The film is set after the events of Cobra Kai, which just wrapped up its six-season run on Netflix.

he and Johnny Lawrence are still training students together. Daniel is the beating heart of the Karate Kid series, but it does seem odd that Legends is seemingly ignoring the show. Cobra Kai should play a role in the movie, and two characters would be perfect to connect the entire franchise.

Karate Kid: Legends' Tournament Story Means Robby & Tory Should Appear After Cobra Kai's Ending

Robby & Tory Are Currently Promoting Karate Around The World

Robby Keene (Tanner Buchanan) and Tory Nichols (Peyton List) had rocky roads in Cobra Kai but found a way to come out on top. Their relationship was tested in season 6 when Tory went back to fight with Cobra Kai in the Sekai Taikai. Eventually, Tory res Johnny and Daniel and defeats Zara to become a world champion. Meanwhile, Robby doesn't have the same luck, suffering an injury to his leg during his fight with Axel.

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Despite Robby's injury, he and Tory are selected for a life-changing opportunity. Thanks to their impressive fights at the Sekai Tekai, both characters were hired to represent Icon and market karate worldwide. They have become the face of the sport, meaning they should appear at any notable tournaments to promote Icon. A major tournament in New York City would be a solid reason for the two characters to show up, especially since their former sensei will be there.

Robby & Tory Appearing In Karate Kid: Legends Would Be A Great Way To Connect The Movie To Cobra Kai

Robby & Tory Represent The Best Themes Of The Karate Kid Franchise

Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene facing Peyton List as  Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai season 6

Robby and Tory had the best redemption arcs in Cobra Kai. Robby was a troubled young teenager who was introduced to karate by Daniel. He had a problematic relationship with his father, Johnny (William Zabka), but the two managed to fix their relationship by the show's ending. Tory found karate through Cobra Kai but used it as a way of taking out her anger on the world. Despite her internal and external conflicts, she managed to learn from her past and use her obstacles to become a world champion at the Sekai Taikai.

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Do You Need To Watch Cobra Kai Before Karate Kid: Legends?

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They are not only significant characters from the show but represent the best elements and themes from the Karate Kid franchise. They are underdogs who learned from Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do to become elite fighters in the sport. Karate changed their lives and Robby and Tory would be great examples for Li, the new student, to learn from. Karate shouldn't just be used to fight bullies, but as an essential way of finding internal balance, something Li needs to know while facing his own antagonists.

Will Robby & Tory Actually Show Up In Karate Kid: Legends?

No Cobra Kai Characters Are Listed In The Cast Besides Daniel LaRusso

Based on the casting list, it doesn't look like Robby or Tory will appear in Legends. Chan and Macchio are the only returning cast from the franchise. Oddly, no one else from Cobra Kai is in the film, especially since the series was a major hit. Still, there are always surprises in store. Many cameos in other films go uncredited, so there still is a chance that Robby or Tory could show up. However, the film has already premiered in Mexico City, and their cameos haven't been mentioned.

Other Cobra Kai characters could be a distraction, but it would also be a great way of getting audiences who loved the show to go see this movie.

Legends is establishing a new character with Li, and Sony is keeping the focus on him with the hopes of building a new series of films that can continue the franchise. Other Cobra Kai characters could be a distraction, but it would also be a great way of getting audiences who loved the show to go see this movie. Nevertheless, Robby and Tory's absences are a missed opportunity for Legends to be a film that brings together all sectors of the Karate Kid universe.

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Karate Kid: Legends
Release Date
May 30, 2025
Runtime
94 minutes
Director
Jonathan Entwistle
Writers
Rob Lieber
Prequel(s)
The Karate Kid
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Ben Wang
    Li Fong
  • Headshot Of Jackie Chan
    Mr. Han
  • Headshot Of Ralph Macchio
    Ralph Macchio
    Daniel LaRusso
  • Headshot Of Joshua Jackson
    Joshua Jackson
    Victor Lipani

Franchise(s)
The Karate Kid