The Karate Kid Cast: Where Are The Legends Now? (2025 Update On Cobra Kai & New Movie)

The legacy of the *Karate Kid* franchise has never been stronger, fueled by the explosive conclusion of *Cobra Kai* and the highly anticipated return to the big screen. As of December 2025, fans are buzzing about the upcoming film, *Karate Kid: Legends*, which is set to unite two cinematic generations of martial arts masters: Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han. This new chapter marks the franchise’s biggest crossover event yet, forcing the original cast to pass the torch while firmly cementing the *Karate Kid* universe as a modern Hollywood powerhouse.

The conclusion of *Cobra Kai* Season 6 in 2025 has left a vacuum, but the actors who brought the Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai dojos to life are already moving on to major new projects. From the original rivalry between Ralph Macchio and William Zabka to the next generation of stars like Xolo Maridueña and Mary Mouser, here is the ultimate, up-to-date look at what the entire *Karate Kid* cast is doing now and the full profiles of the legends who started it all.

The Original Legends and New Leads: Full Cast Biography & Profile

The foundation of the entire *Karate Kid* cinematic universe rests on a few key figures. Here is a detailed look at the core cast, including the icons from the 1984 film and the new star leading the 2025 movie.

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• Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso)
  • Born: November 4, 1961 (Huntington, New York)
  • Notable Works: *The Karate Kid* Trilogy, *My Cousin Vinny*, *Cobra Kai* (2018–2025)
  • Current Status: Reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso in the new theatrical film, *Karate Kid: Legends*, scheduled for release on May 30, 2025. The film is confirmed to take place after the events of *Cobra Kai*.
• William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence)
  • Born: October 20, 1965 (New York City, New York)
  • Notable Works: *The Karate Kid* (1984), *Back to School*, *Cobra Kai* (2018–2025)
  • Current Status: Following the conclusion of *Cobra Kai* Season 6, Zabka is focusing on producing and directing projects, building on his previous Oscar nomination for the short film *Most*. His legacy as Johnny Lawrence remains pivotal to the franchise's success.
• Jackie Chan (Mr. Han)
  • Born: April 7, 1954 (Hong Kong)
  • Notable Works: *Drunken Master*, *Rush Hour* franchise, *The Karate Kid* (2010)
  • Current Status: Reprising his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot in *Karate Kid: Legends* (2025), where he will team up with Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso for the first time. This crossover effectively merges the two separate film timelines into one shared universe.
• Ben Wang (The New Lead)
  • Born: Circa 1999 (Raised in Minnesota)
  • Notable Works: *American Born Chinese* (Jin Wang), *Chang Can Dunk*
  • Current Status: Cast as the main lead in *Karate Kid: Legends* (2025). Wang is fluent in Mandarin and trained in multiple martial arts, making him a natural successor to the "Karate Kid" title.
• Noriyuki "Pat" Morita (Mr. Miyagi)
  • Born: June 28, 1932 (Isleton, California)
  • Died: November 24, 2005 (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  • Notable Works: *Happy Days* (Arnold), *The Karate Kid* (Oscar-nominated role), *The Next Karate Kid*
  • Legacy: Morita’s role as the wise mentor, Mr. Miyagi, is the heart of the entire franchise. His teachings and philosophy (Miyagi-Do) continue to drive the plot and character development in *Cobra Kai* and the new movie.

The Cobra Kai Generation: What The Young Stars Are Doing After Season 6

The massive success of *Cobra Kai* introduced a new wave of talented actors, all of whom have seen their careers skyrocket. With the final season of the Netflix series concluding in 2025, the young cast members are quickly moving on to major new roles in film and television.

The rivalry between the students of Miyagi-Do and the Cobra Kai Dojo captivated millions, but off-screen, the actors are celebrating major personal and professional milestones.

Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz)

Xolo Maridueña, who played the fan-favorite Miguel Diaz, is arguably the most successful breakout star of the younger cast. His career has transitioned directly into the DC Extended Universe. After starring in the live-action film *Blue Beetle*, Maridueña has confirmed his continued involvement in the franchise.

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His upcoming projects for 2025 and 2026 include the live-action sequel *Practical Magic 2* and the crime drama *Killing Castro*. He is also expected to voice his character in the *Blue Beetle* animated series.

Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene) and Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso)

The on-screen rivals and off-screen friends, Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene) and Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso), have had a major 2025 update. The two actors, who played the children of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, announced their engagement in 2025, much to the delight of the fanbase.

Professionally, both have been active on the convention circuit, appearing at major events like PaleyFest LA and SCAD TVfest in early 2025 to discuss the end of *Cobra Kai*. Mouser has expressed a strong desire to transition into more film roles now that the series has wrapped, while Buchanan continues to explore new dramatic opportunities.

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Other Notable Cobra Kai Entities

Other key actors from the series are also seeing new opportunities. Peyton List (Tory Nichols) continues to be in high demand, while Jacob Bertrand (Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz) and Gianni Decenzo (Demetri) are frequently featured in fan-focused events, celebrating the show's massive cultural impact. The show's success has also reignited interest in classic *Karate Kid* villains like Martin Kove (John Kreese) and Thomas Ian Griffith (Terry Silver), whose characters have become iconic entities in the modern television landscape.

The Connected Universe: Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

The biggest news in the *Karate Kid* world is the new film, *Karate Kid: Legends*, which is set to hit theaters on May 30, 2025. This film is not a reboot, but a direct continuation that officially merges the original trilogy’s universe with the 2010 remake starring Jackie Chan.

Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso will meet Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han, creating a single, cohesive *Karate Kid* cinematic universe. The plot centers on a new martial arts student, played by Ben Wang, who is training under both masters. This narrative move pays homage to the legacy of Pat Morita and the original Mr. Miyagi, while setting up a fresh, global future for the franchise.

The connection is confirmed to take place three years after the events of the *Cobra Kai* series finale, ensuring that the stories of Daniel, Johnny, and their students remain canon. Fans are eager to see how the distinct fighting styles of Miyagi-Do and Mr. Han's kung fu will blend in this unprecedented crossover event.