The article contains spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6, part 3.Now that Cobra Kai has ended, a recent star has been considering their future with the franchise. The Karate Kid sequel show began in 2018 and recently concluded after six seasons. This meant a culmination for several main Cobra Kai characters, like Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who use the Sekai Taikai to resolve their existing narratives with a bang. Although a follow-up movie, Karate Kid: Legends is set for a May 30, 2025, release, it is not yet known who will return outside Macchio.
In an interview with ScreenRant‘s Grant Hermanns, Patrick Lewis (Axel) addressed his character’s future. The actor did not directly state whether Axel would return but explained his personal response to the show’s ending. He empathized with those who want more from the show, but he is still happy that “they’re able to end it on a good note.” Check out his quote below:
I think the show as a whole, you obviously want the people who have been with it since the Karate Kid and have been with the show since season 1, who want to see a good wrap up for these characters and their storylines, because you need that. Whenever you’re really into a show, it just means so much more when they’re able to end it on a good note, and you’re just happy where it left off. I think you’re always maybe wanting more, in some sense, if you really like something.
But I hope that fans just feel really pleased with how things leave off, and how storylines are wrapped up for characters. And I hope it’s exciting. I hope it keeps that intensity. I think it’s going to feel pretty epic and heartfelt, there’s a lot of heart in this last section. It’s emotional because the show is ending, and it’s just emotional because of where stories and characters are ending up.
Luwis Hints That Axel May Not Be Returning
Axel was certainly a memorable fighter in the Sekai Taikai tournament. As a member of Sensei Wolf’s (Lewis Tan) Iron Dragons, Axel proved to be an adept warrior. He followed Wolf’s teachings, taking advantage of any weaknesses from his opponents and relying on cheap tricks to earn wins. He was eventually defeated by Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) in the final round of the Boy’s Division Championship. His loss came after he finally refused Wolf’s orders, proving he could eventually achieve true redemption.
He appeared in just one season, leaving him with a limited legacy.
Unfortunately, that chance may never come. Though he did somewhat redeem himself in the fight against Miguel, it is quite possible that the character does not appear again. After all, the franchise’s future depends on Karate Kid: Legends, which is unlikely to include Axel. He appeared in just one season, leaving him with a limited legacy. Even if he does take up a role similar to Kreese or Johnny Lawrence, the movie will take place three years after the Sekai Taikai tournament, so it is unlikely that Axel will be able to form his own dojo in time.
Our Take On Cobra Kai’s Future
Not Everyone Needs To Make A Return
While it would be fun to see an eventual return, the simple truth is that not every character needs to appear again. The Cobra Kai cast is simply too large to bring back every star in a substantial role. While Axel was a compelling antagonist, he appeared for just one season and did not leave an oversized mark. If this franchise does ever receive another TV show, a cameo role could be appropriate. A theatrical appearance, however, would confuse casual audiences, and not everyone needs to return after Cobra Kai‘s ending.
Cobra Kai
5/10
- Release Date
-
2018 – 2024
- Network
-
Netflix, YouTube Premium
- Showrunner
-
Jon Hurwitz
- Directors
-
Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Joel Novoa, Jennifer Celotta, Steven K. Tsuchida, Sherwin Shilati, Marielle Woods, Steve Pink, Lin Oeding, Michael Grossman
- Writers
-
Josh Heald, Ashley Darnall, Chris Rafferty, Bill Posley