The creators ofCobra Kairevealed why Hilary Swank never appeared in the show, despite almost every significant character from theKarate Kidfilms popping up.TheKarate Kidfranchise spans six moviesand one show, with Swank’s character, Julie, the protagonist of the fourth film, 1994’sThe Next Karate Kid. Julie trained under Mr. Miyagi and ultimately served as a replacement for Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso, who didn’t appear in the movie. As soon asCobra Kaiblew up, fans were wondering if Swank would show up, and it was ultimately a pretty big letdown that she never did.
In a recent interview withEW,Cobra Kaicreators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg addressed the reason behind Swank’s absence from the series, and confirmed that they did, in fact, ask her. They shared thatthey reached out to Swank’s representatives about appearing inCobra Kai’s sixth and final season, but she ultimately turned them down. Though they were understanding, ultimately,Cobra Kai’s creatives were disappointed, considering how many cast members they were able to bring back in. Check out Heald’s full comment below:
Heald:We did reach out in the very early days before the season to see if there was a path [for her to appear]. We had an inkling of an idea about how she could come into this story and not have to commit to 10 episodes or something. It was going to feel like it could be a one- or two-episode arc, similar to what we did with Elisabeth Shue, where you may bring Ali back in at a pivotal moment and affect an important relationship… [We had] the beginnings of a genesis of an idea to find out if we could have a discussion with her about it and introduce ourselves.
On her end, it was very respectful, but we never got that opportunity to sit down and pour our heart out the way that we typically do when we bring back characters from the legacy. She was just in a place where she wasn’t looking to do that. She had had babies. I think she was in production on something at the time, and it was a respectful pass on even the idea of a meeting. She didn’t want us to go through the trouble of flying out to her and putting our heart on the sleeve because it just wasn’t something she was ready to do at that moment.
It’s a big piece of the Miyagi-verse that’s still out there. For us, it was a little disappointing because we like getting everybody, but at the same time, we didn’t sacrifice any huge story that we had fully developed. It’s more fruit on the vine for if we can revisit this universe going forward.
What Hilary Swank Not Returning As Julie Meant For Cobra Kai
The Karate Kid Sequel Series Felt Incomplete
While the ending ofCobra Kaiwas satisfying, the fact that Swank’s Julie never turned up was a crashing disappointment. Though much of the show centered around new characters who weren’t in theKarate Kidmovies,Cobra Kaiwas ultimately about the different ways of honoring the legacy of Mr. Miyagi, played by the late, great Pat Morita.It just feels odd and incomplete that Julie, Miyagi’s other pupil, wasn’t part of the story, especially because so manyKarate Kidcharacters returned forCobra Kai.
It’s understandable that not every actor from the film franchise would want or be able to come back, but it’s especially frustrating that Julie is never even mentioned inCobra Kai. Given that Daniel opened Miyagi-do in honor of his late sensei,you’d think that her name would come up, but it’s unclear if Daniel even knew that Miyagi had another student after him.
Our Take On Hilary Swank’s Decision Not To Appear On Cobra Kai
She Has Every Right Not To
While the lack ofJulie may have madeCobra Kaifeel incomplete, Swank shouldn’t be blamed for turning the show down. Her career is in a totally different place from where it was in 1994, andthe fact that otherKarate Kidactors returned doesn’t mean that all of them would want to do it.
Swank is an in-demand, two-time Oscar-winning actress, and if anything, she was extending a professional courtesy by not wasting the creators' time if she knew she was not interested. And though the reason for Swank’sCobra Kaiseason 6 decline is unknown, it could still be possible for Julie to pop up in aKarate Kid-Cobra Kaiuniverse project since her fate remains a mystery.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid is an action/martial arts drama franchise created by Robert Mark Kamen and began with the first self-titled film released in 1984. The series focuses on teenagers who are unable to fit in with their new surroundings as they deal with persistent bullies until a retired martial arts master finds them and trains them to defend themselves.
