Cobra Kaico-creator Jon Hurwitz reveals that the show reached out to Hilary Swank’s representation about the actor making a cameo in season 6.Cobra Kaioriginated as a spinoff of theKarate Kidmovies, expanding on the mythology of those films by focusing on the combative relationship between legacy characters Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. Over the course of the series, there were manyKarate Kidcharacters who appeared inCobra Kai, either in supporting roles or via cameos, but Swank’s Julie Pierce fromThe Next Karate Kiddid not appear.
In a tweet on his X/Twitter account,Hurwitzresponded to a fan’s question about why Swank didn’t appear by revealing that the show tried hard to have the Oscar-winner appear in the final episodes ofCobra Kaiseason 6. However, despite speaking with her representatives several times,Hurwitz and his co-creators never spoke directly to Swank, and the actor was not interested in engaging about a return. Check out his tweet below:
It wasn’t for lack of trying. We always loved the idea of Hilary Swank’s Julie Pierce showing up in Cobra Kai’s final episodes, but it wasn’t meant to be. We spoke with her reps several times, but never actually had the opportunity to speak directly with her. At the end of the day, she wasn’t interested in engaging at this time.We respect her wishes and remain huge fans.For what it’s worth, I’m a firm believer that these things happen or don’t happen for a reason. Perhaps one day she’ll return to the Miyagiverse.
What These Comments Mean About Swank’s Absence In Cobra Kai
Some of theCobra Kaiguest appearances were integral to the overarching narrative of the series, like Terry Silver, while others were brief but welcome cameos, like Ali Mills. Having Swank appear on the show would have meant a pretty major character from theKarate Kidmovies appeared in some capacity. However, the actor may have had several reasons for turning down the opportunity to appear. For one thing, Swank starred in the fourth movie, but was not present in any earlier ones, soshe may not have felt as connected to the franchiseas some of the other cast members.
The creators ofCobra Kaihave contemplated various spinoffs, and the movie side of the franchise will continue in a few months withKarate Kid: Legends, suggesting there are more avenues for a potential return in the future.
What’s more,there could have been the issue of scheduling conflicts, as the actor appeared in six feature films duringCobra Kai’s run. Swank also joined thecast ofYellowjacketsseason 3in an unknown capacity, which could have resulted in a scheduling clash withCobra Kaiseason 6. Whatever the reasons, Hurwitz’s comments suggest Swank didn’t have an interest in returning to the character of Julie, and that it simply wasn’t meant to be. Sometimes planned cameos don’t work out, and Swank’s is one that the show simply couldn’t get over the line.
Our Take On Swank Skipping Cobra Kai
It Would Have Been Nice, But The Show Didn’t Need Another Cameo
Cobra Kaievolved a lot over the course of its six-season run, and evolved theKarate Kidmythology without an over-reliance on what had come before. The Sekai Taikai andtheCobra Kaiendingwere thrilling and exciting spectacles, andinserting another cameo might have detracted from it. While the guest appearances fromKarate Kidcharacters were great for helping to enrich the narrative arcs of the show, by the end, it didn’t need any more of these cameos. This year’sKarate Kid: Legendsis expected to be without a Swank cameo, but there’s a chance she could appear in futureCobra Kaispinoffs.
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.
