Exciting Revelations about ‘Karate Kid: Legends’: Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
To make it straightforward: if you’re wondering about any post- or mid-credits scenes in Karate Kid: Legends, the answer is a resounding yes!
Catching the ‘Starts-Credit’ Scene
What do you call it when a movie wraps up, flashes a title card, and then jumps into another scene? Let’s dub it a “starts-credit scene.” It’s likely you won’t miss it, but if you were planning to make a quick restroom break as the film seemed to conclude, you may want to reconsider.
Return of a Franchise: Fulfillment of Fan Expectations
The famed prophecy of six movies and an equal number of TV seasons has come to fruition with the return of the Karate Kid franchise in Karate Kid: Legends. Although it debuts just months after the conclusion of the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai, filmmakers have emphasized that this story stands on its own. Renowned character Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) does appear, but fans shouldn’t expect continuity with the Cobra Kai plot. Instead, the narrative introduces a new hero: Li Fong (Ben Wang). Despite these assurances, questions linger regarding possible ties to the previous works.
Probing the Franchise’s Connection
The film upholds its standalone premise, yet it does subtly incorporate elements from the broader Karate Kid universe—specifically nods to The Karate Kid Part II and, of course, Cobra Kai.
The Bond between the Miyagi and Han Families
Karate Kid: Legends is marketed as a tale where Li Fong is mentored by two legendary figures from Karate Kid lore—Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han. This connection is particularly noteworthy since Mr. Han was initially portrayed alongside Jaden Smith in 2010’s The Karate Kid, a film that was originally considered to be a complete remake of the 1984 classic. Strikingly, it shares almost every key plot point from the original. The retroactive inclusion of Mr. Han into the overarching Karate Kid/Cobra Kai canon creates an amusing conundrum: we must now accept that Han and Mr. Miyagi lived strikingly similar lives as widowed mentors who guided bullied youths.
Flashbacks and Animation: Revealing the Past
The movie opens with a flashback pulled from The Karate Kid Part II, exploring the intertwined history of the Miyagi and Han families. During Daniel’s trip to Okinawa, Miyagi recounts how, in 1625, his ancestor Shimpo Miyagi wandered off the coast of China, eventually returning home with a Chinese wife and the secrets of the Miyagi family karate. Legends creatively expands on this narrative, indicating that the kung fu experts of the Han family were instrumental in Shimpo’s training, thereby sealing a bond that persists into modern times.
An Overlooked Timeframe Error
A nitpick that dedicated fans may find annoying: the flashbacks are labeled “Okinawa, 1986.” However, The Karate Kid Part II actually unfolds in the summer of 1985. Admittedly, this minor oversight would likely catch the eye of loyal viewers, highlighting a slip-up in the film’s execution.
Li’s Unconventional Mentor Trio
This installment of Karate Kid is rather misrepresented by its marketing. While Li ultimately receives guidance from both Mr. Han and Daniel—culminating in a New York tournament—the first part of the film diverges into a new territory where Li navigates life as a new kid in town. Settling in New York, he finds himself smitten by a girl, Mia (Sadie Stanley), while grappling with her intimidating ex-boyfriend, Connor (Aramis Knight), an undefeated karate champion.
Changing Dynamics: A Fresh Narrative Spin
In a refreshing twist, Li is already an adept martial artist due to training from Mr. Han but faces a steep challenge against Connor. The narrative also offers a unique detour: Li develops a bond with Mia’s father, Victor (Joshua Jackson), a former boxer aiming for a comeback to address his financial woes. O’Shea (Tim Rozon), reminiscent of Kreese, serves as the imposing figure in the background.
The Mentor-Pupil Dynamic Reversed
After witnessing Li’s impressive fighting skills, Victor seeks his help to regain his competitive edge, flipping the typical underdog storyline. For a significant portion of the film, it is the young protagonist who mentors the older character.
Wrap-Up and Tournament Build-Up
As Victor endures a demanding bout that lands him in the hospital, Li, determined to support his friend, is motivated by Mr. Han to enter the 5 Boroughs tournament, which boasts a hefty $50,000 grand prize. Once in Los Angeles, Han urges a reluctant Daniel LaRusso to lend a hand, creating a delightful narrative arc that emphasizes camaraderie and mentorship.
Moments that Resonate
In an emotionally charged turn of events, Li ultimately prevails over Connor in the climactic tournament, drawing upon a special move he had learned earlier—a testament to the classical build-up characteristic of the Karate Kid franchise.
Does ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Offer Any Post-Credits Scenes?
As previously mentioned, Karate Kid: Legends indeed features additional scenes that follow the film’s apparent conclusion. After Li’s triumphant win, a celebratory moment transitions us into two significant scenes that deliver a narrative wrap-up.
Exploring New Ventures
In the first scene, we catch a glimpse of Victor launching a second location for his pizza restaurant, with Li and Mia at his side. Mr. Han is also present, hinting at his return to China, while Li jokingly mentions a pizza delivery to an outlandish address.
A Comedic Encounter with Johnny Lawrence
The setting shifts to Los Angeles, culminating in a humorous exchange when Daniel opens his door to find a pizza delivery. To his surprise, it’s accompanied by a note from Li expressing gratitude. The scene takes an amusing turn as Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) comes into view, delivering a much-awaited cameo that drew cheers from audiences during previews.
Final Thoughts on Franchise Connections
This playful cameo does not tie into future plotlines but provides a nod to the enduring connection between the characters of Cobra Kai and the ongoing narrative of the Karate Kid universe. The film anchors itself firmly within the larger context while exploring new directions with a fresh cast and characters. How will fans respond to this evolution of the beloved franchise? This revival continues to engage viewers and ignite conversations among audiences!