Posted in: Netflix, Preview, streaming, TV | Tagged: cobra kai, karate kid, netflix, preview, Season 6

Cobra Kai Creators: Season 6 Filming Update; Decision to End Series

Cobra Kai creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg offered an update on the Ralph Macchio & William Zabka-starring series.

For Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg's Ralph Macchio & William Zabka-starring Cobra Kai, the new year will be a pretty important one. Along with the creative pressure that comes from wanting the new season to raise the bar set by the previous season, the trio has the added pressure that comes with finding a way to wrap up the sequel/spinoff series in a way that leaves everyone feeling satisfied (and the franchise in healthy shape for spinoffs down the road). Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter in support of their Netflix series Obliterated, Hurwitz offered an update on filming (expected to begin shortly after the start of the new year) while Heald explained how they knew now was the right time to bring the series to an end.

"We loved making that show. When the writers' strike ended, we reconvened as a room. It's been amazing to be back with those writers. We started as Karate Kid fans and had this opportunity to play in that universe and take characters on adventures," Hurwitz shared, making it clear that they plan on hitting the ground running when 2024 rolls around. "Now we get to wrap up the series. We will start shooting right after the New Year. We know it's going to be an exciting, fulfilling experience. We can't wait to get back on set. The final season is going to be spectacular for 'Cobra Kai' fans across the world."

As for the decision to end the series, Heald explains that it was something they were able to do on their own terms – and how that made a big difference in how they approached the final season. "We wanted to go out on our own terms. We grew up with the 'Karate Kid' franchise and we have so much respect for the universe. We wanted to expand the universe in all the ways we have," he said. "Between seasons five and six, we approached Netflix and said, 'We're ready to bring this in for a landing.' We told them the story that we wanted to tell, and they supported the decision. It's always been a good relationship with Sony and Netflix. Everybody understands — you don't want to overstay your welcome. It's a franchise we intend to move with. We left the door open to revisit storylines that we are going to resolve in season six, and we just felt like there's value in not leaving the series bone dry.

Cobra Kai Creators Address Season 6 & Franchise's Future

Promising the "biggest" and "baddest" season yet, the show's creators penned a letter to the show's supporters thanking them for their support and explaining the importance of ending Cobra Kai "on our terms" when the news was first announced earlier this year. Here's a look back at their letter:

Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), Courtney Henggeler (Amanda LaRusso), Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz), Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene), Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso), Jacob Bertrand (Hawk), Gianni Decenzo (Demetri), Vanessa Rubio (Carmen), Peyton List (Tory), and Martin Kove (John Kreese) star, along with Dallas Dupree Young (Kenny), Oona O'Brien (Devon) and Thomas Ian Griffith (Terry Silver).

Alicia Hannah-Kim (Minx) portrays South Korean sensei Kim Da-Eun, who plays a major role in Terry Silver's expansion plans. Dallas Dupree Young's Kenny Payne had been promoted to series regular for the fifth season. In addition, Sean Kanan is returned to the franchise to reprise his role as Mike Barnes.  Cobra Kai is written and executive produced by series creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg via production company Counterbalance Entertainment. Will Smith, James Lassiter, and Caleeb Pinkett executive produce for Westbrook Entertainment along with Susan Ekins in association with Sony Pictures Television. Macchio and Zabka also serve as executive producers.

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