Top 10 Characters Still Missing From Cobra Kai

Top-10-Characters-Who-Have-Not-Appeared-in-Cobra-Kai

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 karate kid franchise characters who should appear on “Cobra Kai”. As we talk about ways they could affect the series, we will be kicking up spoilers.

#10: Eric McGowen

“The Next Karate Kid” (1994)

When we first met Eric, he joined a squad known as the Alpha Elite in hopes of getting recommendation for a military career. But once he realized that the group had a dark side, he left them behind. Eric’s military aspirations and brush with a twisted group of fighters could make him a great mentor for Kenny Payne. The young fighter joined Cobra Kai for the wrong reasons before realizing he was becoming a more sinister person. At the start of season 6, Kenny may still struggle with his checkered past. But what if his father, a soldier in the army, reveals that he knows Eric? We’d love to see the former Alpha Elite member reassure Kenny that it isn’t too late for redemption.

#9: Snake

“The Karate Kid Part III” (1989)

By the end of season 5, Terry Silver had burned bridges with pretty much every Cobra Kai ally he had. However, he might still have one last connection in his corner. The appropriately named Snake once worked for Silver as a goon-of-all-trades. In “Karate Kid Part III”, the two bit villain was hired to do whatever it took to pressure Daniel Larusso into fighting Mike Barnes. Snake was seemingly willing to sink to any low to keep his boss happy. Although Silver has been disgraced and discredited, we’re betting his old goon would still help out if the price was right. Snake could serve as an entertaining wild card that ensures his former boss has what he needs to give the heroes grief.

#8: Master Li

“The Karate Kid” (2010)

Since the 2010 martial arts film is set to officially be canon to the bigger fighting franchise, we’d love the movie’s best characters to return. If so, Master Li definitely has to be brought into the series. He was a brutal martial artist who taught his students to be ruthless. While he has a lot of similarities to John Kreese, there’s still a distinct spot for him in the series. Master Li could bring a merciless group of students to the Sekai Taikai tournament to duel Cobra Kai’s” heroes. And since Li proved to be an impressive fighter in a deleted scene, it would be awesome if he fought one of the American senseis to demonstrate his sharp skills.

#7: The Buddhist Monks

“The Next Karate Kid” (1994)

While this may seem like an obscure group of characters to focus on, we do think a “Cobra Kai” character would seriously benefit from their presence. After a new and angry karate kid was kicked out of school, she was brought to a monastery to face her anger issues. The monks taught her how to slow down and to treat every life as sacred. Additionally, they reminded her that it’s okay to put your responsibilities aside and unwind. We think their lessons would be great for “Cobra Kai’s” Tori to hear. She has struggled with rage and the burden of taking care of her sick mother. If Tori got to spend time with the monks, she may find a new sense of inner peace.

#6: Freddy Fernandez

“The Karate Kid” (1984)

One of the franchise’s most crucial characters might actually go overlooked by many fans. Shortly after Daniel first arrived in California, he met Freddy Fernandez. This energetic local invited the New Jersey transplant to a beach party…that was eventually crashed by Johnny Lawrence. If Daniel hadn't been brought there, he may have never needed to become the karate kid. Despite Freddy’s pivotal role in the story, he didn’t have a ton of scenes in the 1984 movie and never reappeared after that. Certain fans have theorized that the “Fernandez Meat company” Daniel trained in on “Cobra Kai” was owned by his old friend. But even if that’s true, we still think Freddy should make a full return and finally learn karate from Daniel.

#5: Cheng

“The Karate Kid” (2010)

This villain made it his job to torment the new kid in the neighborhood. And unfortunately for the hero, Cheng worked overtime. Although he spent most of the movie as a relentless antagonist, he chose to bow to his rival’s sensei at the end of this movie. This symbolic gesture could turn into something bigger in “Cobra Kai”. What if Cheng went further than showing respect and actually started training with the heroic sensei? After years of walking a lighter road, he would return to “Cobra Kai” as a reformed villain that has begun teaching younger students. Cheng could either have a fun rivalry with the show’s heroes in the Sekai Taikai tournament or just be there to support a few familiar faces.

#4: Colonel Dugan

“The Next Karate Kid” (1994)

A malicious military man once took his job of keeping order at a school way too far. Colonel Dugan made his students go through harsh training and encouraged them to beat enemies into the dirt. The combination of his profession, military status, and the fact that he’s played by the great Michael Ironside makes his inclusion a no-brainer. Since fighting amongst kids in the Valley has gone up 200 percent since Cobra Kai began, we’d love to see Dugan brought in to keep order. He could clash with the heroic senseis and have a dark history with fellow Vietnam vets like Kreese. For added fun, the show could also bring back his top student Ned as a fierce friend or foe.

#3: Dre Parker

“The Karate Kid” (2010)

Although Jaden Smith’s kung fu character was going to be brought back for another movie, his sequel never came. We think it’s high time that Dre Parker got another chance to flex his techniques. Instead of giving him a serious introduction, he could make a surprise appearance while Daniel is enjoying a night out on the town. Before they can meet, a group of local patrons would start causing trouble. Daniel would be ready to take them apart. However, Dre would instead step in and take all the villains down himself. After that point, Smith wouldn’t need to stick around too long. Dre just needs to stay long enough to bond with Danny about winning tournaments by delivering kicks to their rival’s heads.

#2: Julie Pierce

“The Next Karate Kid” (1994)

When Daniel brought in Chozen to help him teach karate, we were a little disappointed that another Miyagi-Do veteran was missing. Julie Pierce formed a tight bond with the late master in her solo film. While the movie wasn’t well-received, she was still a great heroine that always fought hard. Season 6 could easily bring her into the fold in a small but meaningful way. While preparing his students for the Sekai Taikai, Daniel would learn of another secret Miyagi-Do technique. He’d eventually realize that Julie Pierce has the hidden scroll or move that he needs. In an emotional and cathartic scene, the two could reminisce about Miyagi while Julie teaches a technique that could shape the future.

#1: Mr. Han

“The Karate Kid” (2010)

The legendary Jackie Chan will reprise his franchise role in a 2025 “Karate Kid” film. But before he dominates the big screen, he could make a last minute appearance on “Cobra Kai”. According to early reports, the 2025 film will follow a kid moving from China to the east coast of the US and studying martial arts. Our proposed scene would take place after Daniel’s students win the Sekai Taikai. After seeing their huge victory, the new character from China would run away to the west coast to train with Mr. Larusso. When the kid’s parents realize he’s missing, they’d call in Mr. Han to find him. The post credits scene would prepare us for the moment where Chan would finally meet Macchio.


Which franchise character do you want to see most on “Cobra Kai”? Shout them out in the comments below!