Karate Kid Legends is now in cinemas, so it’s time to dive into the ending, including details of who wins the big tournament and how the climax sets up a potential sequel, plus the identity of any unexpected cameos.
The last Karate Kid movie starred Jackie Chan as a new character called Mr. Han, and hit screens in 2010. Since then it’s been all quiet on the celluloid front.
But Cobra Kai filled the void, with the belated sequel to 1984’s Karate Kid launching on YouTube, then transferring to Netflix, where it became one of the streamer’s most popular shows.
Cobra Kai concluded earlier this year, but new movie Karate Kid Legends combines Daniel LaRusso from that film/show, with Mr. Han, in something of a reboot for the franchise. So with Legends in UK cinemas now – hitting US screens on May 30 – here’s how that plays out, meaning SPOILERS ahead…
The five boroughs tournament
The film then tells the story of young Li Fong’s move from Beijing to New York, which mirrors Daniel LaRusso’s move from New Jersey to California. Though there’s a pretty major detour when a big chunk of the movie is dedicated to Joshua Jackson’s pizza shop proprietor training for and fighting in a boxing match.
But Li’s story is pretty close to Daniel’s in the original movie, with the youngster falling in love, and being bullied by her ex, in this case a kid called Conor Day, who trains at a gym appropriately called Demolition.
The ‘Five Boroughs Tournament’ puts them on a collision course, via a series of competition bouts on the streets of New York. The duo make it to the final, which takes place on the roof of a skyscraper, and thanks to the teachings of both LaRusso and Han, Li walks onto the mat with both karate and kung fu skills at his disposal.
But Conor is a tough opponent willing to do anything to win, and it’s a pretty even fight, with Li taking him down with a one-inch punch, and Day fighting back an incredible combo that nearly knocks Fong out.
The Dragon Kick that (sort-of) wins the final
Sony PicturesBut in a scene reminiscent of Creed’s ending, he has flashbacks to his past, which give Li the strength to recover and return to his feet, setting up a grand finale with one point in it. Which is when the Dragon Kick comes into play.
This is a an acrobatic manoeuvre introduced to Li by his late brother, which failed when he last tried it on Conor. So Daniel teaches Fong to fake it, ducking when Conor isn’t expecting, and then sweeping Day’s leg. The trick successfully suckers Conor in, and Li follows it with a kick to the chest, winning the fight 8-7, and therefore the entire tournament.
But it isn’t over yet, as when Fong turns his back to head for friends and family, Conor runs at him from behind. Li counters, knocks Day to the ground, and has the opportunity to do some serious damage with a fist to the face. But Fong ultimately shows mercy, punching the mat instead, and helping Conor to his feet.
He then celebrates with said friends and family – including Daniel and Mr. Han – and the film freezes on him lifted aloft with victorious fist in the air, much like LaRusso at the end of the 1984 movie.
Karate Kid Legends sequel setup
Sony PicturesThe movie then cuts to Jackson’s character opening a second pizza place, and Mr. Han suggesting he travels to Beijing to open a third, which could be the start of a sequel.
Li Fong sends one of those pizzas cross-country to Daniel in California, with a note that states: “If you ever need my help, you know where to find me.”
Which is a pretty specific message, suggesting the Karate Kid Legends team is thinking that one day LaRusso might just need Li Fong’s help.
Mr. Miyagi and Johnny Lawrence cameos explained
NetflixThere’s a Mr. Miyagi cameo early in proceedings, but that’s via footage from The Karate Kid: Part II, and simply there to connect Miyagi’s karate with Han’s Kung Fu.
But at the end of the movie, we get what all Cobra Kai fans have been waiting for. Daniel turns with the aforementioned pizza in hand, and shouts to villain-turned-hero Johnny Lawrence, as ever played by William Zabka.
In the briefest of cameos, Johnny isn’t impressed, saying the best pizza isn’t in New York, but rather local to Reseda. Then suggests he and Daniel open a parlour, and call it Miyagi-Dough.
Lawrence spitballs some taglines for the shop – including “olives on, olives off,” and “slice first, slice hard, no anchovies” – before the credits roll. Meaning Legends ends with the tantalizing idea of a Daniel and Johnny spinoff about their own pizza place.
Karate Kid Legends is in UK cinemas now and hits the US on May 30, 2025. For more fast fists check out our list of the best action movies ever. While these are shows to watch if you love Cobra Kai, plus the only way that show can continue.
