Why Hilary Swank Said No to a Cobra Kai Comeback

Hilary Swank, a two-time Oscar winner, has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles and delivering standout performances. While many remember her for acclaimed films like Boys Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby, some might forget her early days in a less celebrated chapter of a famous martial arts saga. Swank’s turn as Julie Pierce in The Next Karate Kid marked a significant, if not exactly beloved, moment in her career.

The original Karate Kid, released in 1984, quickly became a classic, thanks in part to John Avildsen’s direction and a story that struck a chord with punters everywhere. The franchise rolled on with sequels, but by the third film, it was clear the formula was wearing thin. Ralph Macchio, who played Daniel LaRusso, was starting to look a bit old for the high school scene, and the third instalment copped a fair bit of criticism. Still, the studio wasn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet.

The Next Karate Kid and Swank’s Early Days

With Macchio moving on, the studio decided to shake things up. The Next Karate Kid introduced a new lead, with Swank stepping in as Julie Pierce. Pat Morita returned as Mr Miyagi, the wise mentor who’d already earned an Oscar nod for his work in the original. The rest of the cast, though, was all new faces. Julie’s story followed a familiar path: a troubled teen finding her feet and a bit of peace through karate, guided by Miyagi’s steady hand.

Despite the fresh start, the film didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Critics weren’t impressed, and the box office numbers were underwhelming. For Swank, it was an early gig that probably didn’t hint at the heights her career would later reach. After that, the franchise went quiet for a while, only resurfacing years later with a reboot starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.

Cobra Kai’s Revival and the Missed Reunion

Just when it seemed like the Karate Kid story had run its course, a new series popped up. Cobra Kai, which started on YouTube Red before moving to Netflix, brought the saga back to life. This time, the focus shifted to Johnny Lawrence, the original film’s antagonist, as he tried to sort out his life and make amends with old rival LaRusso. The show quickly found its audience, drawing in both new fans and those who’d grown up with the films.

As the series gained steam, it became known for bringing back familiar faces from the earlier films. There was plenty of speculation about whether Swank might return as Julie. However, according to co-creator Josh Heald, Swank wasn’t available.

“A respectful pass on even the idea of a meeting”

was how he described her response, noting that she was tied up with another project and couldn’t commit to the show.

The Franchise’s Future and Swank’s Choice

With Cobra Kai wrapping up its final season and the latest film, Karate Kid: Legends, not making much of a splash at the box office, it looks like the franchise might be taking a breather. Swank’s decision to sit this one out seems final, at least for now. She’s moved on to other projects, and the door to the dojo appears to be closing, at least for her character.

For fans, it’s a bit of a missed opportunity, but Swank’s career has always been about moving forward, not looking back. Her polite refusal to revisit Julie Pierce is just another example of her choosing roles that matter to her, rather than chasing nostalgia.