Netflix Officially Announces the Production of “Mr. Miyagi”: A Prequel to Both The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai Exploring Mr. Miyagi’s Early Life
In a thrilling announcement for martial arts cinema fans, Netflix has officially greenlit the production of Mr. Miyagi, an ambitious prequel exploring the untold story of the iconic sensei from The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai. The film promises to delve deep into the formative years of Mr. Miyagi, from his childhood in Okinawa to the personal tragedies and triumphs that shaped him into the wise mentor millions came to love.
The movie is set decades before the events of the original Karate Kid films. It aims to chronicle Mr. Miyagi’s youth, his training in traditional karate, his experiences during World War II, and the cultural heritage that influenced his philosophy. For the first time on screen, audiences will witness how Miyagi’s early life was marked by sacrifice, love, and the moral codes that guided him as Daniel LaRusso’s mentor.
Netflix’s announcement comes amid the continued success of Cobra Kai, which reignited global interest in the Karate Kid universe. Producers say Mr. Miyagi will serve as both a standalone story and a rich companion piece to Cobra Kai, offering new layers of context for fans of the original franchise and newcomers alike.
One of the most exciting aspects of the announcement is the casting of Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada (Mortal Kombat, The Last Samurai) in the role of a young Mr. Miyagi. Sanada’s commanding presence and martial arts background have made him a fan-favorite choice to honor Pat Morita’s legendary portrayal while bringing his own gravitas to the character’s younger days.
In a statement released by Netflix, showrunner and co-writer Josh Heald shared, “We wanted to tell the story of how Mr. Miyagi became the man who could teach Daniel-san not only how to fight, but how to live. Hiroyuki Sanada was our first choice — he embodies the intensity, depth, and warmth we needed.”
Production is set to begin later this year in Okinawa and Los Angeles, with a screenplay penned by Robert Mark Kamen, the original writer of The Karate Kid. Fans can expect stunning fight choreography, emotional storytelling, and breathtaking cinematography capturing both wartime Japan and post-war immigrant life in America.
The announcement trailer, which has already racked up millions of views on social media, teases young Miyagi practicing karate beneath Okinawan waterfalls, defending his village, and grappling with personal loss. The haunting refrain of “Glory of Love” hints at the nostalgia that will anchor the film’s tone.
While a release date has not yet been confirmed, Netflix has promised a 2026 premiere window. Until then, Cobra Kai devotees and Karate Kid purists alike have something extraordinary to look forward to: the definitive story of the man behind the crane kick, Mr. Miyagi himself.
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