Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2 explores the legacy of Master Miyagi through flashbacks and digital recreation of Pat Morita. As Daniel LaRusso uncovers unsettling truths about Miyagi’s past, including a deadly tournament match, he grapples with the mentor’s complex history. The series utilizes digital de-aging technology to respectfully include Morita’s likeness, enhancing the narrative while honoring the late actor’s family. All six seasons are now streaming on Netflix.
Warning: The following content delves deeply into the storyline of Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2, now streaming on Netflix. If you haven’t watched it yet and wish to avoid spoilers, it’s best to stop reading now.
One character that fans have eagerly anticipated in Cobra Kai is none other than Kesuke Miyagi, affectionately known as Master Miyagi. While he may not be the primary protagonist, he stands as the most legendary figure in the Karate Kid franchise. Pat Morita’s unforgettable portrayal of this character earned him an Oscar nomination in 1985 for the original film, solidifying Miyagi’s place in cinematic history.
Sadly, Pat Morita passed away on November 24, 2005, a full thirteen years prior to the debut of Cobra Kai. This series serves as a continuation of the Karate Kid legacy, bringing back the original rivals, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), to captivate a new generation of viewers.
In a respectful nod to the late actor, Miyagi only appears in flashbacks, utilizing archival footage from the films. The name Miyagi resonates throughout the sixth season, especially as Daniel LaRusso grapples with the unsettling truth that his revered mentor, whom he views as the epitome of righteousness, had a tumultuous past involving criminal acts.
A Visit from the Past
New revelations await the current sensei of the Miyagi-do dojo. Through his investigation, Daniel uncovers that Miyagi once competed in the Sekai Taikai tournament, and shockingly, won a match by taking his opponent’s life. This revelation drastically alters Daniel’s perception of a man who preached the philosophy of defensive karate, standing in stark contrast to the offensive tactics of the Cobra Kai dojo.
Disturbed by this newfound information, Daniel experiences a haunting dream where he is visited by his former mentor. Initially, Miyagi appears as a younger version of himself, but then the scene transforms, showcasing Pat Morita’s likeness, recreated with the help of artificial intelligence and visual effects.
‘We made sure to consult Pat’s family beforehand, ensuring they were comfortable with this concept. We wouldn’t have proceeded without their blessing,’ shared co-creator Josh Heald with TVLine. ‘This entire process was crucial for us and the studio, and we believe we captured Daniel’s vision in this nightmare where a version of Miyagi, unlike any seen before, confronts him.’
TVLine
In a conversation with Deadline, fellow co-creator John Hurwitz reflected on the significance of this moment for Ralph Macchio, four decades after the debut of the original Karate Kid: ‘Prior to season 6, we had a discussion with Ralph about his wishes for this final season. The prospect of sharing the screen with Pat Morita again was something he truly desired.’
Deadline
Digital De-Aging: A Familiar Technique
This isn’t the first instance where the series has utilized the digital de-aging technique (known as Deep Fake). In the fifth season, this technology was employed to bring a younger version of Johnny Lawrence back to life, a process that faced fewer legal hurdles since William Zabka, the actor, is an active participant in Cobra Kai and had granted his consent.
The implementation of digital effects to recreate Miyagi has proven to be quite convincing, pleasing fans who appreciate that this cameo enriches the narrative. A mere cameo without context would likely have been poorly received by both the audience and Pat Morita’s family, underscoring the creators’ commitment to authenticity. And it appears they have succeeded in their mission!
All six seasons of Cobra Kai are now exclusively available for streaming on Netflix.
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