"A genesis of an idea": Cobra Kai creators reveal the unused  plan to reunite with Hilary Swank

Cobra Kai, starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, wrapped up with its sixth season in 2025. But did you know that the creators were hoping to include a key Karate Kid character (specifically from the 1994 film The Next Karate Kid) in the final season of the Netflix series?

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Cobra Kai creators Jon Huwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald revealed that they wanted Hilary Swank to be a part of the finale season of Cobra Kai. For those unfamiliar, Swank played the lead role of Julie Pierce in the 1994 Karate Kid film. Heald said that it was like,

"The beginnings of a genesis of an idea."

He continued,

"We did reach out in the very early days before the season to see if there was a path."

They also shared that they were discussing ideas that could blend Swank's storyline into the series. Eventually, they even thought of giving her a two-episode arc, instead of ten or more, to make it more flexible for her schedule.

"We had an inkling of an idea about how she could come into this story and not have to commit to 10 episodes or something. It was going to feel like it could be a one- or two-episode arc, similar to what be we did with Elizabeth Sue where you can bring Ali back in at a pivotal moment and affect an important relationship."

What kept Hilary Swank away from joining the cast of Cobra Kai?

Cobra Kai creators reached out to Swank's team to set up a meeting with the actress to discuss the role and see if she was interested in joining. However, the meeting with Swank never took place, and she asked them not to bother with travel since she was not ready to be a part of the project.

Heald further told Entertainment Weekly that Hilary Swank was quite respectful about it, and from what he understood, she just wasn't ready to dedicate to the series at the time due to both personal and professional commitments. He further explained,

"She was just in a place where she wasn't looking to do that. She had had babies. I think she was in production on something at the time, and it was a respectful pass on even the idea of a meeting."

Will Hilary Swank ever return to the Cobra Kai spin-off series?

Hilary Swank may have declined an appearance in Cobra Kai, but the creators haven't given up hope. Even though scheduling and personal reasons were some of the major reasons that made Hilary Swank unavailable for the series, they've made it clear that Julie Pierce remains a big piece of the Miyagi verse.

As development for potential spin-offs progresses, Swank's return remains a possibility. Fans still hold onto the hope that Julie will reenter the franchise.

Stream all episodes (Season 1-6) of Cobra Kai on Netflix.

Also read: Cobra Kai actor Martin Kove is accused of seriously harming a fellow co-star

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