Pat Morita was initially turned down for the role of Mr. Miyagi because producers felt that audiences would not take him seriously due to his background in comedy. (Photo: Archive)
Although he played the brave teenager back in 1984, Ralph Macchio was actually 22 during filming. (Photo: Archive)
The “crane technique”, while basically fictional, was based on a stance called the crane stance that is used in several traditional karate kata. (Photo: Archive)
Daniel’s iconic shower costume was foreshadowed in Miyagi’s workshop. So, when Daniel says that his costume was made by a friend, he’s probably referring to Mr. Miyagi. (Photo: Archive)
The yellow classic car that Daniel polishes in the famous “wax on, wax off” scene, then later gifted to Daniel by Mr. Miyagi, was actually given to Ralph Macchio by the movie producer, and he still owns it. (Photo: Archive)
Charlie Sheen and Sean Penn both turned down the role of Daniel LaRusso. (Photo: Archive)
The iconic son “You’re the Best” by Joe Esposito, was originally written for Rocky III. That’s why the lyrics say “history repeats itself”. (Photo: Archive)
Although the name of Daniel’s school is never mentioned in the film, a sticker inside his locker door suggests he attended West Valley High School. (Photo: Archive)
The original Karate Kid script includes two confrontations between Daniel and Johnny which were eventually cut from the film. (Photo: Archive)
The referee in the final match is Pat E. Johnson, a karate expert and former student of Chuck Norris. He instructed many movie stars in karate, even Karate Kit itself. (Photo: Archive)
Over 30 years after its premier in 1984, The Karate Kid is finally getting a TV sequel with Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence picking up on their teenage feud, only that this time, both characters will be in their fifties.
The revival of the classic 80’s movie gives us a glimpse not only of the phenomenon it came to be back in the day, but also of the pop culture in which it quickly became, traveling from generation to generation, until arriving to the streaming era of which it will be part of with its series titled Cobra Kai.
So, whether you were rooting for either good-boy Ralph Macchio or tough-guy William Zabka in the 80’s, or you are just trying to hop on the Karate Kid bandwagon, these 10 unknown facts about the movie will have you ready for the ultimate karate match!
