Karate Kid fever is sweeping the internet! Okay, to be more accurate it’s sweeping YouTube Red. Earlier today, the streaming site launched its modern revival of the classic ’80s movie, Cobra Kai, which features original stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka renewing their iconic rivalry. The ten-episode series is terrific, as is the renewed interest in the seminal coming-of-age movie. Sports Illustrated recently published an oral history of the classic 1984 film that’s a must-read for fans of the franchise.
The article features a number of interesting behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the movie (Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best” was originally written for Rocky III, the famed “crane kick” is bogus), but one of the most riveting snippets is William Zabka revealing a host of other actors who were also considered for the now famous role of Karate Kid.
“Robert Downey Jr. was considered for Ralph’s part. And Charlie Sheen,” Zabka said. “I know they had some known names in that category.”
That’s right, it could have been Iron Man himself battling Johnny Lawrence in the All Valley Karate Tournament. His crane kick probably would’ve included some Jarvis-assisted mechanical upgrades that would have almost certainly resulted in a disqualification. Then again, if a kick to the face is legal in a high school karate tournament, all bets are off!
The other notable actors considered for the role included Emilio Estevez, Nicolas Cage, Anthony Edwards (deemed “too tall”), and Eric Stoltz. The oral history also…
Waittttt. Nicolas freakin’ Cage could have been the Karate Kid?! That would have been… a different look.
Wax on?! How can you expect me to wax on when I haven’t even begun to wax off, old man?!Everett Collection
The article also lists a few more notable names considered for various roles: Crispin Glover for Johnny; Helen Hunt and Demi Moore for Ali; and Sarah Jessica Parker for one of Ali’s friends.
