'Karate Kid' Is Heading to YouTube Red as a TV Series

Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in the original film "Karate Kid" released in 1984 and now headed to YouTube Red as a TV Series (Columbia Pictures Photo).

LOS ANGELES – If you thought you heard the last of “Karate Kid” years ago, you thought wrong! The martial arts-themed franchise is back – on YouTube Red as a TV series after a deal that brings back original “Karate Kid” Ralph Macchio.

Called “Cobra Kai,” the new show also brings back original cast member William Zabka, who played his nemesis Johnny Lawrence. The 10-episode, half-hour series will debut on YouTube Red in 2018, where it picks up 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament which set in motion the action the original film.

This time, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) tries to seek redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo, bringing back his rivalry with Daniel (Macchio), who has been struggling to find direction in his life withoutMr. Miyagi.

Josh Heald (“Hot Tub Time Machine”) will write the script with s Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg who wrote “Harold and Kumar.” They will also executive-produce the series with Macchio and Zabka.