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A New Take on the Hit Film Franchise Re-Imagined by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, to Debut on YouTube Red in 2018 From Sony Pictures Television Studios and Overbrook EntertainmentLos Angeles, CA [August 3, 2017] -- Epic adversaries return to the dojo in Cobra Kai, an all-new series that reteams Ralph Macchio and William Zabka in their star-making roles from the iconic film franchise, The Karate Kid. The 10-episode, half-hour series, coming to YouTube Red in 2018, reimagines one of Hollywood’s most popular tales of rivalry and redemption.
Thirty years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), who has been struggling to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of his mentor, Mr. Miyagi. The show is about two men addressing past demons and present frustrations the only way they know how: through karate.
Cobra Kai is written and executive produced by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg. Heald is the writer behind the cult classic Hot Tub Time Machine franchise, while Hurwitz & Schlossberg created the successful Harold & Kumar film series and wrote and directed the global hit American Reunion. Together, the trio conceived of this new Karate Kid storyline that picks-up decades after the original film ends. Hurwitz & Schlossberg will direct much of the series. James Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett will executive produce for Overbrook Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television Studios.
"The minute I heard about this project, I knew we had to have it. The Karate Kid became an instant classic in the 1980s, and still resonates with audiences around the world and on YouTube today," said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. "We’re thrilled to partner with Sony TV, Overbrook and the talented writing team led by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg to add a fresh, new comedic twist on one of Hollywood’s most storied rivalries."
"Continuing the story of The Karate Kid has been a passion project for all of us, and when Ralph and Billy said yes, we knew it had become real," said Glenn Adilman, EVP Comedy Development, Sony Pictures Television Studios. "We are thrilled that YouTube Red felt the same thing the minute they heard the pitch and then stepped up with this series commitment."
"Like everyone who grew up in the 1980s, the three of us are enormous fans of The Karate Kid," said Heald, Hurwitz, and Schlossberg. "Cobra Kai will be a true continuation of the original films – packed with comedy, heart, and thrilling fight scenes. We can’t wait to reignite the LaRusso-Lawrence rivalry, and we’re thankful to our partners at YouTube Red, Sony Pictures Television, and Overbrook for their shared enthusiasm in making our dream project a reality."
With over $619 million at the worldwide box office, The Karate Kid franchise has entertained millions of fans for over 3 generations. For years, YouTube fans from around the world have also kept the legend of the films alive through uploads of clips, tributes and related content, amassing over 1 billion views to date.
Management overview:
- * Macchio is represented by Untitled, Buchwald and Hanson, Jacobsen, Teller.
- * Zabka is managed by Gary Ousdahl at Advanced Management and Eric Feig, Feig Law.
- * Overbrook Entertainment is represented by CAA.
- * Hurwitz and Schlossberg are represented by CAA and attorney Adam Kaller at Hansen, Jacobson,Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman L.L.P.
- * Heald is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency and attorney Howard Abramson.
About YouTube
Launched in May 2005, YouTube allows billions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube is a Google company.
About Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing and distributing programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving US production business and operates 18 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 12 countries around the world. Sony Pictures Television is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company.
Media contacts
For YouTube Originals:
Sony Pictures Animation
Gina Stikes
424-354-5957
gstikes@google.com
For Sony Pictures Television Studios:
Jennifer Solari
310-244-6467
Jennifer_Solari@spe.sony.com
