The sixth and final season of the hit seriesCobra Kaiis now on hold, as writers declare “pencils down” and join the picket line in a fight for fair wages and better working conditions.Cobra Kaico-creator and co-writer Jon Hurwitz has taken toTwitterand other social media to reveal that, while they hate to strike, the lacking response from studios has forced them to stop work on the Netflix show.
“We hate to strike, but if we must, we strike hard,” Hurwitz said in his post as he references the sort of mantra shouted byCobra Kaihero Johnny Lawrence. “Pencils down in theCobra Kaiwriters room. No writers on set. These aren’t fun times, but it’s unfortunately necessary. The moment a fair deal is in place, we’ll get back to kicking ass. In the meantime, sending strength and support to the negotiating committee. You got this.”
Cobra Kaihas been a massive success since it began back in 2018. First debuting on YouTube Red before moving to Netflix with its third season in 2021, the series, which picks up more than 30 years after the events of 80s hitThe Karate Kid, has seen high viewership on the streaming platform ever since as well as being met with praise from both critics and audiences alike.
How the halt in writing will affect production and release date remains to be seen, but after six weeks of negotiating with the likes of Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, and more was met with a disappointing outcome the Writers Guild of America (WGA) felt there was no choicebut to go on strikefor the first time in 15 years.
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Cobra Kai Will End With Season 6
It was recently confirmed thatCobra Kaiwillreturn to the mat one last timefor season six. Earlier this year,Cobra Kaicreators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg releasing a joint statement and expressing their love for theKarate Kidfranchise before sending a special thanks to fans. “When Daniel LaRusso arrived in the Valley with his mother in 1984, little did he know that his life was about to be forever changed,” Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg said in the statement at the time. “The same went for three young kids from New Jersey who hadn’t yet met one another. Daniel’s journey from bullied teen to underdog hero became an indelible part of our childhoods, and something that we would always carry with us in our hearts.”
They continued adding, “Our day one goal withCobra Kaihas always been to end it on our terms, leaving the Valley in the time and place we’ve always imagined. So it is with immense pride and thankfulness that we are able to announce that achievement. The upcoming Season Six will mark the conclusion ofCobra Kai. While this may be a bittersweet day for the fandom, the Miyagiverse has never been stronger. This fandom is the BEST on the planet and we hope to be telling more Karate Kid stories with you down the line. Because as we all know,Cobra KaiNever Dies.”
Starring Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, Jacob Bertrand, Martin Kove, Peyton List, and Thomas Ian Griffith, the first five seasons ofCobra Kaiare now available to stream on Netflix.
