Cobra Kai Season 6: Honoring Chad McQueen
Cobra Kai season 6, divided into three parts, marks the thrilling conclusion of the best “Karate Kid” installment yet. However, creators have hinted at a potential spin-off focused on the beloved character of Mr. Miyagi, originally played by the late Pat Morita, with Brian Takahashi portraying a younger version in “Cobra Kai.” This series is celebrated for its reverence toward the original “Karate Kid” films and the actors involved, and the final season continues this tradition.
The premiere episode of “Cobra Kai” season 6 part 2, titled “Benvinguts a Barcelona,” features a heartfelt tribute to Chad McQueen, known for his role as Dutch, a fellow Cobra Kai student alongside Johnny Lawrence, portrayed by William Zabka, in “The Karate Kid” (1984) and its sequel. McQueen sadly passed away on September 11, 2024, at the age of 63, just two months before the episode’s release on November 15. The show honored him with a credits card showcasing an image of his character, alongside his birth and death years, accompanied by the enduring phrase: “Cobra Kai never dies.”
Despite being a significant figure in the original films, Dutch has not appeared in the current timeline of “Cobra Kai.” When Johnny reunites with fellow Cobra Kai friends Bobby, Jimmy, and Tommy in season 2’s “Take a Right,” it is revealed that Dutch is incarcerated. Series co-creator Josh Heald expressed in 2024 that there were numerous attempts to integrate Dutch back into the storyline. He stated, “We love Chad McQueen so much. We were so fortunate to have met him and discussed the possibility of involving him in the show. After some scheduling conflicts in season 2 and further creative considerations in season 5, we explored multiple ways to bring him back, as Dutch is an important character for us.”
Sadly, McQueen’s character is primarily referenced through flashbacks and stories. Tragically, he isn’t the only original Cobra Kai member to be honored in this way. The impetus for the season 2 reunion is Tommy’s struggle with a grave illness, resulting in his passing before the episode concludes. Rob Garrison, who played Tommy, died in 2019 at the age of 59, and also received a tribute card similar to McQueen’s in the season 3 episode “Aftermath.”
