The third season of is streaming now on Netflix, which prompted an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon by star Ralph Macchio. While he was there to promote the new episodes of the series, he also dropped an interesting bombshell about the movie that started it all, The Karate Kid. Did you know that wasn’t the film’s original title?
While playing a game with Fallon, Macchio admitted that he originally hated the title The Karate Kid, thinking it was too hokey. But it’s worlds better than what the movie was originally going to be called. According to Macchio, director John G. Avildsen told him initially that the film was to be called East Meets West in West.
Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and the movie was renamed The Karate Kid, leading to the franchise we all know and love. Honestly, how would that title have worked for the sequels? Who is going to watch The Next East Meets West in West?
That wasn’t the only bit of trivia Macchio revealed in the segment, which you can watch above. Additionally, he revealed that in some international territories, the movie was titled The Moment of Truth. Meanwhile, Macchio said that other actors considered for his role of Daniel LaRusso were Charlie Sheen, Robert Downey Jr., and Nicolas Cage. Sit for a second and imagine The Karate Kid with Nicolas Cage. Someone should make that movie now.
To wrap up his appearance, Macchio played lawyer to present his case for why the iconic crane kick from the first Karate Kid film was a legal maneuver. We’re not going to argue with him.
The third season of Cobra Kai is streaming on Netflix now. After you watch it, check out our interviews with the producers about what’s next for , in Season 4.
