Ralph Macchio Says the 'Karate Kid' Franchise Needs to Hit Pause to Live Forever

For The Karate Kid franchise to achieve immortality, star Ralph Macchio believes it needs to do one surprising thing first: take a break. The actor, who has played Daniel LaRusso since 1984, suggests a strategic "reset" is crucial for the beloved series' future.

"Between the ['Cobra Kai'] series and the movie with Jackie Chan, all that colliding at the same time, I just think there needs to be a reset," Macchio told PEOPLE in an interview published December 20. He acknowledged the incredible loyalty of the fan base, noting, "It hasn't gone away since 1984."

But to keep that loyalty, he stresses the importance of careful planning. "You want to service and be organic, and be true to the integrity of the characters," he added. "So that's always a challenge once you are in the long game."

The franchise has been especially active recently. The hit Netflix series 'Cobra Kai' concluded its sixth and final season earlier this year, and May saw the release of 'Karate Kid: Legends'. The new film brought Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso together with Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han to help train a new protégé, Li Fong (Ben Wang).

While Macchio confirmed "there's been discussions" about what comes next, he was clear that nothing is imminent. "Something isn't coming tomorrow," he said. "I don't have that secret yet. Maybe we do a few other things. And Cobra Kai never dies. Karate Kid lives forever."