Debate Erupts Over Mr. Miyagi's CGI Cameo in Cobra Kai's Latest Season

Cobra Kai continues to capture audience attention, sparking dialogue across social media. While many fans celebrate the latest episodes as a strong continuation of the series, a particular scene has generated significant debate among viewers who express their discontent online. The controversy originated from a sequence where Daniel LaRusso experiences a dream involving a younger version of Mr. Miyagi after learning of an incident involving his former teacher.

The moment of contention arose when the younger portrayal transitioned into an older version resembling the late Pat Morita, known from the original Karate Kid films. In a discussion with a media outlet, Jon Hurwitz, the showrunner of Cobra Kai, addressed the CGI representation of Mr. Miyagi. He acknowledged the ongoing discussions surrounding the use of digital likenesses of deceased actors within the industry and among the audience. Hurwitz highlighted the careful considerations made in deciding to employ a CGI version of the beloved character.

He conveyed that the choice had been reached with a deep sense of respect. Conversations with Ralph Macchio, who has been a pivotal figure from the inception of the series, contributed to this sensitive undertaking. Mr. Miyagi's influence remains significant in the narrative of Cobra Kai, allowing the team to honor Pat Morita's legacy through various tributes and previous footage.

As the creative team sought to celebrate Morita’s memory, many fans felt the approach lacked the level of respect they anticipated. The use of a digital double to portray Mr. Miyagi was not well received by segments of the fanbase, who believe more subtle representations would have been more appropriate. The response on social media has been fervent, with numerous fans expressing their opinions on platforms like X. Conversations surrounding the ethical implications of digital recreations in entertainment have intensified, particularly in relation to Mr. Miyagi’s visual representation.

Many fans voiced concerns regarding the tastefulness of the cameo and questioned the quality of the CGI. They argued that given the series’ modest budget, the endeavor might not have been executed in a manner that honored the character. Comparisons were drawn to projects like Rogue One, which faced criticism for utilizing CGI to resurrect actors, suggesting that Cobra Kai’s efforts may not have met the high standards expected for such a beloved character. Cobra Kai remains available to watch on Netflix.