‘Cobra Kai’: Ralph Macchio Says Final Episodes Feel Like ’80s ‘Karate Kid’ Movie (Exclusive)

Ralph Macchio is ready to wrap up “Cobra Kai” with the third and final part of Season 6.

“Extra’s” Melvin Robert spoke with Ralph, who shared, “It was time to land the plane.” He added, “It felt right. It felt great that Netflix gave the writers enough time to land it and tie it up where it needed to me.”

Macchio noted, “I don’t say goodbye, I say, ‘See you later.'” He laughed, “This is the ‘Karate Kid’ franchise. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since 1984, never say never and you just never know.”

He continued, “But for this story, this cast, this group this chapter — that’s probably the best way to put it — for this chapter, it felt right, and I really think they nailed it.”

Ralph teased of the last episodes, “It feels like a big fat ’80s ‘Karate Kid’ movie in the end. It’s that wish fulfillment, that aspiration. It’s the fan service in a good way, like the movies we used to see, getting all the goosebumps and the tears and the feels and the cheers. I can’t wait to get the reaction from the world.”

Macchio said about ending the series, “I felt like if we push the story in another 10 episodes, we’d really start undercutting the integrity of what we were able to do.”

Ralph also opened up about the upcoming “Karate Kid: Legends” movie with Jackie Chan, which he said will showcase “the infusion of kung fu and karate.”

Without revealing too much, he shared, “It’s a new chapter in the grand universe, years after the events of ‘Cobra Kai’… It’s super exciting, another kid, another story, same themes, different story, and I’m just excited to have the opportunity. And the big screen is pretty cool, been a while.”

Ralph reflected on what he’ll miss most about “Cobra Kai,” reflecting, “I would say, playing some of these scenes with Mary Mouser, who plays my daughter.”

He elaborated, “You’re a parent for life. My kids are in their early 30s, late 20s, but there are certain chapters that are over and I miss them. It’s knowing that that chapter is done, so there’s a little bit of melancholy,” Ralph explained.

“There’s also a great deal of pride. I feel I’ve been a good parent to my kids and they’ve been good kids to me and I feel that same way in a mirror effect with the young cast of ‘Cobra Kai.’”

Macchio didn’t forget William Zabka, saying, “What a journey we’ve been on for 41 years, and that we were nemeses… and now we’re best friends, not only on-screen but off. If you asked me that 20 years ago, that would not be the script that I thought would happen, and so that’s kinda wonderful.”

Ralph praised William for his “dedication” and “integrity” while playing Johnny Lawrence. He explained, “I just think he had a lot on him, because if Johnny Lawrence didn’t, if Zakba as Lawrence did not pay off, then LaRusso could do anything in the world and it may not have saved the show. You needed him to be great and both of us to make music together.”

Melvin also chatted with the young cast of “Cobra Kai,” who weighed in on the final episodes. Watch below!