Just a few weeks ago, Netflix broke the news thatCobra Kaiwould be returning a bit earlier than usual with the show’s fifth season now destined for a September premiere. Nonetheless, even more details are starting to be revealed about the plot, with confirmation that actor Alicia Hannah-Kim will be one of the new senseis in town.
Cobra Kaiseason 4 ended withthe devious Terry Silver(Thomas Ian Griffith) resorting to outright criminal behavior to gain control of the San Fernando Valley’s karate scene, ousting former friend and fellow villain John Kreese from his position. Right at the end of season 4, Silver was seen calling an old friend to help him manage Cobra Kai’s business expansion, and while it was initially believed that wasKarate Kid 3’s Mike Barnes, it turns Hannah-Kim might be the one lending a hand.
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As reported by Deadline, Hannah-Kim has been cast as a South Korean sensei who will go by the name of Kim Da-Eun. However, regarding how she will factor inCobra Kai’splot, the only known so far is that she will play a new sensei recruited by Silver. The news came bundled with word of young Kenny Payne (Dallas Dupree Young) being promoted to the rank of series regular after last season established a new rivalry between him and Anthony LaRusso (Griffin Santopietro).
Hannah-Kim’s most recent recurring role was in HBO Max’sMinx, where she played a character by the name of Wendy Mah, and she also has appearances in ABC’sMixed-ishto her name. Dupree Young found mainstream recognition thanks to hiswelcome addition toCobra Kai. New sensei Kim Da-Eun sees each side add numbers to their respective causes, as Miyagi-Do last saw Daniel Larusso bring in his former rival Chozen (Yuji Okumoto).
This new casting news might not be exactly whatKarate Kidfans had hoped for, as for months now the show’s creators, Josh Heald and Jon Hurwitz, have teased how they would love to bring backHilary Swank to reprise her role as Julie PiercefromThe Next Karate Kid. On the other hand, provided she’s not a mindless drone, this new mentor could mean good news for the Valley’s current female champion, Tory Nichols, whose bittersweet title seems like the cherry on top of an already difficult life.
In any case, this is just a tiny part ofwhatCobra Kaiwill be tackling come Septemberbecause most eyes will be on sensei Lawrence and his son Robby heading down to Mexico to look for Miguel, which could also mean a new cast member entering the fray to play his father.
Cobra Kaiseason 5 will premiere exclusively on Netflix on May 16, 2025.
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