The Oscar-winning actress opted not to return to her roots with a cameo in the Netflix series. Swank previously starred in 1994’s “The Next Karate Kid” in the lead role.

Cobra Kai co-creator Josh Heald has revealed the show invited Hilary Swank to return to her role as Julie Pierce from 1994’s The Next Karate Kid, but the Oscar winner turned them down.

Cobra Kai co-creator Josh Heald is explaining why a Hilary Swank cameo never happened in the show's final season Swank, a two-time Oscar winner, played Julie Pierce in 1994's The Next Karate Kid ...

“Cobra Kai” creators say it was 'disappointing' Hilary Swank turned down an offer to return Kristen Baldwin June 18, 2025 Getty Pat Morita, Hilary Swank, and a hawk in 'The Next Karate Kid' ...

Sadie Stanley chats with THR at the 'Karate Kid: Legends' premiere and talks about now being a part of the 'Karate Kid' franchise. Plus, she dishes on the future of the franchise and says they ...

In contrast, the Netflix series acts more as a true sequel, tying the who's who of the three films from 1984-1989, while ignoring 1994's The Next Karate Kid that starred Hilary Swank and marks Pat ...

Swank and Morita in The Next Karate Kid – Sony 6. The Next Karate Kid (1994) No matter how bad you think or remember The Next Karate Kid to be, trust us. It’s worse. Eventual Oscar winner ...