Ralph Macchio Reflects on ‘The Outsiders’ Legacy and New ‘Karate Kid’ Film

TULSA, Okla. — Ralph Macchio, best known for his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso in “The Karate Kid,” recently reflected on the enduring legacy of “The Outsiders,” the 1983 film that launched his career. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie starred a young ensemble cast, including Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, and Diane Lane, and became a cultural touchstone for a generation.

Based on S.E. Hinton’s novel, “The Outsiders” follows the rivalry between two gangs in 1960s Tulsa: the working-class Greasers and the affluent Socs. The film grossed $25 million against a $10 million budget and has since inspired a 1990 TV series and a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical in 2023. Macchio, who played Johnny Cade, a troubled Greaser, credits the film with shaping his career and showcasing his ability to handle complex roles.

“The Outsiders has stayed with me throughout my career,” Macchio said during a recent interview at the 2024 Director’s Guild Honors. He recalled how Coppola challenged him to deliver authentic performances, even using unconventional methods like handing him a rock to distract him from overthinking. “[Coppola] kept telling me to do it again and to stop thinking,” Macchio said. “It actually helped because it took me out of over-analyzing.”

Macchio’s portrayal of Johnny Cade, a character who struggles with domestic abuse and ultimately sacrifices himself to save children from a fire, remains one of the film’s most poignant performances. His dying words, “Stay gold, Ponyboy,” have become an iconic line in cinematic history.

In June 2024, Macchio attended the Broadway adaptation of “The Outsiders” with his family, reconnecting with the story that launched his career. He met with Sky Lakota-Lynch, who plays Johnny in the musical, and praised the production’s success, which earned four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Meanwhile, Macchio is preparing for another milestone in his career: the release of “Karate Kid: Legends,” a new installment in the beloved franchise. The film, set to premiere on May 30, 2025, reunites Macchio with Jackie Chan, who reprises his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 reboot. The story follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, as he navigates life in New York City and trains under the guidance of both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso.

Macchio’s co-star Jacob Bertrand, from the Netflix series “Cobra Kai,” shared that the actor was nervous about filming fight scenes with Chan. “[Macchio] said Jackie Chan still moves like he’s a 20-year-old, and it’s really scary to fight with him,” Bertrand revealed. “But he said the fights went super well, and I’m stoked for the movie.”

As “The Outsiders” continues to resonate with audiences and “Karate Kid: Legends” approaches its release, Macchio remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, bridging generations through his enduring performances.