Based on this information, it doesn't feel like watching "Cobra Kai" is at all necessary to enjoy "Karate Kid: Legends." Instead, fans of the franchise should turn their heads to the original movies starring Macchio and Pat Morita, as well as "The Karate Kid" from 2010 starring Chan and Jaden Smith.

Ultimately, while the movie sticks to that standalone promise pretty strongly, and Daniel actually has a relatively small role, there are two scenes that touch upon other aspects of the larger Karate Kid franchise - specifically tied to The Karate Kid Part II and, yes, Cobra Kai.