When Karate Kid came out in 1984, it was a game-changer. Everyone watched the movie and it was an instant classic. Now, years later, people still reflect on the film with admiration. Cobra Kai has allowed the legacy to live on, with new characters added to the mix.
Just like other action-centered TV shows, Cobra Kai is an excellent series for people who like to see the underdog come out on top. Karate is a sport that requires dedication and precision and this show focuses on this and so much more. And the behind-the-scenes facts about the show are just as exciting.
Billy Zabka Almost Didn't Want To Reprise His Role
In the 80s, he played the "villain" character in Karate Kid who everyone wanted to see get taken down. In Cobra Kai, he redeems himself by becoming a sensei.
Billy Zabka talked about reprising his role at the Tribeca Film Festival, when he said, "It was a little painful in a way. It's Pandora's Box for him. It's the snake that bit him, you know." Luckily, he did decide to go along with things and join the cast of Cobra Kai.
Jacob Bertrand's Mohawk Takes An Hour
The mohawk that Jacob Bertrand wears in the show takes the hair and makeup team around an hour, each day, before filming. That is a long time to spend on a hairdo! The character Jacob plays, Eli, rocks this hairdo to raise his self-esteem.
Mohawks have traditionally been worn by rockstars, punks, and rebels. When the character of Eli arrives at the dojo with this hairdo, viewers can tell that he is feeling extra confident.
Xolo Maridueña's Training Was Beyond Intense
Xolo Maridueña told Glitter Mag Rocks, "[My training] was a daily 2-4-hour regiment [sic] of working with professional stunts, martial arts, boxing, strength and yoga instructor teams to get me in amazing shape."
He went on to say, "It is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It wasn’t just about learning martial arts, it was about the entire task of learning martial arts and then using it in a way that can be choreographed and filmed." Obviously, his training was worthwhile, as he looks like a karate master in Cobra Kai.
Mary Mouser Got To Keep Her Cute Outfit From Sam & Miguel's Date In Season 1
It isn't common for actors and actresses to keep their wardrobe clothing after filming episodes of a TV show or movie. In Mary Mouser's case, she was the exception. In season one of Cobra Kai, the characters of Sam and Miguel go on a date together.
Mary Mouser actually got permission to keep the outfit she wore for that scene - an awesome piece of memorabilia from her time on the show.
Hilary Swank Might Join The Cast
Jon Hurwitz, the show's creator said, "We have not yet reached out to Hilary Swank but we do think about her as somebody who is part of the Karate Kid canon and who could exist in the world of Cobra Kai." If the stars align, it would be great to see Hilary Swank on Cobra Kai.
Hilary Swank has so many things going on that viewers are hoping she could make the time to appear on Cobra Kai at some point. Most recently, she's taken on the leading role in Netflix's Away.
Ralph Macchio Enjoys Working With The Younger Actors And Staff Writers
According to Uproxx, Ralph Macchio said, "Well, the kids are just great and wonderful to work with. And the writing staff is writing it fully, and the cast is big, so it’s nice to see that." It's no surprise that the first two seasons have been so great - the cast and crew work together in an amazing way.
Ralph Macchio has come a long way since taking on the role of Daniel in the original 1984 Karate Kid film when he trained with Mr. Miyagi and his opinion is both important and noteworthy.
Will Smith Is A Producer
Will Smith is known for being a talented actor and musician, but what a lot of people might not know is that he is also a producer and behind the funding of Cobra Kai, which proves that he definitely has good taste.
Will Smith rose to fame in the 90s and grew up watching the original Karate Kid film, which is what most likely inspired him to become a producer of Cobra Kai.
Cobra Kai Was Released On YouTube Premium Before Netflix
Before Cobra Kai made its big debut on Netflix, it was released on YouTube premium. It didn't nearly get as much clout as it deserved on YouTube premium. Plenty of people heard about it, sure, but not everyone actually took the time to watch it.
It's clear that Netflix is the streaming service that is winning these days because any series or movie that lands on Netflix's list tends to thrive.
The Cast Filmed In Atlanta & Los Angeles
Many series and movies are filmed in Hollywood but Cobra Kai did a bit of filming in Atlanta, Georgia, as well.
Mary Mouser approved of the state location, saying, "I loved Atlanta itself, there was an amazing burger place called Fred’s that I ate at almost every day, I’m sure. It was fun. It felt like summer camp like somewhere none of us have ever lived before, so it was a lot of fun getting to explore Atlanta." The filming locations used were perfect for the first two seasons.
Peyton List Never Thought She'd Land Her Cobra Kai Role
Peyton List admitted, "I received the audition super last minute the night before and never in my wildest dreams would’ve thought I could play the character. It was such a happy shock when I got it." The actress easily deserves her role on Cobra Kai!
Prior to landing her role on Cobra Kai, as Tory, Peyton List has mostly been known for her work on the Disney Channel and she starred on both Jessie and Bunk'd.