William Zabka discusses his transformation from a Karate Kid bully into a Cobra Kai hero: ‘It’s remarkable’
His character was known for his explosive temper and willingness to fight at any time.
And William Zabka is overjoyed to see his character Karate Kid grow from a teen bully to a hero on YouTube’s hit show Red Cobra Kai, who recently found a new home on Netflix.
The 55-year-old spoke to PEOPLE magazine about the trials and tribulations of starring as Johnny Lawrence in the 1984 film, Karate Kid.
Growth: William Zabka is overjoyed to see his character Karate Kid grow from a teen bully to a hero on YouTube’s hit show Red Cobra Kai, who recently found a new home on Netflix
“For years I have had parents dragging their children to find me just to point out the biggest bully on the planet,” he said.
Lawrence was known for his aggressive attitude and willingness to win at any cost, even if it meant breaking the rules.
Zabka faced Ralph Macchiao in the classic cult film, where he ended up losing the 1984 All-Valley Karate Tournament, despite a low blow to Ralph’s character, Daniel LaRusso.
Damn: Zabka faced Ralph Macchiao in the cult classic film, where he ended up losing the 1984 All-Valley Karate Tournament, despite a low blow to Ralph’s character, Daniel LaRusso
Power: In Cobra Kai, Lawrence struggles with his identity more than three decades after the fateful departure, only to recover and become a hero in the community
In Cobra Kai, Lawrence struggles with his identity more than three decades after the fateful departure, only to recover and become a hero in the community.
“Having people cheering for my character, so I can feel it, is something I never experienced,” he said. “It is remarkable.”
When working with Macchiao again, William said: ‘Our story was right there, even more than we could have imagined.’
Hard work: the 55-year-old actor talked to PEOPLE magazine about the trials and tribulations of starring as Johnny Lawrence in the 1984 film, Karate Kid
Friends forever: When working with Macchiao again, William said: ‘Our story was right there, even more than we could have imagined’
While the fourth season went green in October, the third season shows the consequences of a violent fight between dojos, which left Miguel, played by Xolo Mariduena, in a coma.
Johnny and Daniel also came together, albeit ex-rivals, to save John Kreese’s dojo, played by Martin Krove.
Cobra Kai also stars Peyton List, Gianni Decenzo, Jacob Bertrand, Mary Mouser, Tanner Buchanan and Courtney Henggeler.
The show is executive produced by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg through their production company called Counterbalance Entertainment.
Fight night: while the fourth season went green in October, the third season shows the aftermath of a violent fight between dojos, which left Miguel, played by Xolo Mariduena, in a coma