Oral History of 'Cobra Kai' with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka | Rotten Tomatoes
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- Опубликовано: 29 апр 2019
- John G. Avildsen's 1984 underdog story 'The Karate Kid' is a beloved cultural touchstone for moviegoers of a certain age, but there was no way to know how well its spinoff series, 'Cobra Kai,' would be received. Luckily, the creators of 'Cobra Kai' capitalized on a pouplar reading of the original film that argued Daniel LaRusso was the real bully of the story, then decided to explore how that pivotal fight could have impacted the lives of both him and Johnny Lawrence decades later, and the result was a smash hit with both critics and audiences. With two seasons of the show now available to stream on RUclips Premium, we sat down with stars Ralph Macchio (Daniel) and William Zabka (Johnny) to talk about how the show came together, including what it took to convince them to join the project, what it was like to revisit the 'Karate Kid' world after so many years, and how they infused elements from the original movies into 'Cobra Kai.'
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I noticed that Johnny Lawrence takes on the role Mr. Myagi in the series. He's a handy/maintenance man living a rundown apartment complex and protects and trains young Miguel from his high school bullies and enters him in the All Valley Tournament and wins. It's a hell of a plot twist.
Yes, but in a Cobra Kai way. That's why this show is so special, for this little details
You're like a mile behind.
Brilliant!
Good call.
no wonder they've neutered you Potatohead
Johnny's voice got deeper with age, Daniel's voice got higher pitched with age! Lol
Ralph's voice has become a mix of Martin Sheen and Joe Pesci the older he gets.
This is how you respect the original characters and present new ones to the new generation. Learn this Disney's Star Wars!
i'm thinking for Star Wars they really should have just gone with the Marvel formula. Start with individual stories then combine.
Well said!
Since Disney bought Star Wars, Star Wars more and more become a cartoon.
@@jpsholland Star Wars has always been a cartoon. Ewoks? Jawas? All the elements of a cartoon have been there from the beginning. Disney didn't change that aspect at all.
Aww come on now... Daniella Laruso vs Jenny Lawrence would have been soooo woke!
I’m so glad they decided to make Cobra Kai.
Bottom line, SAME. This just... look at your forearms when you smiled and saw this again. Goosebumps? [Y/N]
As am I.
Most deft Cobra Kai is more cache.
Can't wait for season 4
I loved how Johnny's gang got back together for a one night ride, this whole series is really great!
Yes, the chemistry with Johnny and Daniel is amazingly suspenseful. It gives fans the "satisfaction" 35 years later or a "closure" to the story. Zabka is getting lots of accolades he didn't get before, since he was the bad guy in the original. His "older Johnny", shows a side that people want to root for too...so that must be interesting for Zabka to finally experience.
@namikejohnson .....you know Zabaka and Machio are getting paid big money , which I'm sure they were salivating for all these decades . And most of all, getting to finally do the "final story" of Karate Kid the right way, which is why they agreed to do it. And the big-money probably came at a good time for them in their lives....so it's a win-win for the people in the original cast.
It’s a huge bromance. They had drinks together!!!
@@cndvd They were approached many times and Macchio was always the one who held back because he didn't want to, in his own words, "keep dipping at that well". So finally they had a different pitch and he was onboard. It also helps that they're both executive producers in the show so of course they're getting tons of money both as leads and as executive producers.
@Jim Harol Too bad in the process they underwrote Daniel. Daniel is a compelling character and I feel like he still has room to grow as a character but they intentionally sidelined and underwrote him to boost Johnny. Its a shame because I enjoyed Daniel's side of the story more than Johnny's which tend to go a little cliche and tropey at times.
Battōsai _ ...yes it’s not really for the money. They wanted it done right with a fitting story.
Will not be satisfied until they’re both standing together on the podium accepting an Emmy
Both these guys look younger and fitter than most actors today. They'll easily pass for early to mid 40s
Wait how old actually are they? I legit thought they were 40
@@zionasomy_8006 58 years old
@@miguelcardenas6825 oh thankss
@@miguelcardenas6825 wtffff
Jonny is 55 and Daniel San is 59
This show really is a masterpiece. I binged watched both seasons in two days last weekend on Netflix. I'm glad I came across. DON'T MISS OUT GUYS!!!
I binge watched it all in one night , it's only 10 episodes per season it took me less then a day, what's even more impressive is the fact that I was able to watch all 15 seasons of supernatural in 2months back in 2019..
They look like close friends in real life😃
They are
This show is a masterpiece! I love how William Zabka is now the underdog in this story and his character, Johnny is very grounded which a lot of people can relate to. I like how Johnny is trying to actually change for the better but he always ends up being misunderstood or be in a wrong place at the wrong time.
I agree with everything else you said MIkePoo, but I don't think Johnny Lawrence is very grounded. He is an active Alcoholic.
HoldenNY22 Alcoholism is a pretty common issue that most people can relate too.
I agree with everything you said except I would add that Johnny isn't just a victim of bad circumstance, he also says and does poisonous things that cause problems. Whats really great is you can see Kreese's toxic influence showing through in ways Johnny doesn't realize but the show handles it in a brilliantly nuanced way. His toxic Kreese influence works and helps just enough to reinforce it as "right" to Johnny (when it empowers the "losers" to stop getting bullied for example) but it also screws things up for him when he finally gets on a good track too. Haven't we all cringed when he gives horrible backwards advice or says something offensive that really doesn't help his character?
AND alcoholic
@@lazysod3 amen! I wasn't a fan of the trailer because I'm not a fan of flipping the script: bad = good and good = bad, but I decided to give the series a chance. Thankfully I did because this show doesn't necessarily deals in extremes (except for Kreese maybe?). The characters have their opinions, but the writers are firmly on the side of bad circumstance breeds bad behavior. You can understand each characters flaws and each of them is willing to admit when they're wrong. It may just take them a while.
When I first saw ads for this, I rolled my eyes thinking it was just a desperate cash grab from some washed up actors. But everyone kept saying how good it was, so I watched one episode just to see. Now I can't stop. They have caught lightning in a bottle. Pure, unapologetic 80s. The writing is top notch. The character development is so well thought out. And I love how they flipped the script (they even point that out specifically in their own dialog) so good guys become bad guys and vice versa. This is a master class for writing good characters and they've done it in a way that is deceptively simple.
I'm truly shocked by how enjoyable this series is. It actually made me cry a few times.
Yeah, I absolutely love it. One of my all time favourite shows and it made me cry a few times as well 😂. Cannot wait for season 4 though, I know it’s gonna just get better as it goes on considering it has so far for me
I was a little skeptical of the spinoff, but my husband convinced me to give it a try. I binge watched it without him. 🙊 I couldn’t resist LOL!
Lol it's amazing
I totally understand!
Every moment of the show is great. Daniel and Johnny have a great chemistry. I love when they are friends in the show
Is it just me or do Ralph and Bill look really cute just bro’ing out and talking about the good ol days.
Season two is better than “85%” it’s more like 95%
Ethan Turrano some how s1 got 100 and 2 got 85 S2 is wayyyyyyyyyy better
A Rotten Tomatoes number isn't a rating of quality or a review in its own right, it's a hard count of the number of registered professional critics who are overall positive on a work vs the number who are overall negative on it. You can't "disagree" with a Tomato rating any more than you can disagree that 1+1=2. You can disagree with the individual opinions of the negative critics, but you can't say they _didn't_ give the opinions that they did and that the Tomatoes score is "wrong".
@@kasym66kg Season two is very good, but it isn't anywhere near "wayyyyy better" than season one. Be realistic.
Agreed
Given the original film has an 88 i think 85 is pretty fair.
The similarities between Miguel and Danny of the 80's is uncanny.
I KNOW RIGHT I keep thinking this!!
Amazing how Ralph Macchio has always looked so much younger than he really is. I'm a big fan of Karate Kid, so gotta watch this series!
Every time they play back a scene with Mr. Miyagi, I instantly tear up. He was and will always be my favorite character in the entire Karate Kid franchise. The characters of Daniel and Johnny are "pretty okay too"
Aaaaaa, I know what ya mean maaaaaaan. Didnt you just WISH you could have found a friend like Mr. Miyagi when you were a kid? He was just PHENOMINAL! And I'll love Pat Morita forever for giving us Mr. Miyagi.
When I first saw the trailer for this show, I was worried it'd make Danny out to be the bad guy, but instead, I was happy to be able to root for both characters, and curse every time something happened that pitted them against one another again. The tournament was really hard to watch for me because I didn't know who I wanted to win more.
Me too! I was all set to be disappointed but luckily the show blew away all expectations and it absolutely didn't go the way of disney star wars. Can't wait for season 3 & 4!
I have never seen a movie or show that tastefully blends the old characters with the new ones. It is truly a masterpiece what they've done. This series blew me away, the quality of acting AND writing is superb. There are no flaws, zero. Oh, and Kreese is amaaazing, too....
Its interesting watching them almost get over the past and be cool so many times, then some event or misunderstanding happens and rips em apart again.
I binge watch the entire season as soon as it comes out.Ahh the memories.Loved the movies.Also,love that Johnny is stuck in the 80s because it was the best time,and so is the music!Awesome series.
The only thing bad about season 2 was there was only 10 episodes
lIterally the only thing wrong
Getting Johnny's perspective/back story was great.
You know the lore of karate kid is a part of you, when you have to remind yourself it’s just a story.
RIP - Pat Morita / Miyagi.
I didn't think I'd like this show because I thought it might be cheesy, etc....It's actually amazing and Johnny is my favorite character on TV right now. The best parts don't have much to do with karate.
How about Hawk?
This is how you bring back a classic.
“Karate kid “ is an American cult classic, and this “cobra Kai “ is pure genius, love those two from the karate kid days!
I'd just like to see Johnny get better from his abusive relationship with his sensei.
Yes....
I just want things to start looking up for Johnny in season 3.... especially after the season 2 final.
It's just come to Netflix and watched season 1 so far - fantastic! The 'illegal' kick and Jonny's point of view of Daniel stepping to take his girlfriend was spot on. Daniel was always a bit whiny, impulsive and entitled. Barny Stinson in How I Met Your Mother set all this up and seeing it covered for real as part of canon is a genius move. The constant cameos and Easter eggs are endearing and they certainly know how to leave an episode cliff hanger. Very well done.
"Where's the funny?" RALPH I CAN'T
Talk about a Season 2 cliff-hanger. Evil Kreese steals poor Johnny’s dojo then he just leaves his car at the beach. Turned out a great show as I had little expectation going into it after rewatching the horrific Karate Kid 3…
There needs to be a DVD Blu-Ray release of this show
Agreed!
Agreed x2
Disagreed x1
X4
x5
This show is amazing. I really enjoy the gradually increase tension and pace with the show. I enjoy the fact that Daniel is an egomaniac that isn't over the top, but just enough so that he thinks he has a solution for everything. i'm waiting for that shoe to drop. Then Johnny who hit rock bottom, is now challenging the negative emotions into something "better" but there is always someone who is his devil on the shoulder that keeps him back. I love the fact they wrote Johnny now as an anti hero. This show is definitely organic and flows naturally. Never thought it possible for this universe but they did it.
I disagree about Daniel being an egomaniac. I think Daniel is acting the way he is because of trauma. Lots of trauma. He almost died twice at the hands of Johnny and the Cobra Kais. That's got to do a number on your sanity and all of Daniel's fears (irrational or otherwise) came to the surface when Cobra Kai resurfaced. For me, Daniel only did one thing that was wrong and that was he jacked up the rental price but other than that, his actions weren't as bad as what the Cobra Kais did to him. He even realizes that his goal isn't to destroy them and he even tries to talk to Robby about giving Johnny a second chance. So I don't know where this hate is coming from of Daniel. A lot of the issues in the show are caused by the two of them not seeing things eye to eye. Like Louie was the one who set Johnny's car on fire. Daniel had nothing to do with it or when the Miyagi Do dojo is ransacked by Cobra Kai students, Johnny didn't know. Everytime those two do become friends or start to become friends their kids/student messe it up.
I am so happy with this show on so many levels. They do a great job of humanizing Johnny & seeing the other side we never saw in the movie. Most of all, it is very nostalgic to watch.
I am really diggin' Cobra Kai. I love Zabka's character as much as Macchio's. Great show!
It's kinda weird now as a Gen-Xer finding Johnny, the once bad guy, more attractive, than Daniel.
absolutely ! Johnny to me is the guy everyone is pulling for watching cobra kai, such a good character in this show
Ralph Macchio aged better than Johnny. Johnny looks pretty old.
@Dana Barry Ralph is and always will be the better looking one..
Ooooooooomg SAME!
I completely agree and I was Daniel fan when I was a teen.
I don’t care what they say. I don’t think either of them has changed since 1984.
This show didn't just meet expectations it blew them out of the water, so excellent. Bravo!
Okay first off an 85% for season 2 is insulting. It should definitely be higher than that. And unlike the rest of the fans I do not want you to rush on season 3 or increase the length of each episode. Take your time and do what you've been doing I love it.
Yup pretty much done with Star Wars. Will not go to the new one in Dec wait for the DVD.
All the kids interpersonal drama and love triangles brought it down to me. 85% sounds about right.
Agree
Brings me tears in my eyes.
This how you create something really great and special.
A legacy.
Not cashing off and milking a cow till she dies.
I am really glad that I have found this.
Zabka is so fun to watch in this show. I hope his character gets some redemption.
I love this show, the chemistry between Ralph and William is really amazing! can't wait for season 3 and more!
Bill Zabka is like Austin Powers waking up in a new century, trying to adjust to a new generation. I like his character in this reboot. He is trying to adjust to a modern era, and failing, which is funny.
SO WELL DONE!!!! Congrats William and Ralph on a GREAT SERIES!!! However many seasons you do, release this on DVD!
Guys... This is perhaps the best series I have ever seen. It's SO well written and put together it's nuts. The dialogue, the pacing, so many side stories and it never fall apart. All scenes mean something to the plot.. This is masterfully created.
These guys are both great actors would love to see them in more roles in movies and series.
Look at the joy in their faces as they talk about it!
This show is equal parts indie drama, 80s rock, and power rangers. I love it.
It is so cool that they have been friends for decades
I live on a sailboat, my cat's name is Mr. Meowgi
Hahahaha! BRILLIANT!
Go to the Miyagi Prefecture in Japan
100th like! Also lol 😂
So is Meowgi a fisherman too?
Season 2 is awesome! I dare to say it's even better than Season 1, more profound. It should be at least 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
That wait for season 3 though...Gonna be rough!
I heard they started pre production before Season 2 premiered. I think it’ll be 9 months at most before we get a 3rd season.
Yeah I think score should be higher too. I think they’re comparing it to Season 1 unfortunately. But it holds it own.
Uhm I wouldnt say that it's better on the whole miss understanding thing but it was more of a soap opera
You mean it had engaging drama with well written twists and turns to keep the audience guessing?
Just power watched season 1 and 2. This is an awesome continuation of a great movie, the flash backs to the eighties are a nice addition to the show. Ralph and William really make the show. Great series!!!
I don’t think I’ve ever hated and loved a show equally so much
Huge chemistry between the actors. Awesome ...
Season One was Epic!
Season 2? Jaw dropping!
And now, just knowing there REALLY IS going to be a Season 3?
OMG, Soooooooooooooooo excited and you can tell,THIS is for ALL of the Fans, Past Present & Future!
Cobra-Kai & Miyagi-Do 4 EVER!
If the kicks illegal how come no one brings up when Miguel did it 😂🤔
It was illegal when Danny did it because it was a kick to the head. Miguel didn't go above the shoulders so it was safe.
Gregory Joslin he did hit him in the head
@@gregoryjoslin3173 What do you mean? People were getting hit in the face in that tournament, including Danny. It was still a point.
Johnny told Miguel to do it as Daniel's watching that fight. I think that would humiliate or invalidate Daniel's victory if he or someone calls it out as an illegal kick.
Yeah plus johnny kicked Daniel in the head soooooo yeah and that kick was legall.
Just started to watch it yesterday. Good opening episode. Mr. Zabka really makes you feel for him while he's having a really bad day.
I've finished season 2, and this is what I have been reduced to, watching Hollywood interviews. Season 3, your presence is required!
To be honest, I never thought I'd enjoy this series as much as I am. Close to my favorite modern series next to Netflix's Daredevil. So incredible, can't wait for season 3!
They both drank from the fountain of youth, along with Kove and Elizabeth Shue. They all look fantastic.
The return of Kreese and the cameo of the old Cobra gang was brilliant.
Wife and I fully addicted to this fun show.
Never been more excited for a show, like, EVER! I'm addicted to it, even have considered taking karate. I gotta remind myself that I'm not Sam or Tory and that my life isn't part of the Cobra Kai universe 😩😂 Still love it tho!! 🐍
JKYB7088 I know right! Me too.
Defeat does not exist
Same I became addicted to this show, I identify with the characters so much and was depressed when I binged watched season 2 so quickly. Not even a big TV watcher and I'm hooked
I started Karate a few months before the 1984 original came out. I've stayed with it and taught my son. You should study it; you won't regret it.
@@joeslater2390 No, sensei! 🐍 Lol, I might as well do it 😬
I'm surprised that Ralph and William haven't mentioned the How I Met Your Mother episode "The Bro Mitzvah" (Season 8, Episode 22) which put the "illegal face kick" theory out there, and of course they both guest starred in!
HIMYM totally put the wheels in motion for this show to be made. Neil Patrick Harris should do a little cameo in it sometime.
This series gives me a good feeling with/about myself, it is definitely a bit of nostalgia, but so much more!!!
Thanks guys for making this all happen!
Damn best show, i want elizabeth shue for 3 season, make it happen
the 1st part of this intv when they talk about her (on a separate webpage).. look at their faces at the end of that part.. I think it's gonna happen
Me too. I loved her in there movie
Yep, Elizabeth Shue is in season 3, and there are rumours Thomas Ian Griffith is also back to play Terry Silver
She died in the boys
@@narcissus79 I kinda don't want Elizabeth Shue after she dissed Ralph and Billy.
I've seen the 3 movies and "The Next Karate Kid" with Hilary Swank back in 1994. Remember in 1984 when "The Karate Kid" was a #1 Hit back in theatres in 1984 when I saw it in the movies and how even today and back then, Bullying was a major concern and the movie focused more of that concept. After all these years, It is good to see a series like this comes out like the 1984 movie came out, made money, and was the talk of movie Summer. I'll give it a shot! Great to see Ralph Macchio and William Zabka to return to do this series of 30 years ago. Wish I knew more of learning to protect myself from being Bullied when i was growing up and now how Bullying stands.
Im SO thrilled that they've made this series!! I never thought it would ever happen. And the comedy aspect is just GREAT!! Well done to all of you for your great work!
Cobra Kai!! Its genius, i love this show, i hope it goes on forever! Season 1 was awesome, and season 2 is even more awesome!! 🥋
It's really cool and nice to see these two genuinely liking each other and having fun hangin' together in real life. They're both funny, too.
I can’t believe this show is so good! well done! love every second every minute of it
This is excellent. Thanks RT for posting. I know Ralph says they're friends but judging by their body language I'd gather these two actors internalized some of their opposition to each other (which was proly reignited at least a little by this show, which they imply in this intv). They do a great job and glad to see their work.
I'm still ecstatic that they have returned. I'm still in 1984-85, watching KK pt. I on the airplane going to Hawaii. RIP Sensei Morita
I'm mid 40s and Karate Kid was from my childhood but was never that big a fan. But this series is absolutely insanely good. I've laughed my head off and loved every minute. It's just a work of genius, and the original Danny and Johnny actors absolutely nail their performance. It's the best thing I've seen in ages, and I am trying to ration myself, as season 1 went on 3 school nights in a row. Love it, love it, love it!!!
God I have watched cobra kai twice over and it doesn't get old. Now im just waiting for season 3
One of those shows I kinda avoided, cuz I was afraid it wasn’t gonna be good....binge watching two seasons in one night, laughing the entire time happily proved me wrong
me too
Yess
Love this show! Keep making more as long as you have good scripts!
Cannot describe how much this series means to me and now my kids 😓
as a kid, i never thought this movie needed closure. i saw johnny as the villain, the exact dynamics of most villain/hero/underdog movies. after watching season 1, i rewatched The Karate Kid but now as an adult and specifically through the eyes of Johnny and realized that johnny didnt instigate anything. in fact, if slightly rewritten and refilmed through his eyes (much like Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil), Johnny could have easily been the main focus and we all would have loved him.
Watched season 1 +2 in two days. Absolutely loved it. The long fight scene was really well done. Good show
Karate Kid taps into that sense of the underdog and need for acceptance and belonging in all of us, no matter who we are or whatever our walk of life is. Props to the creators of this show for knowing how to make a 37(!) year old franchise feel both nostalgic and fresh, and for all the actors for their being willing to jump back into that pool and just for being who they are. I'm glad that Ralph Macchio and William Zabka seem to be such modest, decent individuals as well as friends outside the movies and the show. It just adds to the various emotional heartstrings this show tugs on.
There certainly are some funny moments in the series, however I wouldn't call it a comedy.
I absolutely agree...cobra kia is definitely a drama.
@@canisfamiliaris401 who cares what the definition is . I wouldn't list this under comedy. It's more of a drama, with action and a love story.
Dramady
I've found that the best comedy comes from dramas that have no desperate reason to be funny.
It was pitched originally as a comedy to Macchio. Then it was changed. At that stage they didn't even have him signed on to do it, so it was very early in development. Lots of productions are dramatically altered from conception to production.
Blown away by first episode of season 1
It's so weird seeing these two sit together and actually enjoy each other's company.
Great show. I'm hooked. Ralph and William have great chemistry on and off screen.
Currently watching season 2 of cobra Kai and I’m enjoying it so much! All the references to Karate Kid are true gems. Thank you!! 🙏 🥋
I love this show..i was born in 1979 and did karate through the 80s ..every episode brings back such great memories..i just wish things were produced faster..im hooked
Season 4 cant come soon enough! loved all three seasons.
Johnny is such a babe, even at 50. Lol
But come on... look at ralf.. he's 58! How is he 58?!
@@rumblefish9 he’s 59 going on 60
Kudos to everyone involved, The result is really good and I'm enjoying every minute of it.
I love Cobra Kai. Danielson is amazing and but Johnny's character is taking it to the higher level. Dark! Excellent platform for these 2 guys to display their skills.
You guys even kept the old car. God bless, this is everything I wanted to see. Honestly I thought it's how you'd both be as characters "grown up" and that just makes it even better.
I know it's not the "same" old car but I love how they brought it and many other things back! SO good.
I read where Ralph actually owns the original car that he was gifted in the first Karate Kid movie.
I was SUPER skeptical about this show, especially in this age of reboots that don't measure up. This is nothing like those. They really went deep and made this a great story. It just shows what can be done with classic stories when it's done the right way. I grew up with the Karate Kid movies and I couldn't be happier with what they are doing with the timeline. Oh and BTW, they better figure out a way to get Hilary Swank on board or else im gonna be very disappointed lol
It is so cool what they have done bringing this series to live. Really well done to all those involved. Brilliant.
Adults in thier 40s will go crazy with nostalgia.... took me awhile to pull the trigger on this show .... great spin on the storyline
All this because 10 yrs back we didn't have the luxury to deep dive into a character and give different shades to a personality in movies, they could create multiple sequels still the" hero" always remained the hero. Now its possible to create a series and present a whole universe for a character and the evolution. I am so glad to be able to see and witness something so beautiful in my lifetime. And all the present generation who love creativity of such purest kind.
Such a good show seems like it’s so much fun to be a part of