Cobra Kai star William Zabka explained how his experience with the show managed to alter his outlook on being a Karate Kid alum, citing changed fan reactions as an example.
Zabka appeared on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast, discussing his career and his role as Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai. The actor remarked how his interactions with fans have changed since the show aired, with earlier exchanges often being less positive. "It's a trip. I love it now because up until [Cobra Kai] I was the table that the dads would walk up and go, 'I just want my kid to meet you. This guy was the biggest asshole. Nice to meet you.' And they would walk away," he said.
Since the show aired, the character of Johnny has undergone a complete shift, which influences how the audience views him. Framed somewhat more sympathetically with a more redemptive story arc, Zabka now has different kinds of interactions with fans. "Now, I got people coming up and going, 'Hey, I love you on the show. Johnny is cool now.'"
Zabka referenced previous attendances at conventions alongside co-star Ralph Macchio, claiming they typically went better for the Daniel LaRusso actor. However, while the show paints Johnny more favorably, it also explores the other side of Daniel, showing a more flawed character. Furthermore, while Zabka managed to escape his former characterization as a bully, other returning Karate Kid alumni, such as Martin Kove's John Kreese, came back as bad as ever. Season 4 is also set to feature even more iconic villains from the original movies, with Thomas Ian Griffith set to reprise his role as Terry Silver.
Cobra Kai stars William Zabka, Ralph Macchio, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, Jacob Bertrand, Gianni DeCenzo, Martin Kove, Vanessa Rubio and Peyton List. Seasons 1-3 are currently streaming on Netflix. Season 4 has yet to receive a premiere date.
Source: WTF With Marc Maron, via THR