Ralph Macchio on Getting In His Final Kicks in ‘Cobra Kai’

When Ralph Macchio was first approached about a Karate Kid series focusing on the adult lives of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, he wasn’t immediately sold on the idea.https://svtoday.org/

“I thought, ‘Wait, I’m a car salesman?’” Macchio recalled. Having played Daniel in the iconic 1984 film—where a teenage newcomer to Southern California learns karate and defeats his tormentor Johnny (William Zabka)—he wasn’t convinced.

“They didn’t win me over right away,” he admitted.

However, during a three-hour meeting at the Greenwich Hotel’s courtyard in Lower Manhattan, creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg laid out their vision for Cobra Kai. It wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about introducing a new generation to the world of karate.

“As they started discussing the younger characters—Miguel, Samantha, and the next wave of students—as well as the themes of parenting,” Macchio said, “I found myself leaning in.”

Six seasons later, Cobra Kai, set in the San Fernando Valley roughly 30 years after The Karate Kid, is preparing to release its final five episodes on Netflix this Thursday. The series reintroduces Johnny, who begins as a down-on-his-luck father, haunted by his past failures, but finds new purpose in reopening the Cobra Kai dojo and reigniting his rivalry with Daniel.

“The show wraps up in a way that delivers all those classic ’80s movie emotions—cheers, tears, and everything in between—but still through the lens of Cobra Kai,” Macchio shared in a recent video call from his home in Long Island. Dressed casually in a black T-shirt, zip-up hoodie, and oversized black headphones, he still looked ready to throw a few crane kicks in his backyard—despite insisting he’s no fighter.

“I’ve never been in a real fight,” he admitted. “I leave that for the movies. I’m not the confrontational type—I’d rather talk my way out of a situation.”

Although Cobra Kai is concluding, Macchio isn’t done with the Karate Kid universe just yet. He will reprise his role as the adult Daniel in the upcoming film Karate Kid: Legends, set for release on May 30. (Jackie Chan will also return as Mr. Han, a character from the 2010 Karate Kid reboot.) Taking place three years after Cobra Kai, the story follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a teenage kung fu prodigy who struggles to adjust after moving to New York City from Beijing with his mother. Under the mentorship of Daniel and Mr. Han, he enters a karate tournament, setting the stage for a new chapter in the franchise.

As Cobra Kai prepares for its final bow, Macchio reflects on the journey:

How are you feeling as the series comes to an end?

I feel great. It’s rare for a show based on a 34-year-old movie to not only create a new fandom but also introduce multiple generations to the franchise. It feels like we’re ending at the right time, without overstaying our welcome. I’m excited for fans to see how Johnny, Daniel, and the rest of the characters land.

What was your last day on set like?

For me, it wasn’t really a goodbye—more of a “See you next time.” Even as Cobra Kai expanded with massive brawls, shocking deaths, and an ever-growing cast, it was always rooted in the rivalry-turned-friendship between Daniel and Johnny. It’s funny how life imitates art—Billy [Zabka] and I were never rivals, but we were never as close as we are now.

You’ve turned down a lot of Karate Kid spinoffs over the years. What made this one different?

I wanted to make sure the legacy of Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi was woven into the story. Without his performance, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. That character was the heart of The Karate Kid, and I wanted to protect that.

Was there ever a moment where you pushed back on what Daniel would or wouldn’t do?

There’s a scene in Episode 5 this season where Daniel punches Johnny in the face. I remember saying, “It has to be absolutely justified.” The writers argued that Johnny was off-balance and dealing with a lot, but I felt it needed to be clearer why Daniel would lash out. It was a debate because it was an important moment for Johnny’s growth—he gets hit but chooses not to hit back. In the end, we shot the scene, and it worked.

What was it like seeing Xolo Maridueña step into the Daniel-like role of Miguel?

I don’t love being the “old guy,” but I enjoy sharing stories from back in the day, and the younger cast genuinely loves hearing them. Their work ethic is inspiring. I remember watching Xolo tie on the headband for the first time—he was practically bouncing out of his shoes with excitement. It took me back to my own early days, painting fences and waxing cars before these guys were even born. That moment really hit me.

Do Karate Kid reunion projects feel like a comfort zone, or do they still challenge you?

Both. There’s a comfort in knowing the character so well, but the challenge is keeping it fresh. There were moments in Cobra Kai where we had to work hard not to repeat ourselves—same town, same sport, same arguments. Finding new angles was always a challenge.

How do you compare yourself to Daniel?

I’m more analytical—I like to prepare for as many curveballs as possible. I’m not a control freak, but I prefer to process things before jumping in. Daniel, on the other hand, leaps first and deals with the consequences later—it makes for more entertaining storytelling. But at our core, we’re similar: family is everything, and he’s a good-hearted guy who cares deeply about those around him. That’s who I’d like to think I am, too.

People say you’re one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. Do you agree?

I joke that if E! True Hollywood Story did a special on me, it would be over in a minute. But that’s not entirely true—everyone has struggles. My biggest flaw? When I feel out of control or uncertain about something, my decision-making isn’t always the best.

Would you consider more Karate Kid projects after Karate Kid: Legends?

Listen, I thought I was done after the last Karate Kid movie in the ’80s. So, I’ll say: never say never. If Karate Kid: Legends is a success, I’d love to see a Cobra Kai movie in a few years. As long as we can stay true to the characters and continue telling meaningful stories, I’m open to the conversation.

And if you had to choose how Daniel LaRusso’s story ends?

Going off a cliff in a spectacular spinning tornado kick.